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The term “landed immigrant” was used prior to 2002 to describe a legal resident of Canada who could work and live in the country on a permanent basis but who did not have Canadian citizenship. The term landed immigrant is no longer used; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) created permanent resident status to describe what was previously called a “landed immigrant.”
What Is Canadian Landed Immigrant Status?
Permanent resident status (PR), formerly called Canadian landed immigrant status, allows you to live in Canada, travel to and from the country, hold jobs, study, move and get health care, among other privileges. To apply for permanent resident status, you must first establish you are eligible.
Canada immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah emphasizes that Canadian residents are not entitled to the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens:
Canada Permanent Residents who do not become citizens are not entitled to the same rights and privileges as citizens. Opportunities for PRs are different from those of citizens, and penalties for committing a crime are different for permanent residents and temporary residents than citizens - including permanent deportation from Canada.
Canadian Permanent Resident Status
A permanent resident of Canada has many of the same rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen, including the right to live, work and study in any province or territory of Canada. But PRs are not entitled to the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens:
- Permanent residents do not have the right to vote in elections in Canada.
- PRs cannot run for elected office in any level of government or hold jobs that require Canadian citizenship.
- Penalties for committing a crime in Canada for citizens are different from permanent residents and temporary residents - including permanent deportation from Canada.
- Permanent residents cannot get a Canadian passport.
Do You Want to Become a Canadian Citizen?
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE CANADA CITIZENSHIP TEST
Canadian Citizenship
There are no legal differences between naturalized citizens and citizens born in Canada. Once you are a naturalized Canadian citizen you can:
- Apply for a Canadian passport.
- Participate in Canadian politics including voting and running for office.
If you meet the eligibility criteria to become a Canadian citizen, you must take a citizenship test. Learn more about how to become a Canadian citizen here.
