Is Canadian Citizenship Worth it

If you have a permanent residency in Canada, then applying for Canadian Citizenship is worth it. Yes, it is a lengthy process but it brings numerous benefits. Canada is the hub of immigrants and people from different parts of the world are migrating here with a dream to call this place their home. Canada offers infinite opportunities in the job sector, medical sector, business sector, and education sector and gives a better living standard to its people. The country has also shown stability throughout the decade even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Canadian Citizens have numerous benefits and we will discuss each in detail here.

Strong Passport

Yes, Canada has a strong passport. The Canadian passport is considered one of the most powerful passports in the world in terms of travel freedom. Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a large number of countries and territories around the world. This has made it easy for Canadian people to travel for tourism, business or other purposes without the need for a visa. Alot of people migrate to Middle east countries after getting Canadian nationality. The pay bracket for Canadian passport holders (for various jobs) in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Qatar is much higher.

Canadian nationals are also able to maintain their status, unlike PR holders. It means that they can travel or leave the country whenever they want.

Dual Citizenship

Canada allows dual citizenship. It means that you can maintain the citizenship of your previous country. Children who were born in Canada to parents who were immigrants are also able to hold dual citizenship.

Right to Vote

Another right that is only granted to Canadian Citizens (Canadian citizens aged 18 and older) is the right to vote in the following elections

Voter Registration

If you are a Canadian national, you need to register yourself on the voter’s list via the local election authority.

Federal Elections

Federal elections include the House of Commons including the Prime minister.

Provincial and Territorial Elections

Voting for provincial and territorial elections allows Canadians to select their own representatives to their respective legislatures. Keep in mind that each province and territory has its own rules regarding election.

Municipal Elections

Voting in Municipal elections allows Canadians to vote for their mayor, city councillors, and other local officials in their municipality.

School Board Elections

Only some regions of Canada hold school board elections where Canadians are required to select members of the local school board.

Advance Voting and Absentee Voting

Canadians who are unable to vote on election day can often take advantage of advanced voting opportunities or request an absentee ballot.

Travelling Anywhere

As a Canadian, you are allowed to travel anywhere in the world without losing any of your status. You are also free to live anywhere overseas. Keep in mind that Canadians who live abroad for more than five years lose the right to vote in the election within Canada.

Canadian by Descendent

If you hold Canadian citizenship, all of your children born overseas will be Canadian nationals. Your kids don’t have to go through the long process of application and documentation and taking the Canadian Citizenship Test. They will automatically get citizenship.

Educational Benefits

Canadian Citizens are given more access to scholarships, grants, and educational programs. This can help them to pursue higher studies.

Social Benefits

Due to the strong Canadian economy, Canadian Citizens are eligible for social benefits like unemployment benefits, student loans, and financial assistance. Citizenship ensures that you have a safety net when you need it.

Conclusion

Yes, Canadian Citizenship is worth it. The benefits you get just being a Canadian national are limitless. Your quality of life is more important and Canada promises to offer you that. As a Canadian, you get the right to vote, have access to employment in the government sector (e.g. armed forces), and get social benefits and quality education. These are a few of the many reasons that people from developing countries travel to Canada to have a better future for themselves and their families.