Canadian Citizenship was first introduced in 1947 by the Canadian Citizenship Act. Since then, several significant amendments have been passed by the Canadian Government. Nowadays, the law says that both Canadian-born and naturalized citizens are equally entitled to the rights and duties of a Canadian citizen.
Under the Act, all persons born in Canada are Canadian citizens, with minor exceptions (e.g., children of diplomats). However, at the same time, children born outside Canada to a Canadian parent must submit an application to obtain a Canadian Citizenship Certificate to prove they are Canadian citizens.
Canadian Citizenship offers a wealth of benefits. As a Canadian citizen, you can carry a Canadian passport, vote in Canadian elections, or even run your own political campaign. You have the absolute right to live in Canada, and the freedom to leave and enter the country at will (with visa-free travel to over 170 countries). Moreover, Canada is one of the few countries that recognize dual Citizenship, so you can retain your previous passport.
Getting a Canadian PR is the first step towards obtaining Citizenship in Canada. Since 2010, Canada has welcomed an average of more than 260,000 permanent residents each year. Furthermore, Canada has the highest rate of naturalization in the world—85% of eligible permanent residents become citizens.
