Learn the main differences between citizenship rights vs. permanent residency, as well as their benefits. Learn about rights, responsibilities and advantages of citizenship for building a life in a new country.
For many, permanent residency or opting for citizenship forms an important decision in the course of their migration. For those at the nascent stage, it is best to know their options early on before making the final decision. It is equally crucial for those who have made their decision and are now wanting to follow that path to understand the implications of the status that they are applying for. In this article we will go through some of the advantages enjoying permanent residency, issues regarding citizenship and the differences which exist between the two. Let us get started!
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What is Permanent Residency?
A permanent resident or a permanent resident cardholder immigration status affords an individual the right to reside and work in a country for an indefinite period. It’s a legal status, and even though you are not yet a full citizen, you still enjoy a lot of rights and benefits.
For example, like any citizen, a permanent resident usually has a right to access health care and education and work. In a way, it allows one to stay in the country for an extended period with the option of citizenship open, but not changing one’s status permanently. Terrific, right? But there’s more to it. To find out about the advantages and rights of permanent residency vs. citizenship benefits, read this article.
What Rights Do Permanent Residents Have?
Permanent residents have a number of advantages which make their life in the USA more easier and secure. Some of the highlights include:
Being able to live and work without any restrictions
If you are a permanent resident you are allowed to dwell anywhere in the country and engage in almost any employment. A few occupations may be only available to citizens, but in most cases these jobs are available to you.
See also: Finland Permanent Residence Visa
Healthcare Facilities
Public managed health care systems can be acquired by the USA as a permanent resident. That implies you’re likely to have low-cost health care services. Also, read this article to learn about the advantages and rights of permanent residency vs. citizenship benefits.
Education
Your children (or you, if you want to study) are able to enroll in local schools and colleges, often on the same basis as the locals.
Welfare Services
Permanent residents in certain countries qualify for certain social welfare schemes such as unemployment and pension benefits.
Citizenship Opportunities
Having a permanent status is often the first phase of the process of becoming a citizen. If you have resided in the country for a prescribed time, you may be able to obtain citizenship of the country.
See also: Canada Permanent Residency for Australian
Limitations of Permanent Residency
Permanent residency provides a sense of belonging and security in a foreign country. But you must remember that it has its limitations. Here are the pros and cons of permanent residency:
No Voting Rights: Residency is a privilege that does not allow voting at national levels nor does it allow to stand for office.
Restricted Travel: You are at risk of losing your residency status in some countries if you stay out of that country for extended periods of time.
Not Fully Secure: There are countries that can revoke your residency status under certain conditions for example if you commit certain crimes.
Job Restrictions: As part of the requirements to be eligible for some high level security positions in the government, you may need to be a citizen.
In conclusion, permanent residency does allow you to be free and live in a different country but it does not offer as much security or political engagement as being a citizen does. Furthermore, for information on the advantages and rights of permanent residency vs. citizenship benefits, read this article.
See also: 10 Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada You Didn’t Know
What is Citizenship?
Being a citizen of a nation is the greatest expression of loyalty to that nation. Being an citizen of a country means you are promising allegiance to it and in exchange being granted full rights along with responsibilities. It is an advancement from being a resident – its not just about residing in a country but actually belonging to that country.
What Are the Advantages of Citizenship?
On the other hand, citizenship gives you so much more than what a permanent resident has. And, these are some of the advantages that the general public might not be aware of:
Right to Vote
Whether a politician is doing a good job or the people are not satisfied with the leadership if you are US citizen you have all the power to make a decision through your vote.
Strong Travel Privileges
Many countries will reward you for being a citizen by granting you an effective passport, making it almost easy to travel to any country of your choosing. Also, continue reading this article to learn the advantages and rights of permanent residency vs. citizenship benefits.
Full Security
As a citizen you can rest easy knowing that you won’t be stripped off your nationality without your permission. Your citizenship is guaranteed for life.
See also: Understanding Green Card Sponsorship for Employment
Qualifying for All Job
It is within the power of citizens to Work in public and sensitive positions.
Contesting for Election
Do you want to join politics? Citizenship enables one to run for government positions and influence the political landscape directly.
Responsibilities of Citizenship
It is worth observing that Citizenship’s advantages are not the only thing important as there are disadvantages as well since that is the rough side of the coin. Here is what’s usually asked of you:
Following the Laws: Citizens are expected to respect the rules of their country like other human beings.
Contributing: In all the countries it will be compulsory to pay taxes which includes tax on income earned offshore as well.
Civic Obligation: Some countries may require you to be a juror.
Fighting for the nation: Duties of the citizens include turning up in defense of the nation if the circumstances and the time so demand through armed forces or by any other method. Additionally, read this article to learn the advantages and rights of permanent residency vs. citizenship benefits.
Key Differences Between Permanent Residency and Citizenship
So, how do permanent residency and citizenship stack up against each other? Let’s examine some of the most significant distinctions:
Voting Rights
- Permanent Residency: No
- Citizenship: Yes
Job Opportunities
- Permanent Residency: Most jobs, except certain roles
- Citizenship: All jobs, including government roles
Travel Security
- Permanent Residency: Residency may lapse after long absences
- Citizenship: Permanent Status
Involvement
- Permanent Residency: Limited
- Citizenship: Full
Process of Obtaining
- Permanent Residency: Less complex
- Citizenship: More rigorous
Which Path Should You Choose?
It all depends on your goals and circumstances. To aid in your decision-making, consider these questions:
How Long Will You Be Staying? If you’ll be in the country for a short time or a few years, residency might be enough.
Do You Want To Vote? If voting and politics matter to you, citizenship is the way to go.
Do You Want Security? Citizenship is the ultimate security, your status can’t be taken away.
How Important is Travel Freedom? A citizen’s passport usually has better travel options than a permanent resident’s.
Choosing between permanent residency and citizenship is a personal decision that depends on your goals, priorities and long term plans. Permanent residency is a safe and comfortable way to live in a new country, citizenship is full integration and rights.
Conclusion
Whichever option you settle on, remember to give ample time to analyze the pros and cons, and do not hesitate in asking questions to community members or immigration professionals who have faced the normalization procedures. At the end of the day it is about creating the reality that best fits your needs in your new country.
See also: https://www.boundless.com/blog/permanent-resident-vs-citizen