Citizenship Guide
Rights, benefits and responsibilities of Canadian citizens
In short
In short: Everyone in Canada is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Citizens also gain rights that permanent residents don’t have: to vote and run in elections, to apply for a Canadian passport, and to enter and leave Canada freely. Citizenship also brings responsibilities. Some are legal duties, like obeying the law and serving on a jury when summoned; others, like voting, are civic responsibilities you’re encouraged to fulfil.
Last reviewed: . Written and checked against official sources by ChowChow Labs, an independent study website. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Rights everyone in Canada has
- Freedom of conscience and religion, thought, belief, opinion and expression (including a free press), peaceful assembly and association
- Equality before and under the law, without discrimination
- Equal rights for women and men
- Legal rights, such as protection from unlawful detention and the right to due process
- Services from the federal government in English or French
Rights only citizens have
- Vote in federal, provincial and territorial elections. See voting and elections.
- Run as a candidate in elections.
- Apply for a Canadian passport. See getting a passport.
- Enter and leave Canada freely, without a residency obligation like the one permanent residents have.
Citizens are also not subject to the PR residency obligation and can’t lose their status for living abroad. Some jobs that need a high-level security clearance are open only to citizens. See jobs and public service.
Legal duties
- Obey the law. Nobody is above the law, including government leaders and the police.
- Serve on a jury if you are summoned and eligible. Jury rules are set by each province and territory.
Civic responsibilities
- Vote in elections (encouraged, not legally required)
- Take responsibility for yourself and your family
- Help others in your community, for example by volunteering
- Protect Canada’s heritage and environment
Military service isn’t compulsory in Canada, but serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, the reserves or emergency services is a way to contribute.
Common questions
Is voting mandatory in Canada?
No. Voting is a right and a civic responsibility of citizens, but it isn’t legally required.
Can permanent residents vote?
No. Only Canadian citizens can vote or run in federal, provincial and territorial elections.
Practise for the citizenship test
Try free timed mock exams in English or French, or study by topic with questions and answers.
Official sources
Government pages are in English and French.
Related guides
- Voting and elections for new citizensWho can vote federally, how to register, ways to vote and what ID to bring.
- Work and public-service careersWhen citizenship matters for jobs, hiring preference and security screening.
- Getting a Canadian passport after citizenshipFrom your citizenship certificate to your first passport, for adults and children.
Canadian Citizenship Test Prep is an independent educational resource made by ChowChow Labs. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC, Elections Canada or the Passport Program. Official rules can change: always confirm details with the linked authority. For questions about your own case, contact IRCC or a licensed lawyer or immigration consultant.