Top 5 Social Benefits for Immigrants in Canada
◆Medical care
Canada has universal public health care, and immigrants, like citizens, can see a doctor free of charge, as well as enjoy free meals, lodging, and medicines and treatments during hospitalization (with the exception of ophthalmology and dentistry). The medical specialties of Canadian universities are among the best in the world, and many specialists in difficult diseases are gathered here. Not only is there publicly-funded medical care, but there are also world-class medical staff and medical equipment, all of which are guaranteed to help you live a healthy life.
◆Social security
If you don't have an income in Canada, the government will pay you social welfare. If you are unemployed, you can also receive higher unemployment benefits. The amount of these benefits is different from China's low income insurance, but although they are of the same nature, people who receive social welfare and unemployment benefits in Canada can also enjoy a higher standard of living. Many people who receive social welfare in Canada have extra money to travel in addition to their daily lives.
◆ Pensions
Canadian citizens or immigrants who are 65 years old and have lived in Canada for 10 years or more are eligible for a pension, regardless of the amount of income from their assets. In addition to the fixed pension of about 800 Canadian dollars per month, for low-income people, the government also pays an additional 90% of housing rent for seniors on housing, and seniors can enjoy 20% to 90% discounts on shopping at malls.
◆Children's Benefits
Canada encourages childbearing, and the government subsidizes child benefits for minors under the age of 18 (commonly known as milk money). The amount of the benefit varies, and is generally around $200-400 per month.
◆Unemployment Benefits
If you work for a period of time and then become unemployed, you can receive unemployment benefits and participate in a variety of skills training organized by the government free of charge. Unemployment benefits are about 60% of your salary at the time of employment, and the taxes you pay are much lower when you are unemployed, so all things considered, your actual income is not much different from what you would have earned if you had been employed. In addition, you can take a year's paid maternity leave after giving birth to a child, and your salary is paid at the same rate as above.
In addition, if you are a female immigrant to Canada, you can take maternity leave once you become pregnant. Canadian law provides that anyone who has worked for the same employer for 20 weeks is entitled to 18 weeks of pregnancy leave (both before and after the birth of the child), and mothers and fathers are entitled to 52 weeks of unpaid parental leave from the birth of their child, or from the time of the adoption of a pre-school child.
Extended reading: The difference between Canadian immigrants who choose to keep their Maple Leaf cards and those who choose to become naturalized
1. If you like to dabble in politics, apply for citizenship
The social welfare and health care coverage are already basically fully available to you when you have a PR card. However, PR card holders do not have the right to vote or be elected.
If you are keen to get involved in Canadian politics, want to vote for a party you trust, or even want to try your hand at politics yourself, then applying for citizenship is a must.
2. If you like to travel when you say you will, then apply for naturalization
This is the reason why many people apply for naturalization - the Canadian passport. As we all know, Canadian passports are visa-free in Western countries, such as the travel mecca of Europe.
With a Canadian passport, it's really a case of "go, go, go", rather than trying to get a visa first. This is the reason why many travelers are tempted to naturalize.
3. If you're going back to your home country frequently, keep your PR card first
When you become a naturalized Canadian, you have nothing to do with being a Chinese citizen. Whether you go back to China for business or to visit family, you have to go to the embassy to get a Chinese visa and pay a fee each time.
Even a small number of people have been refused visas for the ludicrous reason that you have a tendency to immigrate. So if you have family or business in the country and need to return frequently, it's better not to apply for naturalization just yet. Although applying for a Chinese tourist visa is not complicated, but the restrictions will still make you feel: I am obviously Chinese, why is it so frustrating to go back to China?
4. If you love to go to the US, there is little difference between naturalization and PR
Canada's core cities are on the US-Canada border, so naturally, a number of people will travel to the US frequently. If you think about it from this point of view, there is not much difference. If you naturalize in Canada, you're naturally visa-free; but even if you're on a PR card, you can get a 10-year tourist visa.
The process is very simple and is usually done in a few days. So there is not much difference between PR and naturalization when you think about it from the perspective of going to the US.
5. Advantages of Canada PR card over temporary visas
Temporary visas, which refer to study visas, tourist visas, work visas and other visas for short-term stays in Canada. Compared to these visas, the main advantages of the Canadian PR card are:
1. Although you still need to apply for a visa to travel or study abroad, the procedures will be much simplified.
2. Longer duration, even if the visa is not renewed, the PR card allows you to have it for at least 5 years.
3. Freedom to travel between China and Canada, and enjoy the convenience of self-service customs clearance.
4. Enjoy the full range of Canadian benefits without being treated differently.
6. Advantages of Canadian citizenship over PR card
As mentioned earlier, the advantages of citizenship over PR card are mainly:
1. Visa-free travel to nearly 130 countries, and a smooth journey around the world.
2. You can work in national political and legal organizations.
3. Have the right to vote and be elected.
Overall, in terms of upgrading, from temporary visa to PR card is a big upgrading, while PR card to citizenship, there is not a big gap for the average person. Therefore, when choosing between naturalization and getting PR, think about where you plan to develop in the future, consider your personal needs and your family's situation, and make a rational choice.