Who Meets the Criteria for Canadian Citizenship?
Certain conditions outlined by the Canadian authorities must be fulfilled in order for a candidate to be recognized as a Canadian citizen.
This is a summary of the essential requirements that can change at any time.
Critical Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
Permanent Resident Status
Anyone who wants to be a citizen of Canada must first be a permanent resident. This will allow them to live and work in Canada. Without this, a candidate cannot get Canadian citizenship or become a Canadian citizen.
To be eligible, an individual must have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days. In certain cases, time spent in Canada as a temporary resident may also count toward this requirement, with each day of temporary residence counting as half a day, for up to a maximum of 365 days.
Physical Presence Requirement for Canadian Citizenship
A person can become a Canadian citizen if they spend at least 1,095 days physically present in Canada within the last five years. Any period spent in Canada with temporary status (e.g., as a student or protected person) may be used to satisfy this requirement. Still, such a period will only count as half credit days, with the maximum limit being 365 days.
- Proof of residency: Travel receipts, passports, visas, tax returns.
Income Tax Filing
You must have filed income taxes for at least three years within the five years before your citizenship application, aligning with the years you were a permanent resident.
- Proof of Compliance: The CRA will verify your tax filing history as part of the application process.
Language Requirements
Candidates aged between 18 and 54 must show proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages, English or French. They must present relevant results from one of the language examinations approved by regulators such as CELPIP, IELTS, or TEF. At least CLB level four for speaking and listening, allowing effective communication in the Canadian community, is required.
- Exemptions: Those under 18 and over 54 do not need to show language proficiency.
Candidates must meet eligibility requirements including immigration status, physical residency status, tax return status, and language skills in English or French (Canada’s official languages).
Canadian Citizenship Test and Ceremony
In order to obtain Canadian citizenship, you might need to write a citizenship examination. Based on the guidebook Discovering Canada, this examination tests your understanding of Canadian history, values, its government system, and its symbols. The learner is provided with multiple choice or true or false questions covering:
- History: Key events and figures
- Geography: Facts about provinces and territories
- Government: Structure and roles, including Parliament and the Prime Minister
- Rights and Responsibilities: What is expected of Canadian citizens
- Symbols: The flag, anthem, and holidays like Canada Day
When and How You’ll Take the Test
Individuals are invited to take the test once their application is processed by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Processing times are now available online. After getting the invitation, candidates must complete the test in 21 days. In case of failure, IRCC will issue a second invitation so you can retake the exam.
Tips for Preparing for the Canadian Citizenship Test
The government offers the Discover Canada guide for free. You can prepare by:
- Studying the guide: Focus on key topics like history and government.
- Citizenship prep classes: Available through local schools or community organizations.
- Online resources: Mock tests and quizzes based on the guide.
Exemptions From Taking the Canadian Citizenship Test
Canadian law clearly states that not everyone has to take the citizenship test. The following groups are exempt from this requirement in accordance with Canadian legislation:
- People who are under 18 at the point they made an application;
- Individuals that turn 55 years and above by the date they sign their application forms.
If you belong to these categories, don’t worry about taking the citizenship test.
Citizenship Ceremony: The Final Step
After passing the citizenship test, or if they are exempt, a person can attend a citizenship ceremony where they are sworn in as Canadian citizens.
What to Expect:
- Notice to Appear: IRCC will send an invitation with ceremony details.
- Taking an Oath of Citizenship: If you recite the Oath, it will mean you are already a Canadian citizen.
- An official document shows you are a citizen: This will be given in order for you to have something that proves whether you belong in Canada or not.
The next step is enjoying complete rights just like any other Canadian; these include voting rights, among others, such as getting passports.
Criminal History
Whether committed in Canada or outside, applicants may be ineligible for Canadian citizenship due to serious criminal convictions. If you’re currently facing charges or serving a sentence, your application could be delayed or denied. If you’ve completed your sentence and sufficient time has passed, you may still have an opportunity to apply.
In some cases, individuals undergo a PRRA (pre-removal risk assessment) to determine if returning to their home country could pose a threat to their safety. PRRA results might have implications on their ability to apply for citizenship. Those who had in the past presented themselves as not fit for admission into Canada, had criminal issues, or did not pass through PPRA are required first to remedy this in order to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Intent to Reside
Citizenship candidates must provide a written declaration saying where they intend to live in Canada. There are some exceptions, such as the employees working abroad for the Canadian government, those in the military, or any crown servants such as ministers and ambassadors abroad. There is no legal binding stopping a candidate from moving outside Canada, but they must declare their intent to reside in the country.
Guide to Applying for Canadian Citizenship
How to Apply for Citizenship Online
To apply for Canadian citizenship online, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Adults (18+ years): Must be a permanent resident of Canada and meet all residency conditions.
- Minors (under 18 years): Must be permanent residents and have a parent who is either a Canadian citizen or is applying for citizenship at the same time. Minors without a Canadian parent may need additional documentation.
Applicants must create an online account and upload the required documents in the correct format.
Applying on Paper: Detailed Process
If online application isn’t feasible, you can apply by mail:
- Get the Application Kit: Download the package from the government website.
- Follow Instructions: Read the guide to understand which documents to submit.
- Choose the Correct Package: Select based on your situation (e.g., adults, minors, Canadian Armed Forces, adopted children).
- Payment: Pay online and attach the receipt.
Ensure all forms and supporting documents are completed before mailing the package.
Urgent Processing: How to Apply for Fast Citizenship
For urgent situations (e.g., job or family emergency), you can request expedited processing:
- Complete the Forms: Use the urgent application kit.
- Provide Explanation: Include documents to support your request (e.g., medical records, employer letters).
- Label the Envelope: Clearly mark it with “Request Urgent Processing – Grant of Citizenship.”
Note: While expedited processing is possible, it’s not guaranteed. Applying early with complete documentation is essential.
Application and Fees
To get citizenship in Canada, candidates must fill out a prescribed form known as CIT 0002. The total cost for the applicant is $630, including a processing charge and a right of citizenship charge. Children below the age of 18 must pay $100. Failure to pay may result in delays in the processing of your application. Payment has to be made online and a payment receipt attached to the application form.
Process
After the application form is filled, signed and the fees paid, it must be sent to the Sydney citizenship office in Nova Scotia. Here, the application will be considered to determine whether the candidate meets the requirements. This initial screening also shows that you are qualified in terms of the residency requirement of three years from the date of the application
If your application is reviewed and deemed satisfactory, plus you meet the residency requirement, you can proceed to the next step of the process.
The Citizenship Interview
As part of the process to obtain Canadian citizenship, applicants are required to attend a citizenship interview. This interview assesses your knowledge of Canada’s history, traditions, and political system, as well as your ability to communicate in either English or French. Additionally, during the interview, you may be asked questions related to the information you provided in your application to verify its accuracy.
The interview occurs after your application has undergone initial screening, and it is a critical step in securing Canadian citizenship.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
While permanent residents of Canada enjoy many privileges similar to those of citizens, such as access to public healthcare, education, and the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country, Canadian citizenship offers distinct advantages. There are five key benefits that are exclusive to Canadian citizens:
The Right to Vote
Canadian citizens have the fundamental democratic right to vote in federal, provincial, and territorial elections. This allows you to participate in choosing leaders, from local city councilors to the Prime Minister. Being a citizen also gives you a voice in shaping the policies and decisions that impact your community and the country as a whole.
Eligibility to Run for Public Office
Only Canadian citizens can run for public office. Whether your ambition is to become a city councilor, a member of parliament, or even the Prime Minister, citizenship is required to contest any elected position. Canadian citizenship provides the opportunity to actively engage in the political process and influence how your community and country are governed.
Access to a Canadian Passport
Canadian citizens can apply for one of the most respected travel documents in the world—a Canadian passport. Unlike the permanent resident card, which must be renewed every five years, a Canadian passport offers renewal options of five or ten years. A Canadian passport facilitates visa-free or simplified entry into many countries and makes returning to Canada more straightforward than with a permanent resident card.
Automatic Citizenship for Your Children
As a Canadian citizen, you can pass on your citizenship to your children, even if they are born outside Canada. First-generation Canadians can automatically confer citizenship to their children by birth, regardless of where they are born. In contrast, children born to permanent residents can only gain citizenship if they are born in Canada; if born abroad, they must go through a sponsorship process to obtain citizenship.
Freedom to Live Abroad Without Losing Citizenship
Canadian citizens have the freedom to live in other countries for extended periods without risking their citizenship status. Unlike permanent residents, who must meet residency requirements to maintain their status, Canadian citizens can reside outside the country for many years and still retain their citizenship. However, after five years of living abroad, you may lose your right to vote in federal elections, although this right is restored upon your return to Canada.
Conclusion
While permanent residents enjoy many benefits in Canada, Canadian citizenship offers significant advantages, including the right to vote, eligibility for public office, access to a Canadian passport, the ability to pass on citizenship to your children, and the freedom to live abroad without losing your Canadian status. These key benefits make Canadian citizenship highly valuable.
FAQ
What duties and rights are entitled to Canadian citizens?
The reason why one can be called a Canadian citizen is that one enjoys everything written in the law of that country. Some of them include but are limited to the right to vote at elections or contest for political leadership, as well as the issuance of a country’s passport if one is considered a citizen.
Which procedure does apply to becoming a Canadian citizen?
In sum, to be a complete Canadian, you should be a Canada permanent resident, have lived in this territory for at least ninety-five days during the last five years, pay taxes as required, demonstrate knowledge of one of two official languages, no offense record should be recorded against you.
In what ways is a permanent resident different from a Canadian citizen?
Despite having full rights to work and live in Canada, permanent residents do not have some essential rights enjoyed by citizens; for example, they cannot vote or become candidates in the elections. Moreover, permanent residents have to meet specific residence requirements so as to maintain their status.
Will I be stripped of my permanent residence status if I make a residence outside Canada?
Yes, one’s status can be lost unless one proves that they have been physically present in Canada for not less than 730 days within the last five years. Failure to meet the above requirement could result in an expatriate voiding the right to stay in a country forever.
Can I lose Canadian citizenship once I have it?
It’s not that easy when you become a Canadian citizen. However, there are circumstances under which Canadian citizenship may be taken away, and this is when one has acquired citizenship by fraud or by giving false information. It is also relatively rare to be deprived of citizenship once they have been granted, in other words, obtaining citizenship.
