How to Get Citizenship in Canada? Know its requirements

With a significant immigrant diaspora, Canada is a welcoming nation. This is primarily due to the fact that the economy is dependent on immigrants. Thus, if you hold a Canada permanent resident visa or a Canada post-study work visa, then upgrading to a Canadian citizenship can be fairly simple.

Understanding the Basics of Canadian Citizenship

People can work and reside in Canada with the help of visas. They can either opt for a Temporary Residence Visa as a worker, a Canada permanent resident visa, or even a Canada post-study work visa. 

While they do enjoy the benefits of living in Canada, these people can be deported at any time due to a change in circumstances. Thus, even though many enjoy a permanent residency, they still apply for citizenship.

Difference between permanent residency and citizenship

With permanent residency, a person can live, work, and enjoy the social security offered by the country. However, a permanent residency does not offer people full membership of the Canadian community. This implies the right to vote and protection against deportation. To achieve this, people need to apply for citizenship. 

Who is eligible for Canadian citizenship?  

To be a Canadian citizen or apply for the same, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Being born in Canada.
• Permanent residents must have lived in Canada for a minimum of 1,095 days in the past 5 years.
• Proficient in English and French
• Between 18 and 45 years old.
• Must not have a criminal history.
• Know Canadian rights, responsibilities, history, polity, and geography.

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizenship

Children born in Canada are natural citizens by birth. However, there is no naturalization for people living in Canada with a visa. Thus, they have to apply for citizenship with Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship Department.

Eligible applicants need to meet the following criteria:

Permanent Resident Status

The applicant needs to hold permanent residence status and thus a Canada permanent resident visa. They may also enjoy permanent residence status owing to the Canada post-study work visa.

Further, the visa of the applicant should not be under review for any immigration or associated issues. To add, there should not be any removal order against you or any other unfulfilled terms in your PR.

Time Spent in Canada

To convert your status as a permanent resident to that of a citizen you need to have completed a 3 year duration of stay in the past 5 years. Sounds complex?

It means that you need to spend a minimum of 1095 days in Canada over the past 5 years. Our advice is to apply if you have a little more leeway with this 1095 period.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must be fluent in French and English. In essence, they should be able to do the following:

• Take up short day-to-day conversations.
• Understand simple questions, instructions, and directions.
• Use basic grammar.
• Know and use the common terms and phrases.

CELPIP-G, IELTS, and PTE Core are some tests for English the Canadian government accepts. For French, the tests are TEF, TCF, TEFAQ, etc. Further, the candidates appearing for these tests need to be 18 – 54 years old.

Income Tax Filing

To convert your Canada permanent resident visa or post-study work visa to citizenship, it is mandatory to file for income tax in at least 3 years among the 5 years of residence.

Applying for Canadian Citizenship

To apply for Canadian Citizenship, you need to be an adult, i.e., 18 years or older. For minors, having a Canadian permanent residence visa is essential. At least one parent must be a Canadian citizen.

The Application Process

The following documents are mandatory to apply for Canadian citizenship:

• A signed and completed application form for Canadian Citizenship.
• Your physical presence calculation printout.
• Copy of your passport and all travel documents for the past 5 years.
• Proof of language proficiency.
• Copy of two IDs.
• 2 photographs as per specifications.
• Fee payment receipt.
• Police clearance certificates (if any)
• Correction documents for any data (if any)
• Name change documents (if any)
• Gender identifier form (if any)
• Guardianship documents (if any)
• Waiver form (if any)

The application process for Canadian citizenship is outlined here. 

• Check your eligibility (as given above).
• Gather all documents as mentioned above.
• Complete your application form and pay the fees

Once the application is complete, you need to mail it to the official address of the Canadian Immigration Department. If you send more than one application, both will be returned to you.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once the Case Processing Centre confirms that your application is complete, meets the minimum requirements, and the fees are paid in full, the application is processed. Your application will face rejection if any of these are not met.

If your application is sent back, there will be a letter explaining the issues present and steps that you need to take. As the application processes, it is time to prep for your citizenship test and interview.

The Citizenship Test and Interview

The Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Department will send you a request for one of the following:

• A citizenship test.
• An interview.
• A hearing before a citizenship officer or judge.

Citizenship Test

To prepare for the Citizenship test, be sure to brush up your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, and the citizens’ rights and responsibilities. You also need to improve your proficiency in English and French, if necessary.

Interview or Hearing

This is usually scheduled in case there are any doubts regarding the application. Your letter will contain the list of documents that you need to bring.

Taking the Oath of Citizenship

If you meet all the requirements, the IRCC office will notify you of the place, date and time of your citizenship ceremony. Here, you will have to take the citizenship oath and will receive your citizenship certificate.

Special Considerations for Dual Citizenship

While Canada does allow dual citizenships, not all countries do so. Thus, you need to check with the embassy of your country to learn if you are eligible for dual citizenship. 

Check if your country allows dual citizenship; if not, you must decide if you want to give up the citizenship of your country for Canada. In such cases, usually your previous citizenship is automatically cancelled when you become a Canadian citizen. If yes, you can retain citizenship to both nations. 

Rights and Responsibilities of Canadian Citizens

As a newly-made Canadian citizen, you can now vote in both provincial and national elections. You are also eligible to receive the full spectrum of healthcare benefits provided by the government of Canada.

On the other hand, your responsibilities will include serving on a jury if called for, obeying the laws, paying taxes on time, and paying respects to your new nation.

What If Your Citizenship Application Is Denied?

In the event that your Canadian citizenship application is denied, the IRCC usually provides a letter containing the necessary clarification and steps to follow. You may either reapply or appeal to the Federal Court of Canada. This appeal needs to be made within a period of 30 days. 

Post-Citizenship Tips: Living in Canada

Converting your Canadian permanent resident visa or post-study work visa to citizenship is a good idea if you wish to settle in Canada. The IRCC outlines the citizenship procedure in a very streamlined manner.

Go through the above guide and get started on your Canadian visa application today.