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Citizenship

Guidance on the process of becoming a Canadian citizen, including eligibility requirements and application steps.

Sections

1. Overview of Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship is the final step in the immigration process for many individuals who wish to fully integrate into Canadian society. It grants individuals the right to vote, run for political office, obtain a Canadian passport, and enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen.

2. Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:

a. Permanent Resident (PR) Status

  • You must have valid permanent resident status in Canada.
  • Your PR status must not be under review for fraud or revocation.
  • You must not have unfulfilled conditions related to your PR status.

b. Physical Presence in Canada

  • You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years before applying.
  • Time spent as a temporary resident or protected person may count toward this requirement (up to a maximum of 365 days).

c. Income Tax Filing

  • You must have filed taxes in Canada for at least 3 years within the 5-year period, if required under the Income Tax Act.

d. Language Proficiency

  • Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French (Canada’s two official languages).
  • Proof of language ability can include:
    • Results from an approved language test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).
    • Completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French.
    • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or higher.

e. Knowledge of Canada

  • Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a citizenship test to demonstrate knowledge of:
    • Canadian history, geography, government, and laws.
    • Rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
  • The test is typically written but may be oral in some cases.

f. Criminal History

  • You cannot apply for citizenship if you:
    • Have committed certain crimes in or outside Canada.
    • Are serving a sentence, on parole, or on probation.
    • Are under a removal order from Canada.

3. Costs of Applying for Canadian Citizenship

The fees for Canadian citizenship applications are as follows (as of October 2023):

a. Adults (18 years and older)

  • Application fee: CAD 530
  • Right of Citizenship fee: CAD 100
  • Total: CAD 630

b. Minors (under 18 years)

  • Application fee: CAD 100
  • Right of Citizenship fee: Not applicable
  • Total: CAD 100

c. Additional Costs

  • Language tests (if required): CAD 200–300 (varies by provider).
  • Translation of documents (if applicable): Varies.
  • Passport application (after citizenship is granted): CAD 57–160, depending on the validity period (5 or 10 years).

4. Standard Procedures for Applying for Canadian Citizenship

The process to apply for Canadian citizenship involves several steps:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

  • Use the official Physical Presence Calculator on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to confirm you meet the residency requirement.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need:

  • A copy of your Permanent Resident Card or other proof of PR status.
  • Travel documents (e.g., passport) to prove your time in Canada.
  • Proof of language proficiency (if applicable).
  • Tax filing proof (e.g., Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency).
  • Identification documents (e.g., driver’s license, health card).

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

  • Use the appropriate application package available on the IRCC website.
  • Ensure all forms are completed accurately and signed.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

  • Pay the fees online through the IRCC payment portal.
  • Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

  • Submit your application online (if eligible) or by mail to the appropriate IRCC office.

Step 6: Attend the Citizenship Test and Interview

  • If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you will be invited to take the citizenship test.
  • After the test, you may be required to attend an interview with a citizenship official to verify your application details.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

  • IRCC will review your application and notify you of the decision. Processing times vary but typically take 12–24 months.

Step 8: Take the Oath of Citizenship

  • If approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will take the Oath of Citizenship.
  • You will receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship at the ceremony.

5. Country-Specific Considerations

a. Dual Citizenship

  • Canada allows dual or multiple citizenships. You do not need to renounce your original citizenship to become a Canadian citizen.
  • However, some countries (e.g., India, China) do not permit dual citizenship. Check with your home country’s government to understand the implications.

b. Military Service

  • Canadian citizens are not required to perform mandatory military service. However, you may voluntarily join the Canadian Armed Forces.

c. Voting and Political Participation

  • Canadian citizens have the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
  • Citizens can also run for political office.

d. Travel Benefits

  • Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport, which allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries.

e. Renouncing Citizenship

  • If you wish to renounce your Canadian citizenship, you must apply to IRCC and meet specific criteria (e.g., holding citizenship in another country).

6. Tips for a Successful Application

  • Double-check your application: Ensure all forms are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
  • Keep records of your time in Canada: Maintain a detailed travel history to prove your physical presence.
  • Prepare for the citizenship test: Study the official guide, “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.”
  • Respond promptly to IRCC requests: If additional documents or information are required, provide them as soon as possible.

7. Additional Resources

  • IRCC Website: www.canada.ca
  • Discover Canada Guide: Available for free on the IRCC website.
  • Physical Presence Calculator: Use this tool to calculate your residency days.
  • Language Test Providers: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF are commonly accepted.

If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!