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Are you looking to become a Canadian citizen? Discover the essential requirements for applying for Canadian citizenship, the detailed process, and the benefits that Canadian citizenship brings. Continue reading the article below to clarify all your questions with Second Citizenship and more!
To become a Canadian citizen, you need to meet some basic requirements such as being a permanent resident, being 18 years or older, having lived in Canada for about 3 years within the last 5 years, and having a clean criminal record.
Once you become a Canadian citizen, you will no longer need to renew your permanent residency (PR), you will have more job opportunities, and you will have the right to vote.
However, there are cases where you may not be eligible for Canadian citizenship, such as being incarcerated, being deported from Canada, or having your Canadian citizenship revoked..
The first requirement to apply for Canadian citizenship is that the applicant must be a permanent resident of Canada. Additionally, the applicant needs to avoid the following situations in order to be eligible:
To apply for Canadian citizenship, the applicant must be a permanent resident of the country
Being investigated for immigration status, reasons for immigration, or suspected of fraudulent behavior.
Having been deported by the Government of Canada.
Not meeting the requirements and conditions for permanent resident status.
Note that applicants can still use an expired PR card to apply for citizenship.
To become a Canadian citizen, the applicant must be 18 years or older. However, minors under the age of 18 can also apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet additional conditions, such as:
Being sponsored by a parent or relative living in Canada.
Being a legal permanent resident of Canada.
Having a parent who is a Canadian citizen or whose citizenship application is being processed (including adoptive parents).
An important condition for applying for Canadian citizenship is that you must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (approximately 3 years) within the 5 years before applying. This period includes:
Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person: In the last 5 years, each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident will count as half a day when determining the total number of days lived. You can accumulate up to 365 days of residence in Canada as a temporary resident.
Time spent living outside Canada if you or a family member worked in the military, federal public service, or provincial/territorial public services.
Note: Temporary residents are those allowed to enter or stay in Canada under the following statuses:
Tourists
Students
Workers
Individuals holding temporary resident permits
Applicants must ensure a minimum residency period in Canada
The next condition for applying for Canadian citizenship is related to language proficiency. Canada has two official languages: English and French. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 at the time of application must demonstrate their ability to listen and speak either English or French to a specific standard. Your language proficiency will be assessed based on factors such as:
Official language certificates.
Ability to communicate effectively with citizenship officers and others.
Understanding common instructions, frequently used phrases in daily life, and using basic grammar.
Results from a hearing with the citizenship officer, if applicable.
In general, to be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you need to meet a minimum language standard of CLB 4, ensuring basic communication skills in daily life.
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must have a clean criminal record. A criminal record is a document that confirms you have no criminal history, and it is an important basis for the Government of Canada to assess your legal eligibility to become a citizen of the country.
Proving a clean criminal record
The Government of Canada requires applicants for citizenship to have a basic understanding of the country’s history, culture, geography, and governmental institutions. Additionally, you must be familiar with the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens. This knowledge will be tested in the citizenship test, which you will need to take to demonstrate your understanding of the country.
The final requirement for Canadian citizenship is passing the citizenship test. Applicants aged 18 to 54 at the time of application are required to take this test. The test will include questions about the history, culture, laws, and government structure of Canada. This is an essential step to ensure you have the necessary knowledge to become a Canadian citizen.
Information about the Canadian Citizenship Test:
Language: The test is conducted in either English or French.
Duration: 30 minutes.
Number of questions: 20 questions, and you need to answer at least 15 questions correctly to pass.
Question format: The test includes multiple-choice and true/false questions.
Reference materials: The questions are based on the official Discover Canada citizenship guide.
Test format: It can be either a written test or an oral exam.
First, you need to prepare all necessary documents and submit your citizenship application to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can submit the application online if it’s an individual application, or print and mail the application form if submitting by other means.
Canadian Citizenship Process
Your application must include detailed information about yourself and your family. Before submitting your application, carefully check to ensure all required documents are included. After submission, you will need to wait for the processing period, which currently can take about 27 months. During this time, you should study Canada's history, laws, and way of life to prepare well for the citizenship test.
Once your application is processed, the IRCC will contact you to request your participation in the citizenship test or interview, depending on your age and specific situation. You will receive a notice and detailed instructions regarding the test.
For applicants aged 18 to 54, you will need to complete the citizenship test first, followed by the interview. The interview is to confirm that you meet the language requirements and to answer some personal questions related to your application. The test and interview are usually held on the same day.
If your application is approved, you will attend the Canadian citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you will take the citizenship oath, sign the necessary documents, and participate in singing the Canadian national anthem.
If you fall under any of the following categories, you will not be eligible for Canadian citizenship:
Serving a prison sentence, under probation, or in parole (applies to both Canadian citizens and foreigners).
Under investigation, charged, or being tried for offenses under Canadian law.
Facing a deportation order.
Have had your citizenship application denied within the past 5 years due to fraud or dishonesty.
Have had Canadian citizenship revoked within the past 10 years.
Have a criminal record or other offenses within 4 years prior to applying for Canadian citizenship.
Have a history of conflicts with Canadian armed forces.
Committing a crime and serving a sentence in Canada without being considered a legal resident.
The answer is YES. According to Canadian citizenship law, any individual born in Canada is recognized as a Canadian citizen, regardless of the parents' status in the country. However, if the parents are foreign diplomats, the child born in Canada will not be granted Canadian citizenship.
The time to receive Canadian citizenship typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on your individual situation and the processing time of your application.
The answer is YES. Canada allows its citizens to hold multiple citizenships, so you can retain your citizenship from another country while also becoming a Canadian citizen.
This guide provides detailed information about the Canadian citizenship process. If you need further advice or have any questions about this process, don't hesitate to contact Second Citizenship for dedicated assistance!
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