Obtaining Canadian Citizenship is not very difficult as most people think. This is because Canada is a country filled with lots of opportunities for foreigners to easily settle down and easily become permanent residents.
There are many pathways ways you can move into Canada, whether you study, work, or visit. In some cases, lots of foreigners decide to become permanent residents and possibly Canadian citizens down the road.
Advantages of Becoming a Citizen of Canada
There are many reasons why permanent residents in Canada may want to become Canadian citizens. But below are a few benefits and they include:
- Become eligible for more jobs
- Travel to other countries with a Canadian passport
- To vote and/or run for political office
- Never have to worry about losing your Canadian status
- Don’t ever have to worry about renewing your immigration documentation
Requirements For a Canadian Citizenship
To become a citizen of Canada, applicants must:
- Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days)
- Be a permanent resident in Canada
- have filed your taxes, if you need to
- Pass the citizenship test
- Prove your language skills in French or English
Below are some of the following issues that could affect your eligibility:
- You have received an order to leave Canada
- You have outstanding terms and conditions on your permanent resident status
- Currently facing charges, or have a criminal record inside or outside Canada for offenses
- You have been refused Canadian citizenship because of misrepresentation
- Your Canadian citizenship has been revoked
It doesn’t matter your age, if you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, you must have a PR Card in Canada.
This means you must not:
- Be asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada (removal order)
- Be under review for immigration or fraud reasons.
- Have uncompleted conditions related to your PR status, for example, medical screening.
How to Apply for A Citizenship in Canada
– Get The Canadian Citizenship Application Package
The Canadian application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you’re required to fill out. Use the instruction guide and also the document checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything. Also, ensure you use a version of the application form dated October 2017 or later.
– Pay the application fees
Your application fees depend on whether you’re a minor or an adult (age 18 and over). Your application fees may include:
- The right of citizenship fee
- The processing fee
You can possibly pay all the fees together if you’re submitting more than one (1) application at the same time.
– Submit Your Application
Applicants should ensure they’re eligible for Canadian citizenship the day before they sign the application form.
Canadian Citizenship Test
As soon as your application is approved, you could be required to take a citizenship test. The Canadian citizenship test is programmed to allow applicants to prove how much they know about Canada. There are twenty (20) questions which cover:
- History
- Responsibilities and Rights of Canadians
- Economy
- Geography
- Government
- Laws
- Symbols
The test is administered in either English or French and lasts for about 30 minutes. The test includes both true/false as well as multiple-choice questions. The test could be administered orally in rare cases. You can use the Canadian government’s free resources to study for this exam.
You will receive an invitation to take the citizenship test as soon as you receive the confirmation that your completed and submitted application is now being processed.
You will be notified about the date and time for the exam. If you miss the exam, then you’ll need to explain to the government in writing why you should be given a new date for the exam.
If you don’t have a good reason, then your application could be terminated. If your reason is good enough, then you’ll be given a new time and date.
After the test, you’ll have to meet with an official for an interview. Luckily, the IRCC is now allowing individuals to take the Canadian citizenship tests online.
| Age/ Situation |
Needs to Take Test
|
| Adult 18-54 | Yes |
| Adult 55+ | Yes |
| Minor Under 18 with a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No |
| Minor 14- 17 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No |
| Minor under 14 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No |
Who Needs To Go For An Interview?
The interview usually takes place after the applicant have taken the test. Your test results will be given to you during the interview. If you pass the test, then a date will be fixed for your citizenship ceremony.
The interview will cover: the verification of your application/ documentation, your language skills, and ensure that you satisfy all the requirements for citizenship.
Notwithstanding, if you don’t pass the test but meet other requirements for the citizenship, then you will be scheduled to retake the test. But if you don’t pass the test for the second time, you’ll have to meet with a citizenship official for another interview. If you don’t pass the test after the third (3rd) time, your application will be rejected.
| Age/ Situation |
Needs to Attend the Interview
|
| Adult 18-54 | Yes |
| Adult 55+ | Yes |
| Minor Under 18 with a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time |
No (except in some cases)
|
| Minor 14- 17 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | Yes |
| Minor under 14 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time |
No (except in some cases)
|
Oath of Citizenship
The oath of citizenship is the last stage of Canadian citizenship process. You will receive your ceremony date about two (2) weeks before the ceremony.
Applicants who can’t attend will have to provide a good reason why they can’t attend and a new date will be scheduled.
The ceremony takes place across Canada and it’s done throughout the year. Special oath ceremonies are held during Citizenship Week and on Canada Day.
– Those To Swear The Oath?
Adults and children 14 or above needs to attend the citizenship ceremony and also take the oath. Kids under 14 can attend the ceremony but are not allowed to swear the oath.
– Things To Come Along With?
- Ceremony Notice
- All travel documents and passports.
- A signed copy of the Permission Release and Consent form (this is included with your notice).
- Confirmation of permanent residence or permanent resident card.
- Record of landing (if you arrived before June 28, 2002)
- Two (2) Pieces of Personal Identification
– What Happens At the Canadian Oath Ceremony?
At the ceremony you will be:
- Taking the Oath of Citizenship
- Receiving your Citizenship Certificate
- Signing the Oath
- Singing the National Anthem
An official or a judge will preside over the ceremony which is usually filled with lots of other applicants. The oath will be read in both English and French.
You must recite the oath in one of the two (2) languages. You can choose to swear the oath (done with reference to religious beliefs) or affirm the oath (done without reference to religious beliefs).
Even though both the national anthem and the oath will be provided at the ceremony, you can decide to practice them before the ceremony.
– Applying for a Passport:
As soon as you become a citizen, you are eligible to apply for a Canadian passport. This will be used as your official travel document and can be applied anytime two (2) business days after the ceremony.
Canadian Citizenship for Adults
If you are an adult, your citizenship application package and requirements will be different based on your age. For those 18 years or older, the requirements include:
- You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last five (5) years before you apply
- Provide a filed income taxes for any three (3) taxation years that are partially or fully within the five years before you apply
Click Here to Start your application package as an adult, today!
Canadian Citizenship for Minors
Guardian/Parent Applying for Minor
The Canadian citizenship application under subsection 5(2) is intended for minors (individuals under the age of 18) who are Canadian permanent residents who are also applying at the same time as their parent or already have a Canadian parent. The application form is required to be completed by the minor’s guardian or parent.
Minor Without Canadian Parent
This application under subsection is meant for minors (under 18) who are permanent residents and:
- Don’t have a Canadian parent
- Don’t have a parent applying for Canadian citizenship at the same time as them
The custodian of the minor must be the person to apply or anybody empowered to act on the minor’s behalf by the virtue of a written agreement or court order or by operation of law.
The person authorized to apply on behalf of the minor does not necessarily need to be a Canadian citizen.
Minors who don’t have an authorized person to help them apply can request a waiver for this requirement on their application form.
Relevant To You!!!: What You Should Know Before Hiring Immigration Lawyers in Canada.
NOTE: You can find immigration lawyers that can help you out through out your Canadian citizenship application process.
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