Canada offers two paths to obtain citizenship: through naturalization and by birth in Canada.
For naturalization, if you’ve been a qualifying permanent resident of Canada for at least three years during the preceding five years, you may apply for Canadian citizenship.
- You should have spent at least 183 days in Canada during any of the three qualifying calendar years within the five years before your application.
- You must meet any applicable income tax filing requirements for three taxation years during that same period.
- You must also intend to reside in Canada or work outside Canada while accompanying certain family members employed in the Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or a province's public service.
To be eligible for citizenship through naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, if you are under 64, you need to have adequate knowledge of the Citizenship Language Requirement.
For minors under 18 years of age, the process is simplified. If they are a permanent resident and have a parent who is either a Canadian citizen or applying for citizenship simultaneously, they can apply for citizenship. Minors are not required to take the citizenship test; all that is needed is a completed application and the processing fee.
Citizenship Requirements
It’s important to be aware of certain conditions that may render you ineligible for Canadian Citizenship. You may not be eligible if you:
- Are under a removal order
- Have a criminal record or are currently facing charges in Canada
- Have been refused Canadian Citizenship due to misrepresentation
- Have had your Canadian Citizenship revoked
Processing Your Citizenship Application
Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be sent to the citizenship office. There, it undergoes a pre-screening process to ensure all required information is complete and that the 4-year residence rule has been fulfilled. Approximately 12 months after submission, applicants will be invited for an interview to demonstrate their knowledge of Canada in one of the country’s official languages.
Citizenship Language Requirement
Applicants between the ages of 14 and 64 must provide evidence of their language proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages at the time of application.
The minimum language abilities include:
- Participating in short, everyday conversations
- Understanding simple instructions
- Using basic grammar, simple structures, and tenses in oral communication
- Having vocabulary suitable for routine oral communication
Applicants must have speaking and listening abilities in English or French that meet the above language requirements. Written proficiency is not necessary. Evidence of language proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following:
- Results of an IRCC-approved language test
- Diplomas or transcripts showing secondary or post-secondary education in English or French
- Results from a government-funded language course indicating CLB 4 or NCLC 4 or higher
If you previously underwent language testing during your permanent residence application, you can use those results as evidence of proficiency, even if they have expired. The following language tests are currently approved by IRCC for citizenship application purposes:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian English Language-Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Test d'Évaluation Française (TEF)
- Test d'Évaluation du Français Adapté au Québec (TEFAQ)
Citizenship Refusal
In the event that your application for Canadian Citizenship is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Federal Court of Canada. The initial step in the appeal process involves filing a Notice of Application with the Federal Court within 30 days of receiving the decision from Citizenship. Timeliness is crucial in this matter.
At Northern Connections Canada Immigration, we’re here to provide you with the necessary guidance and support to navigate the complexities of Canadian Citizenship. Contact us today to begin your journey toward becoming a Canadian citizen!
At Northern Connections Canada Immigration, we are committed to guiding you through the Canadian citizenship process, ensuring your experience is smooth and hassle-free. Take the first step towards becoming a proud Canadian citizen today!
How We Can Help
Immigration Strategy Session
An immigration strategy consultation is designed to create a personalized immigration plan that aligns with your specific goals and aspirations. Our experienced RCICs will assist you throughout the process, addressing your questions and offering dedicated legal support.
Application Guidance
We are committed to offering tailored support for your immigration application process. Our experienced team will work closely with you to ensure that all required documents and forms are accurately prepared and submitted in your application.
Full Representation
We will provide end-to-end support throughout the application process and handle the entire application on your behalf. As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), we will represent your interest and communicate with government authorities on your behalf.
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