Eligibility Criteria
In order to become Canadian citizenship, you must satisfy the following criteria:
- Your proficiency in at least one official Canadian citizenship language, as shown by your ability to speak and write the language (either English or French)
- Being a legal resident of the United States is essential (PR)
- Have been a permanent resident of Canada for at least 1,095 days in the previous five years prior to application.
At least three years’ worth of tax returns must have been submitted and paid during the preceding five years. The IRCC will consider the application inadequate if you do not demonstrate enough proficiency in both English and French. The language qualifications for citizenship may be found on the IRCC website.
If you are currently serving in the military or have served in the past, you may be eligible for an expedited application process. Using the Residence Calculator, you may find out whether you’ve been a permanent resident of Canada for the required amount of time before you can apply for citizenship. If you haven’t been in Canada long enough, the system will let you know when you may apply for a visa.
Only Canadian citizens or those in the process of becoming citizens of Canada are eligible to apply. Maintaining a home for minors does not fall within their responsibilities. As a child, if one of the parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of the birth, you may very well be a citizen of Canada, based on when you were born. There may be an application for proof of citizenship that you will require to submit if this is the case. You cannot become a Canadian citizen if you have recently been and are now incarcerated, on parole or probation, or serving a conditional sentence, and if you’ve been charged with or found guilty of an indictable crime. If you are facing deportation, you will also be unable to apply.
How do I apply for citizenship?
Obtaining Canadian citizenship gives you the right to vote, the freedom to work in any field, the opportunity to travel easier freely outside of Canada, as well as the ability to run for public office in your home country. The Canadian Citizen Application Package should be completed by downloading and filling it out completely. Photocopies of all of the passports from the preceding 6 years, including the photograph & name pages, should be made of all of your documents. One piece of proof that indicates your capacity to listen and understand while also speaking English or French is required. Photocopies are strictly prohibited. Documents such as the ones listed below serve to illustrate this:
- A high school diploma or transcript from a post-secondary institution that offers courses in either English or French is accepted.
- CELPIP – The results of a general LS test were obtained.
- The outcome of the IELTS examination.
Course in English Language Service for Adults that have been successfully completed is listed below.
- It is necessary to provide a photocopy of the landing certificate or proof of your permanent resident status.
- Your permanent residence card must be photocopied on both sides in order to be accepted.
- Prepare 2 pieces of identification by photocopying both sides of each piece.
- Take two images of your passport and identification.
- Physical Presence Calculations must be printed, signed, and dated as evidence of their accuracy.
- Copy the receipt that shows you have paid the fees and keep it with you.
- It is necessary to spend $530 to apply if you are 18 years old or older. You will also be asked to pay an additional $100 charge if your application is granted.
Unless you are under the age of 18, the price is $100; however, the social worker should reimburse the cost of the examination. Send the application to the processing centre through normal mail to ensure prompt processing.
Process of submitting an application
Download and finish the Canadian Citizen Application Package paperwork, which is included in the package, for you and your children, as well as any other required documentation.
- Make certain to provide all necessary supporting paperwork.
- Make a payment to cover the cost of the application.
- Please send your application to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO), which is situated in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and is responsible for processing it.
- Please visit the IRC website for further information on processing timelines.
Is it necessary for me to write the test?
You’ll have to take a citizenship test if the application is approved. There is no need to take the citizenship test for minors and anyone above the age of 54.
The reason for requesting my fingerprints is unclear to me.
Fingerprints or court records, among other things, maybe requested when you apply for citizenship. Citizenship Act prohibits foreign nationals from entering the United States.
I’ve been convicted of a crime will I be able to get Canadian citizenship?
Maybe. Citizenship in the United States is unavailable to those who have been charged with an indictable offence as an adult. Your permanent abode might be at risk as well. The classification of numerous crimes as “hybrid offences” means that depending on the circumstances, you might be charged with an indictable or a summary offence. Take a look at the complete list of offences that are punishable by either a plea deal or an indictment.
Your time in jail will not be added to the overall time you have spent in Canada. That which you’ve already spent in correctional facilities will not be counted against your overall time in Canada because of this decision. There is no exception to this law for anybody punished under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Young Offenders Act.