Becoming a citizen is the final step in the long journey of the immigration process. This step signifies your commitment to Canada and your intention to contribute to your adopted country as a member of its citizenry.
This important and final step should be approached it with care, to ensure you get it right.
Who Can Apply for Canadian Citizenship
To become a Canadian citizen, you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must be a Permanent Resident of Canada. As a permanent resident, you have spent
- You must have resided in Canada for at least four or 1460 days in the six (6) years immediately before you apply
- You were physically present in Canada for at least 183 days during any four (4) calendar years that are fully or partially within the last six (6) years?
- You must pass the Citizenship Test and Interview.
- You must not have any criminal prohibitions.
- You must to file income taxes for any four (4) taxation years that are fully or partially within the six (6) years immediately before you apply.
- Intend to reside in Canada, to work outside Canada in or with, or to accompany certain family members employed in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province outside Canada.
- Be able to communicate (speak and understand) in English or French (if you are 65 years of age or older, this does not apply), and
- Be able to demonstrate, in English or French, knowledge about Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship (if you are 65 years of age or older, this does not apply).
Criminal Prohibitions who cannot apply or become a citizen:
- If you have any outstanding Terms and Conditions linked to your Permanent Resident status, you may not be eligible for citizenship.
- Have been convicted of an indictable (criminal) offence or an offence under the Citizenship Act in the three years before you apply;
- Are currently charged with an indictable offence or an offence under the Citizenship Act;
- Are in prison, on parole or on probation;
- Are under a removal order (have been ordered by Canadian officials to leave Canada);
- Are under investigation for, are charged with, or have been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity; or
- Have had your Canadian citizenship taken away in the past five years.
What Steps are involved in the Canadian Citizenship Process?
- Complete your application quickly and correctly. We will be happy to take this load off your shoulder.
- Pay the government filing fee.
- Gather all your supporting documents and we will submit them with your application to CIC.
- Upon approval of your application, report to the local CIC office to collect your card and get sworn in at the Citizenship Ceremony to follow.
To find out of your eligibility to apply for citizenship, please Click here to complete our questionnaire citizenship questionnaire