How to Get Canadian Citizenship: Do You Qualify?

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Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship is something to be proud of, but it can also be a complex process.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get Canadian citizenship and the steps, this article will tell you everything you need to know.

Determine Your Eligibility for Canadian citizenship

To become a citizen of Canada, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a permanent resident, and you must be a permanent resident for at least three years.

Suppose you have been living in Canada for less than three years and want to apply for citizenship after being here for this period. In that case, it’s best to wait until your permanent residency period has concluded before applying.

  • Have filed your taxes; if you need to.

You may need to file taxes in Canada for at least three years during the five years right before the date you apply.

  • Pass a citizenship test.

If you’re eighteen to fifty-four, you must take the citizenship test the day you sign your application.

  • Prove your language skills.

Canadian official languages: English and French. If you’re eighteen to fifty-four years of age on the day you sign your application, you must show that you can speak and listen at a specific level in one of these languages.

  • Some situations can prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen.

You must have been present in Canada 183 days out of every 365 days during each four-year period that qualifies you for citizenship under current rules: two years if married; one year otherwise.

Apply to be a citizen or permanent resident.

You can apply for Canadian citizenship or permanent residence at any time.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be 18 when applying (you must prove your age with a passport).

There are additional or different requirements if you apply for a minor (under age 18). 

  • Spouses of Canadian citizens: You don’t become a citizen when you marry a Canadian.

If you’re the spouse of a Canad citizen, you must meet the exact requirements listed above (no exception).

  • Permanent resident status: Regardless of age, if you’re applying for citizenship, you must have P.R. status in Canada.

You don’t need a valid Permanent resident card to apply for citizenship. You can apply with an expired PR card.

Please have a valid passport that shows proof of identity and citizenship status (or proof that someone else holds these things on their behalf).

If yours doesn’t meet these criteria yet—or even if it does, but they aren’t enough proof alone—there are other ways around this problem: such as documents showing date of birth/age; birth certificate showing the place where born/country were born; proof from parents or guardians explaining why a person should be considered foreign citizen even though born elsewhere than Canada; etcetera…

Apply online, if you can

Apply online to become Canadian citizens. You have to pay your fees online. You can pay all the fees together if you’re submitting many applications.

You must be eligible for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.

Complete the correct paperwork.

To get citizenship in Canada, you must complete the proper paperwork. This can be daunting if you don’t have all the necessary documents ready beforehand.

  • You’ll get an AOR after receiving your application and checking that it’s complete.
  • Have your proof of identity and citizenship ready.
  • The application requires you to provide two forms of I.D. (photo I.D. and non-photo I.D.) and proof of your Canadian citizenship or permanent residence.
  • You may also be asked to provide a criminal record check or statement from anyone who knows you well enough to confirm your identity.
  • If applicable, you should also bring all documents supporting any claim on your application form, including birth certificates, court documents or marriage certificates.
  • Prepare for the interview: If you are planning on living in Canada long term, this step must go so as not to delay or complicate getting permanent residency status later on down the road!

Attend an interview and a test.

Whether you have to take the test or go to the interview depends on your age and Citizenship application.

Canadian Citizenship test and interview

  • What’s in the test: You will be asked 20 questions about the rights and responsibilities of Canadians and Canada. ( history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols)
  • Get your test and interview date: You may be invited to take the citizenship test within weeks after sending you the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter.
  • After the test: result, interview, and next steps: After the test, you’ll meet with a citizenship official for an interview.

Take an oath of citizenship once approved.

Once approved, you can take the oath of citizenship before a judge or other official. 

Afterwards, you’ll sign your certificate and receive it from the judge or official who swore you in.

Canadian citizenship has many benefits.

Canadian citizenship has many benefits. You can travel, work and study in other countries with the right to vote.

You are also protected under Canadian law, so you can apply for Canadian passports and sponsor family members if they want to come live with you in Canada.

Final remarks

Canadian citizenship has many benefits, including the right to vote in federal elections.

There are also many ways to become a citizen if you already live or plan to move here soon. If you’re interested in becoming a Canadian citizen, it’s best to start today!

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