Canada Immigration and Citizenship
Canada is ranked as one of the best countries to live in. Naturally, Canadians take pride in being Canadian and are considered as some of the politest people in the world.
In addition to that, Canada is a beautiful country with abundant natural beauty.
Canada welcomes thousands of immigrants each year. Many of them transition to becoming Canadian citizens.
quick facts
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Processing time: 26 months
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Processing fee $630.
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Minimum Residency Requirement: 1065 days
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Minimum language requirement: CLB 4.
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Minimum tax return years: 3
Index at a glance: Canadian Citizenship
How to get Canadian citizenship?
To become a citizen of Canada by naturalization, one must first immigrate to the country as a permanent resident. As with all Canadian immigration procedures, permanent residents who wish to apply for citizenship must meet a specified set of criteria.
1. Residency requirements:
Applicants must submit evidence that they have resided in Canada for a minimum of three years (1,095 days) out of the five years before their signed application, with a few exceptions.
2. Demonstrate language ability:
To become a citizen of Canada, candidates must demonstrate a minimal proficiency in either French or English.
Canada has two official languages: English and French. If you’re 18 to 54 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. To become a citizen, you need to meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 or higher.
Language tests currently approved by IRCC for citizenship application purposes are:
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International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
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Canadian English Language-Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General and LS);
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TEF, TEFAQ (Test d’évaluation de français pour l’accès au Québec) or TEF pour la naturalization;
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Test d’évaluation du français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ).
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TEF pour la naturalization
In order to prove language proficiency, applicants must submit one of the following documents:
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Results from an approved third party test - such as IELTS or CELPIP or LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) training. Or the Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC).
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Transcripts or a diploma from a secondary or post-secondary education in English or French; or
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Evidence of achieving Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher in certain government language programs.
3. File taxes
Applicants for Canadian citizenship must have filed taxes in Canada for at least three of the preceding five years.
4. Pass the citizenship test
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must demonstrate their knowledge of their rights and obligations as Canadians by passing a citizenship test.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for Canadian Citizenship?
In addition to the above, you need to:
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Meet the Citizenship Language Requirement, if between the ages of 18 and 54;
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Not be under a removal order;
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Not have a criminal prohibition;
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Pay processing fees.
What is the Canadian citizenship processing time?
The citizenship application processing time is 26 months. This includes processing of the complete application, the citizenship test, interview and ceremony.
Who has to take the citizenship test?
Everyone between the ages of 18 and 54 at the time they apply for citizenship must take the citizenship test. If you are 55 or older when you apply, you do not have to take the test. If you turn 55 during the processing of your application, you still have to take the test since you were under 55 when you signed your application.
How much is the Canadian citizenship application fee?
Canadian citizenship costs for a single applicant are $630 CAD per adult and $100 CAD per child, broken down as follows:
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Processing fees: $530/adult & $100/child
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Right of Citizenship fee: $100/adult
Need help in applying for Canadian Citizenship? Hire an authorized paid representative.
IMMERGITY Immigration Consultant are very experienced with the application process and can help you navigate the system. We will also provide valuable insights and tips on how to increase your chances of success. Get in touch now.
If you're thinking of hiring a representative, be sure to check that they're authorized by IRCC. You can verify our credentials by clicking here.
Hiring a representative is not required, but it can be helpful, especially if you're not familiar with the application process. If you decide to hire a representative, be sure to choose someone who you trust and who you feel comfortable working with.