Canadian Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits, and Application Process

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.

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Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizenship Application

Permanent Resident Status: Before applying for citizenship, one must have permanent resident status in Canada. This status should not be under review for immigration or fraud reasons.

Time Lived in Canada: Applicants must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years right before the date of their application for citizenship.

Income Tax Filing: It's mandatory to have filed taxes for at least three years within the five-year period using the Canadian Income Tax and Benefit Return.

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:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
Canadian English Language-Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General and LS);
TEF, TEFAQ (Test d’évaluation de français pour l’accès au Québec) or TEF pour la naturalization;
Test d’évaluation du français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ).
TEF pour la naturalization

In order to prove language proficiency, applicants must submit one of the following documents:

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).
Transcripts or a diploma from a secondary or post-secondary education in English or French; or
Evidence of achieving Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher in certain government language programs.

Canadian Citizenship Test: Applicants aged 18-54 must also pass a test on Canadian history, values, symbols, and institutions.

Prohibitions: If you have a criminal history during the specified period or if you're under a deportation order, you might not be eligible.

Additional Factors: There are other factors that can influence eligibility, such as serving in a job that benefits Canada.

Children's Application: If you're applying for a child's citizenship, they must also be permanent residents, but other requirements can be waived.

Adoption Concerns: Children adopted by Canadian citizens outside Canada don't need to meet the physical presence requirement.

Revocation of Citizenship: If your citizenship was revoked, you cannot apply before the end of the period specified in the revocation order.

The Process of the Canadian Citizenship Application

Gather Necessary Documents: Before starting the application process, gather all required documents. This includes identification, immigration documents, and language proof.
Complete the Application Package: This involves filling out the necessary forms related to the Citizenship Application Canada and ensuring you've answered all questions.
Pay the Application Fees: The fees can be paid online. As of my last update in 2021, the fee for adults (18 and over) was CAD$630, and for minors, it was CAD$100.
Submit the Application: Ensure you send your application to the correct address. It's advisable to use a method that provides tracking.
Wait for the Acknowledgment of Receipt: This confirms that your application has been received by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Prepare for the Citizenship Test: If you're between the ages of 18 and 54 when you applied, you'll need to take this test. It covers various topics about Canada.
Interview: Based on the results of your test, you might be asked to attend an interview with a citizenship official.
Decision: After all the above steps, a decision will be made on your application. You'll be informed if it's approved, delayed (for missing documents, for instance), or refused.
Take the Oath: If approved, you'll receive a notice to attend a ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship. This is the final step to becoming a Canadian citizen.
Receive Your Citizenship Certificate: After taking the oath, you'll receive your certificate. This is proof of your Canadian citizenship.

Required Documents for Citizenship Application Canada

When preparing your Citizenship Application Canada, it's crucial to ensure that all required documents are in order. These documents serve as evidence of your eligibility and provide the necessary information for the processing of your application.

First and foremost, you'll need your permanent resident card. This card is proof of your permanent resident status in Canada, and it's essential for the application process. If your card is expired or will expire within the next 9 months, it's advisable to renew it before starting your citizenship application.

Another vital document is your travel document or passport. This helps in determining the length of your stay outside Canada during the qualifying period. If you've used more than one passport in the past five years, ensure you include copies of all of them.

For those aged between 18 and 54 at the time of application, proof of language proficiency in English or French is mandatory. This can be in the form of results from CIC-approved third-party tests, evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, or evidence of achieving CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher in government-funded language training programs.

Your tax documents are also essential. You must provide proof that you've filed your taxes for at least three years within the five-year period before your application. This can be done by including copies of your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Lastly, if you're applying for citizenship for a minor, you'll need to provide additional documents, such as the minor's birth certificate, adoption papers (if applicable), and any legal documents about custody arrangements or parental consent.

How Long Does the Citizenship Application Process Take?

The duration of the Canadian Citizenship Application process can vary based on several factors, including the completeness of your application, the volume of applications received by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and any potential need for additional review or documentation.

On average, as of my last update in 2021, the general processing time for a routine Canadian Citizenship Application was around 12 to 18 months. However, this timeframe can change, and it's always advisable to check the latest processing times on the official IRCC website.

Several stages in the application process can influence the overall duration:

Application Review: Once your application is received, it undergoes an initial review to ensure all necessary documents are included. If anything is missing or if there are discrepancies, this can add to the processing time.
Citizenship Test and Interview: Applicants aged 18-54 are required to take a citizenship test. Depending on the availability of dates and venues, scheduling the test can influence the timeline. Additionally, if an interview is deemed necessary post-test, it can further extend the process.
Decision Phase: After all requirements are met, the application enters the decision phase. Here, a final review is conducted, and a decision is made on granting citizenship.
Oath Taking Ceremony: Successful applicants are invited to attend a ceremony where they take the Oath of Citizenship. The scheduling of these ceremonies, especially in high-demand areas, can influence the overall timeline.

It's essential to ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid unnecessary delays. Regularly checking your application status online and promptly responding to any requests from IRCC can also help in expediting the process.

Preparing for the Canadian Citizenship Test

The Canadian Citizenship Test is a pivotal step in the citizenship application process for those aged 18-54. It evaluates the applicant's knowledge about Canada, including its history, values, symbols, and institutions.

Study the Official Guide: The primary resource for preparation is the official study guide titled "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship." This guide is available for free on the IRCC website and covers all the topics that can appear in the test.
Online Practice Tests: Numerous online platforms offer practice tests based on the "Discover Canada" guide. These tests can help applicants familiarize themselves with the format and type of questions they might encounter.
Join Study Groups: In many communities, study groups or classes are organized to help applicants prepare. Engaging in group discussions can provide a deeper understanding of the material and clarify any doubts.
Flashcards: Creating flashcards with key dates, events, and figures from Canadian history can be a useful tool for revision.
Stay Updated: While the majority of the test focuses on historical and foundational knowledge, it's beneficial to stay updated with current events, especially those related to Canadian governance and policies.

The test typically consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and applicants must achieve a score of 15 (75%) or more to pass. If an applicant fails the test, they might be given a second opportunity or be called for an interview with a citizenship official.

The Cost Associated with the Canadian Citizenship Application

Applying for Canadian citizenship comes with associated fees, which are essential to cover the administrative costs of processing the applications.

Application Fee for Adults: As of my last update in 2021, the application fee for adults (aged 18 and over) was CAD$630. This fee includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 right of citizenship fee.
Application Fee for Minors: For minors (under the age of 18), the fee was CAD$100.
Payment Methods: The fees can be paid online using various methods, including credit cards and debit cards from Canadian banks.
Refunds: If your application is not accepted for processing (for instance, if you're found ineligible right at the outset), you will be refunded the processing fee. However, if your application is processed but then refused, the fee is non-refundable.
Additional Costs: Apart from the official application fees, applicants might incur additional costs. These can include fees for obtaining necessary documents, language proof, postage, and in some cases, legal or consultancy fees if they choose to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Apply for Citizenship

The process of applying for Canadian citizenship is meticulous, and even minor oversights can lead to delays or rejections. Being aware of common mistakes can help applicants navigate the process more smoothly.

A frequent error is not meeting the physical presence requirement. It's essential to ensure that you've been physically present in Canada for the stipulated number of days before applying. Keeping a detailed record of your travels outside Canada can be beneficial.

Another common oversight is not updating personal information. If there's a change in your circumstances, such as a new address, marriage, or birth of a child, it's crucial to update this information promptly with the immigration authorities.

Many applicants underestimate the importance of language proficiency. For those between the ages of 18 and 54, it's vital to provide adequate proof of proficiency in English or French. Relying on informal language experience or assuming one's proficiency without proper documentation can be a pitfall.

Incomplete or incorrect documentation can also be a stumbling block. Ensure that all forms are filled out accurately and that you've provided all the necessary supporting documents. Using a checklist can help in ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Lastly, not preparing adequately for the citizenship test can be detrimental. The test evaluates knowledge about Canada, its history, values, and symbols. Applicants should invest time in studying and preparing for this test to increase their chances of success.

Benefits of Obtaining Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship is a cherished status that comes with a plethora of benefits, making the journey of the application for citizenship worthwhile.

One of the most significant advantages of being a Canadian citizen is the right to vote. Participating in the democratic process, citizens can influence the direction of their local communities, provinces, and the country as a whole. They can also run for political office, allowing them to play a direct role in shaping the nation's policies.

Another notable benefit is the Canadian passport, ranked among the most powerful in the world. With it, Canadian citizens can travel to numerous countries without the need for a visa, making international travel more accessible and hassle-free.

Furthermore, Canadian citizens have the right to work in any job, including positions in the federal government that might be restricted to non-citizens. This opens up a broader range of employment opportunities and career advancements.

In terms of education, Canadian citizens have access to special grants, scholarships, and programs that might not be available to permanent residents. This can be especially beneficial for young adults looking to pursue higher education.

Lastly, the sense of belonging and security that comes with Canadian citizenship cannot be overstated. Citizens have the assurance that they can leave and re-enter Canada freely without worrying about maintaining their residency status. They also have the peace of mind knowing they won't be deported, and they have a permanent home in one of the world's most welcoming and diverse nations.

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.

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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.