Canada’s citizenship policy is open, allowing permanent residents to become citizens after meeting criteria like permanent residency, residency duration, language proficiency, and passing a citizenship test. Ineligibility factors include insufficient residency days, language skills, and legal issues. Dual citizenship is allowed. The process involves an application, a test, and a citizenship ceremony. Appeals are possible in case of denial.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a permanent resident of Canada.
- Valid PR card not required at the time of application.
- Live in Canada for at least 3 years (1095 days) out of the past 5 years.
- File taxes in Canada for at least 3 years within the past 5 years if applicable.
- Take a 30-minute test with a pass mark of 15 out of 20 (for candidates between the age of 18 and 54 years old).
- Covers Canadian rights, history, geography, and more.
- Demonstrate English or French proficiency at CLB level 4 or higher, or proof of certain government funded language training program or completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French in Canada or abroad.
Ineligibility Factors
- Applicants not meeting the minimum required residency days in Canada are ineligible.
- Those unable to speak either English or French are ineligible.
- Failing the citizenship test and/or interview renders applicant’s ineligible.
- Inability to provide the required proof of residency documentation is a disqualifying factor.
Disqualification on Legal and Criminal Issues
- May not qualify for citizenship if citizenship was revoked in the past five years.
- Convicted of a criminal offense in the past three years.
- Currently in prison, on parole, or on probation.
- Have a removal order from Canada?
Under investigation for, or convicted of, a war crime or a crime against humanity
FAQs
What are the eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship?
Eligible individuals must have been permanent residents residing in Canada for at least three out of the past five years.
Is there a deadline for applying for Canadian citizenship once eligible?
No, there's no set timeframe for applying.
Does time spent in Canada before permanent residency count towards citizenship?
Yes, half a day counts for each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident, up to 365 days.
Can Canadian citizenship be regained after revocation?
It depends on the circumstances; complex cases should be discussed with authorities.
Do children born in Canada automatically become citizens?
Yes, regardless of their parents' status.
How can individuals under 18 become citizens?
They must hold permanent resident status, or have a Canadian citizen parent.
My children were included in my citizenship application, are they required to attend the ceremony?
Children under the age of 14 years are not require to attend the citizen ceremony or take the oath of citizenship.
Are Canadian citizens taxed on worldwide income?
Generally, yes, if residing in Canada.
What is the residency requirement for Canadian citizenship?
Applicants must have lived in Canada for at least three out of the past five years.
What happens if I miss my citizenship test?
You shall have to appear for an interview with a citizenship judge. If you miss that interview than another interview will be scheduled by registered mail. In case you do not attend the second schedule interview, your file will be closed than.
What happens during the citizenship ceremony?
Applicants take an oath of allegiance to Canada and receive proof of citizenship.
You should contact the citizenship office within 60 days otherwise your file will be closed. You will have to apply fresh application and pay the fee to go through the entire process again.
Can I apply Canadian citizenship out of Canada?
Yes, you can apply from abroad but you must meet the physical presence requirement of the 1095 days in the last 5 years in Canada to be eligible.
I did not file my taxes. Can my citizenship be cancelled?
No. This will not result in the cancellation of your Canadian citizenship.
Can a adopted child from abroad apply for Canadian citizenship?
Canadian citizen who adopt children from other countries can apply for citizenship for their adopted child without the requirement of regular immigration process.
My Canadian passport has expired. Can I re-enter Canada on the basis of my citizenship certificate?
No. A valid Canadian passport is required because citizenship certificate is not a travel document.
How long can a Canadian citizen be out of Canada?
No specific duration is mentioned in the Citizenship Act with respect to this. Generally, the Canadian citizen may live out of Canada for extended period of time.
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