Canadian Citizenship
A child born by a Canadian parent gets direct citizenship. The rule is the same for first and second-generation Canadian-borns. Again, the immigrants must be permanent residents for at least 3 out of 5 years before applying for citizenship.
The citizenship application process can be carried out both paper and online. However, there are limitations to the online application.
Fees for the citizenship application range from C$100 - $630. The embassy takes 24 months to complete the whole approval process.
Catch more details on Canadian citizenship requirements and processes below.
What is Canada Citizenship?
As for Canada, Section 3 and 4 of the Citizenship Act describes the requirements of a Canadian citizen. The section also draws a fine line between a Canadian citizen and a non-citizen.
In a broad view, a person will be tagged as a Canadian citizen in the following cases,
- He was born in Canada.
- Section 3 (2) describes the citizenship laws of a child to an accredited foreign-born in Canada. As per this subsection, the baby doesn’t get Canadian citizenship by birth. He would receive citizenship if his other parent was a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen when he was born.
- A Canadian parent adopted him outside Canada on and after January 1, 1947.
- He becomes a Canadian citizen through the naturalization process. Naturalization is the legal way for a non-citizen to acquire citizenship or nationality of a country. To qualify as a citizen, he must first be a permanent resident.
- A first generation born outside Canada also qualifies as a Canadian citizen. (i.e., he was born outside Canada. But one of his biological or legal parents was a citizen of Canada. Citizenship by birth or naturalization process before he was born is accepted.)
- The second or subsequent generations born outside Canada also get Canadian citizenship. (i.e., he was born outside Canada from January 1, 1947, to and including April 16, 2009. One of his parents must be Canadian and was born to a Canadian parent outside this country.)
Canadian Citizenship requirements
Foreigners can’t apply for Canadian citizenship right after entering the country. The immigrants must fulfill a certain set of requirements before applying for Canadian citizenship.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Canada.
- In the last 5 years, he has been physically present in Canada for 1095 days or 3 years.
- He has filed his taxes, if applicable.
- His language skill (English or French) has been tested according to international standards.
- He must pass the test on his citizenship right and responsibility as a Canadian. The exam also tests his knowledge of Canada.
- Minors (who are under 18): Canadian Armed Force or CAF member (current or former) applying under Fast Track Process. Past Canadians who want their citizenship back, including the current and former CAF members. Canadian adopting a non-Canadian child born outside Canada.
how to apply for citizenship?
The IRCC has digitized the Canadian citizenship application process. Of course, you can apply on paper, but online application is easier and hassle-free. However, right now, people who fulfill the following requirements are eligible for the online Canadian citizenship process,
- Eligible for citizenship
- 18 years and over
- Applying as an individual
- Have a valid email address
- Non-resident outside Canada as a crown servant or crown servant family member
People outside this group have to go with the paper application process.
Here is how to apply for Canada citizenship online,
- Access the official Canadian citizenship application website and select your language.
- Go to apply for citizenship and make sure you are eligible.
- Click to apply online and go through the requirements for this process. Confirm if you are eligible for an online citizenship application.
- Fill up the questions in Yes and No coming on the screen.
- Open an account with your email after agreeing with the terms and conditions.
- Next, fill up the forms in the following order. Personal information > Contact info > identification > Residence and tax > Work and school > Language proof > Consent > Other Documents.
- Review the application and hit submit.
- Check your email regularly for an update.
FAQ Canadian Citizenship
The first step of becoming a Canadian citizen is to become a permanent resident. Foreigners are eligible for naturalization after being permanent residents for 5 years. The period is 3 years for a resident married to a US citizen. Next, you must be physically present in Canada for 1095 days or 3 years before signing the application.
Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after living in Canada for 3 out of 5 years. It takes 24 months to get the approval. In the meantime, the resident has to complete a citizenship test and interview.
Canadians are allowed to keep dual citizenship. However, some countries may not allow dual citizenship, and your passport gets revoked in such cases. Hence, ask your embassy before applying for Canadian citizenship.
Adults have to pay C$630 for Canadian citizenship. The fee is C$100 for minors. Stateless adults born to a Canadian parent also have to pay C$100 for the citizenship process.
A permanent resident with tax documentation and language skill can apply for Canadian citizenship. Of course, he must be present in Canada for 3 years in his last 5 years of residency. Besides, he should have basic knowledge of Canada and its citizen’s rights or responsibility.
IELTS score is not mandatory to get PR in Canada. For Canadian citizenship, you must have a language efficiency of level 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
Canada doesn’t give citizenship by marriage. The spouse has to fulfill the same requirements as any other immigrant to qualify for the process.
Express entry is a competitive way to get into Canada for immigrants. The candidate must score 67 points to be eligible for this program.
All Canadian citizens can access publicly funded schools and healthcare systems. Also, the citizens can live anywhere in Canada and avail all rights and freedom under Canadian law.
Canadian citizens have employment insurance, pension, student aid, and child support benefits. The country also offers free housing and support for the disabled.