Applying for Canadian Citizenship
Whether you want to live, work, or go to school in Canada, you have likely encountered the need for establishing permanent residency.
To enjoy the benefits of becoming a Canadian Citizen, you will need to complete:
- A Canadian citizenship application
- English or French proficiency test or prove you are attending or attended a Canadian educational institution
- Provide all necessary documents to prove your eligibility
Who is Eligible for Canadian Citizenship?
Before applying for your Canadian citizenship, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by the Canadian government. The requirements have changed and have been updated in the Canadian Citizenship Act.
An individual applying for Canadian citizenship must:
- Physically live in Canada and prove permanent residency status for three years within the previous five-year period, prior to the submission of their citizenship application. A half-day credit per physical calendar day is awarded up to a total of 365 days for individuals that lived, studied or worked in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person within the five years prior to applying for citizenship
- Demonstrate their ability to speak and understand English or French through a testing process. This process does not apply to applicants that are 65 years of age or older or minor children that are seeking citizenship
- Utilize their English or French language skills to provide acceptable levels of knowledge related to Canada and concerning the responsibilities and privileges of citizens within the country. This is completed through a testing process. Individuals that are 65 years of age or older are exempt from this process
- Be at least 18 years of age or older to apply for Canadian citizenship for themselves or minor children.
- Meet all Income Tax Act requirements set up through the Canadian government. Any income tax which is owed must be paid in full before a citizenship application will be processed
This will give you the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Canadian citizenship requirements and provide you with all updated standards that must be met at the time of your application submission.