Becoming a Canadian citizen

Permanent residency in Canada is an important step for many people wishing to settle in this country. However, Canadian citizenship offers additional benefits and increased security for permanent residents. In this article, we'll explore the requirements and eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship, the application process, associated privileges and obligations, and grounds for refusal, based on the current version of the Citizenship Act.

Canadian citizenship requirements

According to the Citizenship Act (section 5), to become a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident must meet several conditions, including :

1. Have resided in Canada for at least 3 years (1095 days) out of the 5 years preceding the application (article 5(1)(c)).
2. Sufficient knowledge of the official languages (French or English) for people aged 18 to 54 (article 5(1)(d)).
3. Have an adequate knowledge of the rights, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship (article 5(1)(e)).
4. No grounds for prohibition (article 22).

Eligibility criteria to become a Canadian citizen

In addition to the requirements mentioned above, the Citizenship Act also establishes specific eligibility criteria for different categories of applicants, including:

1. Adults (18 and over) must complete an online citizenship application form and pay the processing fee.
2. Children under 18 must be permanent residents, and the application must be made by a parent or legal guardian (article 5).
3. People born abroad to Canadian parents must prove their parentage and permanent resident status (article 3).

Citizenship application process

The citizenship application process involves several steps:

1. Check eligibility and gather required documents.
2. Complete and submit the application form, along with documents and processing fee.
3. Take a citizenship test when you are invited to do so to assess your knowledge of official languages and important aspects of Canadian life.
4. Participate in an interview with a citizenship officer, if necessary.
5. Attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of allegiance.

Who can't become a Canadian citizen

Some people cannot become Canadian citizens, even if they are permanent residents. According to the Citizenship Act (section 22), prohibited persons are those who :

1. Have been convicted of a serious crime in Canada or abroad (article 22(1)(a)).
2. Have been convicted of citizenship or immigration fraud (section 22(1)(b)).
3. Are prohibited from entering Canada (article 22(1)(c)).
4. Have been stripped of their Canadian citizenship for misrepresentation or concealment of material facts (section 10).

Privileges and obligations of Canadian citizenship

Canadian citizenship offers many benefits and responsibilities, including :

1. The right to vote and stand for election in federal, provincial and municipal elections.
2. The right to apply for a Canadian passport.
3. Consular protection abroad.
4. Access to certain jobs reserved for Canadian citizens.
5. The obligation to respect Canadian laws.
6. Obligation to serve on a jury, if required.
7. The obligation to respect allegiance to Canada.

FAQ about Canadian citizenship

Can I lose my Canadian citizenship once I've obtained it?

Yes, citizenship can be revoked under section 10 of the Citizenship Act, including fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of material facts.

Is it possible to hold dual nationality?

Yes, Canada allows dual nationality. However, it is important to check the nationality laws of the country of origin.

Are children born in Canada to permanent resident parents automatically Canadian citizens?

Yes, according to section 3(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act, every person born in Canada is a Canadian citizen, with certain exceptions.

How much does it cost to apply for Canadian citizenship?

The cost of applying for citizenship for an adult is 630 $ CAD, including a processing fee of 530 $ CAD and a legal fee of 100 $ CAD. For children under 18, the processing fee is 100 $ CAD.

How long does it take to become a Canadian citizen?

The process of applying for Canadian citizenship can take between 12 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the file and the volume of applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Some applications may take longer or shorter.

Can I travel outside Canada during the citizenship application process?

Yes, you may travel outside Canada during the citizenship application process. However, you must ensure that you meet the residency requirements and are present in Canada if IRCC requests your presence for a citizenship interview or ceremony.

What happens if I don't pass the citizenship test?

If you don't pass the citizenship test on your first attempt, you'll usually be given a second chance. If you fail again, you may be invited to an interview with a citizenship officer to assess your knowledge of official languages and important aspects of Canadian life.

How do I prove my Canadian residency when applying for citizenship?

To prove your residence in Canada, you can provide documents such as bank statements, tax assessment notices, pay slips, rental agreements or other official documents indicating your presence in Canada.

Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if I have a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record, this could make you ineligible for Canadian citizenship under section 22 of the Citizenship Act. However, this depends on the nature and severity of the offence, as well as the length of time since the conviction.

Do I have to renounce my current citizenship to become a Canadian citizen?

No, Canada allows dual citizenship. This means that you can retain your current citizenship while becoming a Canadian citizen. However, it's important to check the nationality laws of your country of origin, as some countries do not allow dual nationality.

Reasons for refusing an application for Canadian citizenship

Reasons for refusing an application for Canadian citizenship are generally based on the following sections of the Citizenship Act:

Non-compliance with residency requirements (article 5(1)(c)).

Failure to meet residency requirements is grounds for refusal of an application for Canadian citizenship under section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act. Applicants must prove that they have resided in Canada for at least 3 years (1095 days) out of the 5 years preceding their application. If an applicant fails to meet this physical presence threshold, their application may be refused. Applicants must provide documentation of their presence in Canada to prove that they have met this residency requirement.

Non-compliance with language requirements (article 5(1)(d)).

Failure to meet language requirements is grounds for refusal of an application for Canadian citizenship under section 5(1)(d) of the Citizenship Act. Applicants must pass a language proficiency test in English or French to prove that they can communicate in one of these two languages. If an applicant fails the test, their application may be refused. Applicants can prepare for the test by taking language courses or practicing their language skills independently.

Non-compliance with Canadian knowledge requirements (section 5(1)(e)).

Failure to meet the knowledge of Canada requirement is grounds for refusal of an application for Canadian citizenship under section 5(1)(e) of the Citizenship Act. Applicants must pass a knowledge of Canada test to prove that they have a sufficient understanding of Canadian history, geography, politics and culture. If an applicant fails the test, their application may be refused. Applicants can prepare for the test by taking preparatory courses or studying independently.

Prohibitions due to convictions or other reasons (article 22).

Section 22 of the Citizenship Act provides a number of grounds for disqualifying people from becoming Canadian citizens. These include persons who have been convicted of a serious crime in Canada or abroad, those convicted of citizenship or immigration fraud, those who are prohibited from entering Canada, or those who have been stripped of their Canadian citizenship for misrepresentation or concealment of material facts. Applicants who fall under these prohibitions are ineligible for Canadian citizenship, and their applications will be refused. These prohibitions are in place to protect the integrity of the Canadian citizenship system and to ensure that only reputable applicants become Canadian citizens.

Conclusion

The path to Canadian citizenship after becoming a permanent resident may seem complex and demanding, but it offers many advantages and greater stability for those who choose to embark on this process. By familiarizing themselves with the requirements, eligibility criteria and various stages of the application process, permanent residents are better prepared to successfully apply for Canadian citizenship.

Keeping abreast of legislative updates and changes in citizenship policy is crucial. Applicants should regularly consult official Canadian government sources to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.

In addition, it can be helpful for applicants to take advantage of resources available to prepare for citizenship, such as language courses, study and support groups, citizenship workshops and seminars, and legal aid services.

Finally, if you encounter any difficulties in applying for citizenship, or if you need legal advice, it may be a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer or a certified immigration consultant. These professionals can guide you through the various stages of the process and help you overcome any obstacles to realizing your dream of becoming a Canadian citizen.