After gaining my Permanent Residency in 2012, the last thing on my mind was applying for Citizenship. You see, my birth Country does not allow dual citizenship. After gaining Canadian Citizenship, I would have to apply for a visa to my home country and that felt like too much hassle. I wanted the comfort of being able to travel to see my family whenever I wanted. Until I learned that sometimes, you don’t go looking for trouble, trouble finds you…
Obtaining Canadian citizenship can provide numerous benefits and opportunities for individuals and families living in Canada. As a Canadian citizen, you have the right to vote, run for office, and apply for a Canadian passport, which allows for visa-free travel to many countries around the world. Canadian citizens also have access to a wide range of social benefits, such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Additionally, Canadian citizenship offers a sense of security and stability, as it provides protection against deportation and ensures that you can continue to reside and work in Canada indefinitely. Therefore, applying for Canadian citizenship is a significant step towards building a strong and prosperous future in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have permanent resident status in Canada.
- Have physically lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (or three years) in the five years before you apply.
- Have filed your taxes for at least three of the five years before you apply.
- Meet the language requirements (English or French) and pass a citizenship test.
- Not currently facing any criminal charges or probation or parole.
Application Procedures:
The Canadian citizenship application process consists of several steps:
- Gather the required documents, such as your permanent resident card, travel documents, and tax returns.
- Complete the application form and submit it along with the required documents and fees.
- Attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo.
- Take the citizenship test, which includes questions on Canadian history, geography, and government.
- Attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will take the oath of citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate.
Processing Times:
The processing time for Canadian citizenship applications varies depending on the type of application and the workload at the citizenship office processing the application.
As of March 2023, the current processing time for a standard Canadian citizenship application is approximately 12 to 18 months. However, some applications may take longer to process if additional information or documentation is required or if there are complications with the application.
In some cases, applicants may be eligible for urgent processing of their citizenship application, such as if they need to travel outside of Canada for humanitarian reasons or work purposes.
Overall, the Canadian citizenship process can be complex and time-consuming, but obtaining Canadian citizenship can offer numerous benefits and opportunities for individuals and families living in Canada. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the application procedures carefully to increase your chances of success.
Criminality and Citizenship:
If you have committed a crime inside Canada, it can have a significant impact on your eligibility to obtain Canadian citizenship. Criminality is one of the grounds on which a person may be deemed inadmissible to Canada, and this can affect your ability to enter or remain in Canada, or apply for citizenship. The seriousness of the offense will be taken into account when determining whether a person is admissible to Canada. For example, minor offenses such as traffic violations may not necessarily result in inadmissibility, while more serious offenses such as DUI, assault or drug trafficking can result in permanent inadmissibility.
If you wish to apply for Canadian Citizenship, you may complete our FREE Assessment form or TALK-TO-GURPREET to assess your eligibility or Citizenship advice.
