Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship
There are six (6) criteria that an applicant must meet to be eligible for Canadian Citizenship.
- 1. Age
An applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for Canadian citizenship. If the applicant is under 18, a parent/ legal guardian can apply on their behalf, provided the child is a permanent resident and at least one of the parents is a Canadian citizen or is applying for citizenship at the same time.
- 2. Permanent Resident Status
The applicant must be a permanent resident in Canada and must not be under review for immigration issues or under a removal order.
- 3. Time you have lived in Canada
An applicant for Canadian citizenship must have resided in Canada for a total of three (3) years in the last four (4) years. This that a person applying to become a citizen of Canada must have lived in Canada for a minimum of 1095 days in the last four years.
- 4. Language Skills
As Canada has two (2) official languages, an applicant must show they know at least one (1) of the languages in adequate ability and provide documentation to prove this. In addition, an immigration officer will be testing the applicant’s ability to speak either English or French during the interview.
- 5. Criminal History
Should an applicant have any indictable criminal history in the last three (3) years, be under review for immigration fraud, under a removal order, being investigated, or has had citizenship revoked, then they are not eligible to apply for Canadian citizen.
- 6. Canadian Citizenship Test
An applicant between the ages of 18-54 must show their knowledge of Canada and the privileges and responsibilities of acquiring Citizenship. This is displayed through a written test on citizenship. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will provide you with a study guide which can also be assessed on line by clicking on Discover Canada.
Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship Applications
The current processing time for complete citizenship applications is 24 months. This time can increase if your application raises any questions or concerns that Citizenship and Immigration requires clarification on.
Documentation
In addition to the Canadian Citizenship Application form and payment of for processing fees. See below for supporting documentation required for your application package.
- Copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
- Copy of Permanent Resident Card (PRC), if you have one
- Original results of an official language test taken (keep in mind that CIC will only accept results of certain third-party institutions that offer these tests. For example, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General Test)
- Proof of completion of either French or English secondary and post-secondary education (in Canada or abroad). This can be either a diploma, degree, transcript.
- Copy of passport
- Official Education records if you attended school within the last four years of applying
- Two (2) pieces of personal identification (For example, drivers licence, Canadian health card, copy of passport etc.)
- Two (2) identical citizenship photographs, see specifications on CIC website
- Any and all documents or proof that display you have settled in Canada and have established ties to the country. (For example, copy of gym membership, copy of employment contract, any membership cards, property ownership etc.)
The information provided above can seem overwhelming. You may not think you are even eligible because you have been working outside of the country or you travel a lot. It is easy to make a mistake and delay or bar yourself from applying for citizenship but many people who believe they are not eligible, in fact, are!
Let us help you! At A. Princewill Law Firm, we know how important it is to get your Canadian citizenship and that it sometimes can be a frustrating process. We know the ins and outs of the application process and can help you monitor your application once you submit it as well. We will assist you in obtaining documentation that will strengthen your application for you and your family.
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