Canada Citizenship – Significance, Eligibility & Process

Canada citizenship is a legal status given to eligible people by the government. It grants individuals certain social and economic rights, privileges, and responsibilities. 

Canadian Citizenship: Overview

• Who is a Canadian Citizen?
• Eligibility for Canada Citizenship
• How to Become a Canadian Citizen?
• Documents Required
• Processing time and fee 
• Citizenship certificate
• Advantages and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen

Who is a Canadian citizen?

An individual can be a Canadian citizen if

• They were born in Canada
• Became a citizen through changes in the Citizenship Act
• Became a citizen as a minor when a parent or legal guardian applied for it.
• They were born outside Canada but one or both of their parents was either born in Canada or became Canadian citizens before they were born.
• Became a citizen through naturalization.

You will not become a Canadian citizen if:

• You marry a Canadian
• A citizen adopts you
• You have been living in Canada as a Permanent Resident for several years
• Your refugee claim has been accepted 

Eligibility for Canada Citizenship

You must meet the following conditions before applying for Canada citizenship.

• Be a Permanent Resident of Canada: You must be a permanent resident to be eligible to become a citizen. The PR status must not be under review. There must not be any unfulfilled conditions related to your permanent residency. However, it is not mandatory to possess an active PR card. You can apply for Canada citizenship with an expired card.
• Live in the country for at least 3 years or 1095 days in the last five years: It is advisable to be physically present in Canada for longer than three years for a smooth application process.
• File your taxes if applicable: As a PR you must file your tax returns if you have to pay tax and want to claim a refund.
• Have the required language proficiency: Communication is indispensable to survive and thrive in a foreign country. Thus, you must be able to communicate in English or French. The speaking and listening skills must be equivalent to CLB 4 or NCLC 4. IRCC accepts PTE-Core, IELTS, and CELPIP for English language proficiency. TEF and TCF are accepted French language tests. 
• Pass the citizenship test: Anyone under 18-54 years is mandated to take a citizenship test. The test assesses the applicant’s knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens. It also includes questions on Canadian history, geography, economy, laws, etc.
• Take the Oath at the citizenship ceremony: Any individual older than 14 years must take the oath of citizenship after their application is approved.

Additionally, applicants must not be inadmissible or under any removal order from Canadian officials.

How to Become a Canadian Citizen?

Applicants can apply for Canada citizenship either online or on paper. Applying for citizenship includes the following steps. 

1. Ensuring Eligibility: You must meet all the eligibility conditions listed in the section above, and any additional requirements according to your profile.
2. Keep all paperwork ready: This is the most crucial but daunting task of the whole process. 
3. Create an account: Begin the citizenship application by creating your account in the IRCC portal. You must complete and submit your application within 60 days of creating it.
4. Complete the citizenship application: Download and fill out the citizenship application containing various questions about permanent residence, marital status, contact information, name, Unique Client Identification, language ability, etc.
5. Pay the fee: The fee for a Canada citizenship application is CAN $630
6. Submit the application: Attach the fee receipt with your application and submit it. If you are sending it offline through regular mail send it to the address below.
   • Case Processing Centre-Sydney, P.O. Box 7000, SYDNEY, NS B1P 6V6
7. In case of sending it through courier, send it to:
   • IRCC Digitization Centre – Citizenship, 3050 Wilson Ave, New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8
8. Application Review: Once the application is successfully submitted, it will be processed and you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) and a study guide for citizenship. Once you get the study guide, you must begin to study for the citizenship test.
9. Citizenship Test: After the application is processed, the applicant will receive the notice to appear for a citizenship interview or test.
10. Citizenship Oath: Once the test/interview is successful, you will be invited to take the citizenship Oath. This is the final step of the citizenship process. Any applicant older than 14 years will be required to take the oath. The oath ceremony can be virtual or in-person. 
11. Become a Citizen: You will become a Canadian citizen once you have taken the oath and will get the citizenship certificate. 

Documents Required

All documents for Canadian citizenship application must be either in French or in English. In case they are not, they must be translated by a certified translator.

You will require the following documents while applying for Canada citizenship.

• Original printouts of the Physical Presence Calculation 
• Photocopy of both sides of the PR card
• Colored photocopies of your passport and travel documents (valid or expired) in the 5-year eligibility period. This must also include the biographical page with your name, photo, place, date of birth, and date of issue and expiration.
• Photocopies of personal identification such as PR card and passport
• Proof of language proficiency. The proof is not required if the applicant is 65 years or older.
• Photographs
• Fee receipt

Processing time and fee

The fee for Canada citizenship is CAN $630. The processing time for online citizenship applications is 07 months (last updated on 14th Nov, 2024). 

Citizenship certificate

A citizenship certificate is the official proof of citizenship. The certificate includes:

• A certificate number that begins with “X” if it is digital. The number begins with “K” if it is a paper certificate.
• Unique Client Identifier
• Date of birth
• Name
• Gender
• The effective date of citizenship

Advantages and Responsibilities of a Canadian Citizen

A Canadian citizen enjoys several rights such as 

• The right to vote in any provincial, federal, or municipal election. 
• A citizen can run for an elected Canadian office.
• Freedom to live outside Canada without any limits. Unlike a permanent resident who needs to stay in the country for 730 days within 5 years, a citizen has no restrictions. They can stay outside the country indefinitely.
• Unlike a PR, a citizen is not required to maintain their citizenship. 
• Once you get Canada citizenship, you will be able to pass it on to your kids even if they are born outside of Canada
• Citizens and permanent residents are preferred for most Canadian jobs.
• Freedom to work, study, and live anywhere in Canada
• Free world-class healthcare
• Free primary education 
• Eligibility to sponsor your family to Canada
• A Canadian passport holder can visit 188 countries without a visa. In most cases, Canadians do not require a visa to enter the United States.
• All new Canadian citizens are granted free admission to the country’s museums, art galleries, national parks, marine conservation areas, and science centers for one year.

Responsibilities of a Canadian

Every Canadian is required to:

• Obey the law
• Be responsible for themselves and their family
• Serve on a jury when/if called for.
• Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
• Protect Canada’s heritage and environment
• Help others in the community.

First step towards Canada Citizenship

The very first step towards getting Canada citizenship is to become a Permanent Resident. You can apply for Canada PR through various immigration pathways such as:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Worker Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Quebec Selected Skilled Worker
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Agri-Food Pilot
• Family Sponsorship
• Caregivers
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
• Start-up visa
• Self-employed

Talent Connected Worldwide is a CICC-licensed immigration that has been awarded as the best immigration company in India. If you are planning to get Canada citizenship through naturalization, contact us and get your profile evaluated for permanent residency.