CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

Becoming a Canadian Citizen is the end goal of many immigrants and is the final move to be fully recognized as the next-generation Canadian. Citizenship comes with many benefits that are not available to permanent residents, such as access to restricted jobs, the right to vote in all elections, run for political office, join the military and travel with a Canadian passport.

Canada welcomes people who will shape this nation for years to come as there are numerous citizenship pathways. Once you complete all of the requirements and undergo the citizenship ceremony and oath, you will truly become a part of this great nation. You will then be given full access to Canada and all it has to offer.

Are you a permanent resident who wants to become a Canadian Citizen? If so, we can help!

Our team of citizenship experts can help you determine if you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, assist you with your citizenship application and advise you of the best measures you should take to obtain Canadian citizenship.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements and Exceptions 

As a general rule, individuals who are applying for Canadian citizenship must meet the following 3 requirements:

1) Be 18 years of age

2) Be a permanent resident of Canada

3) Meet residency obligations (reside in Canada for 1095 within the last 1460 days – three out of four years).

However, if the applicant is a child is under the age of 18, the following circumstances must be met:

1. The child must be a permanent resident

2. The child does not have to have lived in Canada for three years

3. The child’s parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian, and one of the parents is already a Canadian citizen or is in the process of applying to become a citizen. This applies to adoptive parents also.

In addition, the applicant must meet two other requirements: 

1) language requirement (be able to understand and speak basic English or French); and

2) knowledge about Canadian requirements (Canada’s history, geography, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship).

A language test must be provided with an application, and a test is to be taken to prove knowledge about Canada. Persons 55 years of age and over are exempt from these two requirements.

In addition, the permanent residence status in Canada must not be in doubt at any time, meaning that you must not be involved in an immigration investigation, immigration inquiry or removal order.

Applicants residing in Canada prior to becoming permanent residents can receive credit for one half-day, to a maximum of one year, for each day of residing in Canada.

For more information, please complete our contact form or call us at +1 (604) 585-2444.