Becoming a Canadian citizen is an important milestone for those who have made Canada their home. If you are ready to take this step, you may be wondering what the process involves. Here is a breakdown of the eligibility requirements for adults over 18 years old.
- Be a Permanent Resident
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must have permanent resident (PR) status. This means you have been granted PR status through programs such as family sponsorship, refugee protection, the Post-Graduate Work Permit route, or other immigration pathways. Even if your PR card has expired, you may still be eligible to apply.
- Meet the Physical Presence Requirement
You must have lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years (1,095 days) before applying. It is recommended to apply with more than 1,095 days to avoid any issues with calculation. Some time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or a protected person may count towards this requirement.
- Filing Taxes
You may be required to file taxes in Canada for at least three years within the five years before applying.
- Prove Your Language Skills
If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must demonstrate adequate knowledge in either English or French. Your speaking and listening skills must meet Level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French. If you need assistance meeting this requirement, accommodations or exemptions may be available.
- Pass the Citizenship Test
Applicants between 18 and 54 years old must also take a citizenship test. This test covers Canadian history, geography, economy, laws, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. If needed, accommodations or exemptions may be available.
- Take the Oath of Citizenship
The final step in becoming a Canadian citizen is attending a citizenship ceremony and taking the Oath of Citizenship. Once your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to the ceremony, where you will officially become a Canadian citizen and celebrate this milestone.
Why Become a Canadian Citizen?
Becoming a Canadian citizen offers many benefits, providing you with greater rights and security than permanent residency. Here are some benefits of applying for citizenship:
- Exercising Your Democratic Right to Vote: As a Canadian citizen, you have the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, allowing you to participate in shaping the future of Canada.
- Access to One of the Best Passports in the World: The Canadian passport is one of the most powerful in the world (ranked 7th according to both the Henley Passport Index and the Global Passport Power Rank). It allows you to travel to 185 countries without the need for a visa.
- Canadian Citizenship is permanent and durable: In the vast majority of cases, it is virtually impossible to lose Canadian citizenship involuntarily. In contrast, permanent residence (in spite of its name suggesting permanence) can be lost for a variety of reasons, such as if you live abroad for more than three out of five years, or are convicted of a serious criminal offence.
- Citizenship for Children Born to Canadian Parents: If you are a Canadian citizen, your children, even if born outside of Canada, are also eligible for Canadian citizenship.
Need Help?
Applying for citizenship can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Our team of experienced lawyers is here to guide you through every step of the application process.