Canadian citizenship by naturalization is a process through which foreign nationals can acquire Canadian citizenship. To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet certain requirements set by the Government of Canada.
These are the prerequisites in general:
You must gather appropriate papers and submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to apply for Canadian citizenship by naturalization. An overview of the documentation and application procedure is provided below:
You must submit the Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults (Form CIT 0002) in order to become a citizen of Canada. Make sure to accurately complete the form and include all necessary details.
Along with your application form, you will need to include various supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility. These may include:
You will be required to pay the application fee when submitting your application. The fee amount is subject to change, so check the current fee on the IRCC website. Payment methods may include credit card, debit card, or certified cheque or money order.
Once you have completed the application form, gathered the necessary documents, and paid the application fee, you can submit your application to IRCC. Follow the instructions provided by IRCC for submitting your application by mail or through their online portal. After submitting your application, IRCC will review it and may request additional documents or information if needed. If deemed necessary, you may be invited to attend an interview to further assess your eligibility for citizenship.
Canada recognizes dual nationality, which means that Canadian citizens are allowed to hold citizenship of another country simultaneously.
Generally, you need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the five years immediately preceding your application. During the three-year period, you must have maintained your status as a permanent resident in Canada. Additionally, time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or a protected person may count as a partial day toward the total days required for citizenship eligibility. It’s essential to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria before applying for Canadian citizenship to avoid any delays or complications in the process.
Yes, Canada recognizes dual citizenship. You are generally allowed to hold Canadian citizenship and citizenship of another country simultaneously.
No, you do not need to give up your permanent resident status when applying for Canadian citizenship. In fact, having permanent resident status is one of the requirements for naturalization.
Yes, most applicants for Canadian citizenship by naturalization are required to take a citizenship test. The test assesses your knowledge of Canada’s history, values, institutions, and rights and responsibilities of citizenship. It is designed to ensure that you have a basic understanding of the country.
Yes, you must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, the two official languages of Canada. Typically, this involves taking a language proficiency test approved by IRCC. The language requirement is to ensure that you can effectively communicate in one of Canada’s official languages.
Each family member must apply for Canadian citizenship separately. Spouses or partners and dependent children may be included in the application if they meet the eligibility criteria. They will need to complete their own application forms and provide the necessary supporting documents.
Yes, there is a possibility that your Canadian citizenship application may be refused if you do not meet the eligibility requirements or if there are concerns related to criminality, misrepresentation, or other issues. It’s important to carefully review the requirements and provide accurate and complete information to increase the chances of a successful application.