Canada is rich in culture and opportunity. Many permanent residents want to stay in Canada for the rest of their lives as citizens, and the Canadian Citizenship Application can help them pursue that dream.
Canada is a country filled with opportunities for all individuals seeking to settle down there. Whether you are coming to study, visit, or work, there are numerous pathways to reach your immigration goals. In some cases, many foreigners decide they would like to become permanent residents and eventually Canadian citizens down the road.
Processing time: 12 months
Benefits of Becoming a Canadian Citizen
There are a few reasons why someone permanently living in Canada may want to become a citizen. Some of these benefits include:
being eligible for more jobs
to vote and/or run for political office
to travel with a Canadian passport
never worry about losing your status
not needing to renew immigration documentation
Citizenship Requirements
To become a Canadian citizen, most applicants must:
be a permanent resident
have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days)
have filed your taxes, if you need to
pass a citizenship test
prove your language skills in English or French
Furthermore, the following issues could affect your eligibility:
You have outstanding terms and conditions on your permanent resident status
You have a criminal record or face charges inside or outside Canada for a criminal offense
You have received an order to leave Canada
You have been refused Canadian citizenship because of misrepresentation
Your Canadian citizenship has been revoked
Permanent Resident Status (PR Card)
Regardless of your age, if you’re applying for citizenship, you must have a PR Card in Canada.
This means you must not:
be under review for immigration or fraud reasons
be asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada (removal order)
have unfulfilled conditions related to your PR status, for example, medical screening
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
– Get an application package
The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Use the instruction guide and the document checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything. Make sure you use a version of the application form dated October 2017 or later.
– Pay the application fees
Your fees depend on whether you’re an adult (age 18 and over) or a minor. Your fees may include:
the processing fee
the right of citizenship fee
If you’re submitting more than one application at the same time, you can pay all the fees together.
– Submit your application
You must be eligible for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.
Canadian Citizenship Test
Once your application has been approved, you may need to take a citizenship test. The citizenship test is designed to allow you to demonstrate what you know about Canada. There are 20 questions which cover:
Rights and Responsibilities of Canadians
History
Geography
Economy
Government
Laws
Symbols
The test is administered in either French or English and is 30 minutes long. The test is both multiple-choice and true/false questions. In special cases, the test may be administered orally. You can use the government’s free resources to study for this exam.
You will be invited to take the citizenship test after receiving confirmation that your completed application has started being processed. You will be given a date and time to attend the exam. If you are unable to attend the exam, you will need to write to the government and explain why they need to give you a new date. If you do not have a valid reason, your application may be terminated. If you need to ask for a new date and have a valid reason, you will be given a new date and time.
After the test, you will meet with an official for an interview.
Age/ Situation
Needs to Take the Test
Adult 18-54
Yes
Adult 55+
Yes
Minor Under 18 with a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time
No
Minor 14- 17 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time
No
Minor under 14 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time
No
Who Needs to Attend an Interview?
The interview will take place after you have taken your test. During the interview, you will be given your test results. If you pass your test, you will be given a date for your citizenship ceremony. The interview will also cover: your language skills, verify your application/ documentation, and ensure that you meet the requirements for citizenship.
However, if you do not pass your test but meet the other requirements for citizenship, you will be scheduled to take the test again. If you do not pass the second time, you will meet with a citizenship official for another interview. If you do not pass the test after three tries, your application will be refused.
Age/ Situation
Needs to Attend the Interview
Adult 18-54
Yes
Adult 55+
Yes
Minor Under 18 with a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time
No (except in some cases)
Minor 14- 17 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time
Yes
Minor under 14 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time
No (except in some cases)
Oath of Citizenship
The oath of citizenship is the final stage of the citizenship process. You will typically receive your ceremony date two weeks before the ceremony. If you are unable to attend, you will need to provide a reason as to why you cannot attend and a new date can be scheduled. The ceremonies take place all across Canada and throughout the year. Special oath ceremonies are held on Canada Day and during Citizenship Week.
– Who Needs to Swear the Oath?
Adults and children 14 or older need to attend the citizenship ceremony and take the oath. Children under 14 are able to attend the ceremony but are not required to swear the oath.
– What Do I Need to Bring?
Ceremony Notice
A signed copy of the Permission Release and Consent form (this is included with your notice)
permanent resident card or confirmation of permanent residence
Record of landing (if you arrived before June 28, 2002)
Two Pieces of Personal Identification
All passports and travel documents
– What Happens At the Oath Ceremony?
At the ceremony you will be:
Taking the Oath of Citizenship
Receiving your Citizenship Certificate
Signing the Oath
Singing the National Anthem
A judge or official will preside over the ceremony which will be held with many other applicants. The oath will be read in French and English. You must recite the oath in one of the two languages. You can choose to affirm the oath (done without reference to religious beliefs) or swear the oath (done with reference to religious beliefs). Although both the oath and the national anthem will be provided at the ceremony, you can choose to practice them before the ceremony.
– Applying for a Passport:
Once you are a citizen, you are able to apply for a Canadian passport. You will need this as an official travel document and can apply anytime two business days after your ceremony.
Citizenship for Adults
Your citizenship application package will be based on your age and requirements will differ. For specifically permanent residents 18 years or older, requirements include:
been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before you apply
filed income taxes for any three taxation years that are fully or partially within the five years before you apply
Start your application package today!
Citizenship for Minors
Parent/Guardian Applying for Minor
The application under subsection 5(2) is intended for minors (persons under the age of 18) who are permanent residents of Canada who are applying at the same time as their parent or who already have a Canadian parent. The application form should be completed by the minor’s parent or guardian.
Minor Without Canadian Parent
This application under subsection is intended for minors (under 18) who are permanent residents and:
do not have a parent applying for citizenship at the same time as them
do not already have a Canadian parent
This application must be made by a person who has custody of the minor or who is empowered to act on their behalf by virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law. The authorized person applying on behalf of the minor does not have to be a Canadian citizen.
Minors who do not have an authorized person to apply on their behalf can request a waiver of this requirement on the application form.
Let Chugo Immigration Services help you with your Citizenship Application
We know the immigration system, so we are aware of the changes that have been made recently to the Citizenship Application and the changes that will soon be made to the payment process. We are familiar with the requirements and skilled at improving an applicant’s chances of approval.
We have helped thousands of permanent residents successfully become Canadian citizens and we can help you too.
Optimize your chances of success!
What are your options for Canadian Immigration? You can consider any of the following pathways to Canadian Immigration:
Chugo Immigration Service is authorized to offer Canadian Immigration and Citizenship services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Principal Consultant, Pius Chukwuma Ekwulugo RCIC, is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and has helped many foreigners to start a new life in Canada. We will help you too!
For effective and diligent legal help regarding Canadian Immigration matters, we partner with Weekes Law Office.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Are you looking for an immigration pathway to Canada? If you do not know where to look and how to start, we invite you to book an eligibility consultation with us. We will prepare an individualized assessment report for you and guide you on your immigration journey to Canada.
We advise you to complete the assessment questionnaire now in order to properly plan your application.
Canadian Citizenship Requirements:
Canada is rich in culture and opportunity. Many permanent residents want to stay in Canada for the rest of their lives as citizens, and the Canadian Citizenship Application can help them pursue that dream.
Canada is a country filled with opportunities for all individuals seeking to settle down there. Whether you are coming to study, visit, or work, there are numerous pathways to reach your immigration goals. In some cases, many foreigners decide they would like to become permanent residents and eventually Canadian citizens down the road.
Processing time: 12 months
Benefits of Becoming a Canadian Citizen
There are a few reasons why someone permanently living in Canada may want to become a citizen. Some of these benefits include:
Citizenship Requirements
To become a Canadian citizen, most applicants must:
Furthermore, the following issues could affect your eligibility:
Permanent Resident Status (PR Card)
Regardless of your age, if you’re applying for citizenship, you must have a PR Card in Canada.
This means you must not:
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
– Get an application package
The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Use the instruction guide and the document checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything. Make sure you use a version of the application form dated October 2017 or later.
– Pay the application fees
Your fees depend on whether you’re an adult (age 18 and over) or a minor. Your fees may include:
If you’re submitting more than one application at the same time, you can pay all the fees together.
– Submit your application
You must be eligible for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.
Canadian Citizenship Test
Once your application has been approved, you may need to take a citizenship test. The citizenship test is designed to allow you to demonstrate what you know about Canada. There are 20 questions which cover:
The test is administered in either French or English and is 30 minutes long. The test is both multiple-choice and true/false questions. In special cases, the test may be administered orally. You can use the government’s free resources to study for this exam.
You will be invited to take the citizenship test after receiving confirmation that your completed application has started being processed. You will be given a date and time to attend the exam. If you are unable to attend the exam, you will need to write to the government and explain why they need to give you a new date. If you do not have a valid reason, your application may be terminated. If you need to ask for a new date and have a valid reason, you will be given a new date and time.
After the test, you will meet with an official for an interview.
Who Needs to Attend an Interview?
The interview will take place after you have taken your test. During the interview, you will be given your test results. If you pass your test, you will be given a date for your citizenship ceremony. The interview will also cover: your language skills, verify your application/ documentation, and ensure that you meet the requirements for citizenship.
However, if you do not pass your test but meet the other requirements for citizenship, you will be scheduled to take the test again. If you do not pass the second time, you will meet with a citizenship official for another interview. If you do not pass the test after three tries, your application will be refused.
Oath of Citizenship
The oath of citizenship is the final stage of the citizenship process. You will typically receive your ceremony date two weeks before the ceremony. If you are unable to attend, you will need to provide a reason as to why you cannot attend and a new date can be scheduled. The ceremonies take place all across Canada and throughout the year. Special oath ceremonies are held on Canada Day and during Citizenship Week.
– Who Needs to Swear the Oath?
Adults and children 14 or older need to attend the citizenship ceremony and take the oath. Children under 14 are able to attend the ceremony but are not required to swear the oath.
– What Do I Need to Bring?
– What Happens At the Oath Ceremony?
At the ceremony you will be:
A judge or official will preside over the ceremony which will be held with many other applicants. The oath will be read in French and English. You must recite the oath in one of the two languages. You can choose to affirm the oath (done without reference to religious beliefs) or swear the oath (done with reference to religious beliefs). Although both the oath and the national anthem will be provided at the ceremony, you can choose to practice them before the ceremony.
– Applying for a Passport:
Once you are a citizen, you are able to apply for a Canadian passport. You will need this as an official travel document and can apply anytime two business days after your ceremony.
Citizenship for Adults
Your citizenship application package will be based on your age and requirements will differ. For specifically permanent residents 18 years or older, requirements include:
Start your application package today!
Citizenship for Minors
Parent/Guardian Applying for Minor
The application under subsection 5(2) is intended for minors (persons under the age of 18) who are permanent residents of Canada who are applying at the same time as their parent or who already have a Canadian parent. The application form should be completed by the minor’s parent or guardian.
Minor Without Canadian Parent
This application under subsection is intended for minors (under 18) who are permanent residents and:
This application must be made by a person who has custody of the minor or who is empowered to act on their behalf by virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law. The authorized person applying on behalf of the minor does not have to be a Canadian citizen.
Minors who do not have an authorized person to apply on their behalf can request a waiver of this requirement on the application form.
Let Chugo Immigration Services help you with your Citizenship Application
We know the immigration system, so we are aware of the changes that have been made recently to the Citizenship Application and the changes that will soon be made to the payment process. We are familiar with the requirements and skilled at improving an applicant’s chances of approval.
We have helped thousands of permanent residents successfully become Canadian citizens and we can help you too.
Optimize your chances of success!
What are your options for Canadian Immigration? You can consider any of the following pathways to Canadian Immigration:
Chugo Immigration Service is authorized to offer Canadian Immigration and Citizenship services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Principal Consultant, Pius Chukwuma Ekwulugo RCIC, is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and has helped many foreigners to start a new life in Canada. We will help you too!
For effective and diligent legal help regarding Canadian Immigration matters, we partner with Weekes Law Office.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Are you looking for an immigration pathway to Canada? If you do not know where to look and how to start, we invite you to book an eligibility consultation with us. We will prepare an individualized assessment report for you and guide you on your immigration journey to Canada.
We advise you to complete the assessment questionnaire now in order to properly plan your application.
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