Canadian Citizenship

The Canadian passport ranks among the most powerful in the world, offering its holders the privilege of easy global travel. Becoming a Canadian citizen carries a range of benefits and advantages that are typically unavailable to individuals holding temporary or permanent resident status. Canadian citizenship provides numerous privileges, including the right to participate in governance, the freedom to live in Canada without time constraints, easier family sponsorship options, and enhanced global travel opportunities.

Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

Visa-Free Travel to Other Countries

Canadian citizens often benefit from the ability to travel to numerous countries without needing a visa. Additionally, Canada permits dual citizenship, enabling individuals to hold a Canadian passport alongside one from their country of origin, provided that nation also allows dual citizenship.

Political Participation

Canadian citizens have the right to vote in federal, provincial, and territorial elections. This allows them to actively participate in shaping the country's political landscape and policies. Moreover, citizens have the opportunity to run for political office and represent their fellow constituents on a variety of crucial issues, such as taxation, education, and foreign policy.

Status Security

Unlike permanent residents, Canadian citizens do not need to worry about residency requirements to maintain their status. They can live outside of Canada for extended periods without risking their citizenship. Additionally, Canadian citizenship is not ordinarily revoked due to criminal convictions, while permanent residents may face deportation for serious offenses.

Expanded Job Opportunities:

Canadian citizens may qualify for certain federal and provincial jobs that require citizenship, including positions involving security clearances. In contrast, permanent residents may find their employment options limited by their status.

Need not to renew the immigration documentation

Unlike permanent residents who must renew their Permanent Resident cards every five years, Canadian citizens do not need to go through the process of renewing their citizenship documentation. A Citizenship Certificate and passport offer long-lasting proof of citizenship. A Citizenship Certificate is indefinitely valid, and citizens who wish to travel internationally only need to renew their passports every ten years. This streamlines the documentation process for citizens and eliminates the need for periodic renewals.

Protection Abroad:

Canadian citizens can seek consular assistance from Canadian embassies or consulates when they encounter difficulties while traveling or residing in other countries.

Cultural and Social Integration:

Canadian citizenship provides a sense of belonging and cultural integration into Canadian society, fostering a deeper connection with the country and its people.

Requirements for applying Canadian Citizenship

The federal department responsible for Canadian citizenship, known as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), oversees the citizenship application process. To qualify for Canadian citizenship, the following conditions must be satisfied:

•   Permanent Resident Status: To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must have acquired and maintained permanent resident status in Canada. This means you need to have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for a specific period, usually three out of the last five years before applying.

•  Physical Presence: During the qualifying period, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (approximately three years). Children under 18 must also have permanent resident status, but do not have to satisfy the three-year requirement.

•  Language Proficiency: Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must provide evidence of adequate knowledge of English or French. This typically involves taking a language test, such as the IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French) and demonstrating proficiency at a certain level. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 54 must submit proof of language proficiency.

• Knowledge of Canada: You must pass a citizenship test that assesses your knowledge of Canada's history, geography, political system, values, institutions, and symbols. This test is usually in the form of a written test. Applicants must be aware of the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

• Criminal History: You must not be under a removal order or subject to certain criminal prohibitions. Any criminal convictions or pending charges may affect your eligibility.

• Intent to Reside: You must declare your intent to reside in Canada after becoming a citizen. This means you should plan to make Canada your home.

• Citizenship Application: Applicants must submit a formal application to IRCC and pay a government processing fee and a right of citizenship fee.

Upon receiving approval, candidates aged between 18 and 54 are obligated to undergo a citizenship examination. Subsequently, Successful applicants must then attend a citizenship ceremony where they receive a certificate of Canadian citizenship and officially become new Canadian citizens.

Online Physical Presence Calculator

The calculator can be employed to determine whether you have met the required physical presence in Canada for citizenship eligibility. If you have satisfied this requirement, the calculator will confirm your eligibility to submit an application. In the event that you have not met the requirement, it will provide you with the information on when you will become eligible to apply. This online calculator is the recommended tool for assessing your physical presence in Canada.

Who is ineligible for Canadian Citizenship?

Canadian citizenship will not be granted to applicants who:

•  Do not meet the minimum required residency days in Canada.

• Cannot speak either English or French if he/she is between 18-54 years of age.

•  Do not pass their citizenship test and/or interview; or

• Cannot provide the required proof of residency documentation.

There are also multiple legal and criminality issues that may make you ineligible for Canadian citizenship. If any of the following apply to you, you may not qualify for citizenship: 

• •  You have had your citizenship taken away within the past five years.

  • You have been convicted of a criminal offence in the past three years.

  • You are in prison, on parole or on probation.

  • You are under removal order from Canada.

  • You are under investigation for or have been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity.

Processing Time

12 months. 

Check processing times.

Government Fee

•  Adult,18 years & over ($649.75 CAD)

• Stateless adult (18 or over) born to Canadian parent ($119.75 CAD)

• Minor, under 18 years ($100.00 CAD)