How to apply and obtain Canadian citizenship?

What is citizenship?

Respect for diversity and a commitment to social justice are Canadian values. As a peaceful nation, we take pride in our reputation. In fact, Canadians serve as peacekeepers in a wide range of countries.

Despite the country’s size, Canada has a relatively small population. We have developed a unique federal form of government based on compromise and cooperation. Every citizen is encouraged to do their part because we place a high value on our democracy. Our democratic values form the foundation of our laws.

Benefits of getting Canadian citizenship?

Following are the benefits :

• As a Canadian citizen, you are not required to give up your citizenship in your home country. When it comes to making that decision, it depends on where you’re from.
• A high level of security clearance is required for some jobs, and this is only available to citizens. Some of these positions fall under the purview of the federal government. These positions tend to pay well and offer a wide range of perks.
• People in Canada have a say in who governs the country’s various levels of government, which includes the ability to vote, run for office, and participate in political activities.
• Passports are easier to renew and require less frequent renewals than permanent residency cards.
• If you are a Canadian citizen and have children, their citizenship automatically transfers to them. They won’t have to fill out an application or anything like that. Citizenship can be conferred at birth on children born outside of Canada if at least one of their parents was born or naturalized in this country.
• Tax laws in Canada are based on where you live, not where you were born. If you’re a citizen but don’t live in Canada, you’re exempt from paying taxes in that country.

Eligibility and Who can apply

• Must be a permanent resident
• have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
• have filed all taxes,
• Must pass a citizenship test
• prove your language skills

There are some additional requirements

• If you are applying for a minor (under age 18)
• someone from Canada applying for your child born outside of the country.
• the fast-track process is being used by a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or a former member of the CAF
• a citizen wishing to reclaim his or her Canadian citizenship (including current and former CAF members)

Documents required

• Form CIT 0407, your original printout of the Online Physical Presence Calculation (PDF, 1.8 MB)
• Color photocopy of all pages (valid or expired) of your passport or travel document, including the biographical page, which includes: your name, photo; date, and place of birth; passport/travel document number; issue and expiration dates; and the expiration date.
• If you do not have these documents, or if there is a gap in the validity dates of your travel documents, explain this in question 14 on the application form. “
• a copy of two personal identification documents
• a photocopy of the biographical page of your passport
• permanent resident card (PR card)
• driver’s license
• health insurance card
• senior citizen identification card
• age of majority card
• foreign identity documents, such as a passport or government-issued identification documents
• For more information, you can check here.

How to apply?

Applying online 

• Online citizenship applications are now available for some potential Canadian citizens.

Applying on the paper

This package contains everything you need to get started, including a detailed guide and all necessary forms. In order to ensure that you don’t miss anything, refer to the instruction guide and the document checklist.

• The day before you sign the application form, you must be eligible to become a citizen of Canada.
• sign the application form
• Using a date in the future or the past is not acceptable, so date the form when you sign it.
• Have the same application date and physical presence calculation on each of your subsequent application forms and forms. Adult and minor.

You must submit your completed application form and all of the required documents from the checklist.

• by mail or courier

• Address for regular mail

  Case Processing Centre—Sydney
  Citizenship Grants
  P.O. Box 7000
  Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 6V6
  Canada

  Address for courier mail

  Case Processing Centre—Sydney
  Citizenship Grants
  47–49 Dorchester Street
  Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 5Z2

Types of Citizenship

Canadian citizen by birth

• As defined by Canadian law, this group includes people who became citizens immediately upon their birth.

Canadian citizen by naturalization

• Those who were not born in Canada but obtained Canadian citizenship as a result of the country’s laws fall into this category. They are newcomers to Canada who became citizens after submitting an application for citizenship.

What are the fees?

You can check here.

What are the types of citizenship tests?

1. Online citizenship Test

• You have 21 days from the date of your invitation to take your test or retake it to do so. You must wait for your invitation before you can begin.
• The test must be completed within 21 days of the invitation’s start date.
• has a 21-day window to take the exam at any time (including weekends and holidays)
• there is just one chance per invitation to take the test

2. In person citizenship Test

• Everyone’s timetable for completing the application process and taking the citizenship test is unique. Our processing times and your case both factor into this.
• in-person tests for citizenship
• We’ve started inviting some applicants to take the online citizenship test.
• Further information can be checked here.

What to bring for the test and interview?

• to receive a “Notice to Appear” informing you that you must appear for testing
• your permanent resident (PR) card (if you had one)
• 1 photo id driver’s license or health card
• foreign ID documents must be government-issued
• provide an affidavit from the translator with the translation
• everything you listed on the application form, including any and all current and expired passports.
• transcript, diploma, degree, or certificate attesting to your command of the English or French language
• Your “Notice to Appear” letter may ask for additional paperwork.