Changes to Citizenship 2015

Changes To Citizenship

In 2014 a bill was passed known as Bill C-24 Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act. This bill was passed to amend the citizenship act. Amendments done under this bill are:

Establishing and clarifying the meaning of being a resident in Canada
Changing the period of residing in Canada in order to get citizenship
Making a faster process of citizenship for those serving or have served in Canadian Armed Forces
A person must have knowledge of Canada and one of the official languages to be eligible for citizenship
Changes to the age requirements for those that need to show language and Canadian knowledge for citizenship
Income tax requirements for applicants of Canadian citizenship
Citizenship for an adopted person—the adoption must have been according to international adoption law
Citizenship granted to certain individuals and their descendants who previously did not acquire citizenship under previous legislation
Citizenship granted to children born or adopted by parents who were born or adopted by crown servants
Increase in period during which a person is barred from applying for citizenship after being convicted of certain crimes
Increasing the maximum penalties for offences associated with citizenship
Citizenship consultants are to be regulated
Limiting the role of citizenship judges
Allowing for judicial review of any matter under this act
Minister has discretionary power to grant citizenship in special cases
Application has to be complete to be accepted for processing
Authorizing for regulations to be made under the act regarding disclosure of information
Revoking of citizenship for dual citizens who engaged in actions contrary to Canadian interests

These changes if haven’t already been implicated will start to be put into practice in June 2015.

For further information on the changes to citizenship please contact Akrami & Associates.

Shabnam Akrami

Shabnam Akrami is the Managing Partner and Founder of Akrami & Associates. p> Prior to receiving her Paralegal Diploma with Honours, she completed her Law Degree from the UK at the University of London as well as completed a Post Graduate Diploma. In addition, she has also graduated from York University where she received both her Bachelor in Criminology and Masters in Socio-Legal Studies. She is also a Member in good standing with Law Society of Upper Canada. Prior to opening her own firm, she gained extensive experience in corporate immigration law; specializing in work permits, temporary resident permits and rehabilitation cases. She has in depth and hands on experience in all Canadian Immigration and Citizenship matters. These matters include preparation and submission of applications for permanent residence, work permits, NAFTA applications, labour market opinions, temporary resident permits, sponsorships, and business investors. Shabnam is dedicated to all her clients and committed to the successful completion of all the immigration matters in her care. With Shabnam, there is always a way!