How Do I Become A Canadian Citizen?

Citizenship by Naturalization Process

Naturalization is the legal process that transforms a Permanent Resident into a Canadian Citizen. In order to be naturalized, the Permanent Resident must apply for Citizenship. Permanent Residents who wish to obtain Canadian Citizenship must meet certain criteria. They must:

Be admitted to Canada as a Permanent Resident
Be at least 18 years old or be included with the application of a parent who is over 18 years old;
Make an application for Citizenship
Pay fees;
Provide photos;
Have lived in Canada for at least three years (1095 days) out of the four years prior to applying for Citizenship
Not be under a removal order or declared to be a threat to security or a member of an organized crime group
Show an adequate knowledge of English or French;
Demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of a citizen and pass the Citizenship test; and
Take the Citizenship oath

Proof of Identity and Age

The applicant for Citizenship must be 18 years of age or over and must provide proof of his identity and age by presenting two identity documents such as a passport and a driver’s license. They must establish age by filling a birth certificate or other evidence that shows the date and place of birth, and disclose any version of the name that has been used.

Application Form, Fees and Photos

The applicant must complete the approved Citizenship Application Form which must be postdated. An applicant must pay the fees fixed and provide photos that conform to the size and other dimensions specified. Photos must be signed on the back by both the photographer and the applicant.

Proof of residency

The applicant must meet three conditions of residency:

Lawful admittance to Canada as a Permanent Resident.
No loss of permanent residency: the applicant’s permanent residency must not be invalidated by a failure to maintain the connection with Canada or by an order to leave Canada.
Residence in Canada: must prove residency in Canada for at least three years.

Admissibility

An applicant for Citizenship must not be under a removal order. The applicant must also not be a declared threat to security or a member of an organized crime group. The applicant must disclose any ground of inadmissibility if applicable.

Language Test

The applicant for Citizenship must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of one of Canada’s two official languages. Applicants between the ages of 18-54 are expected to be able to carry out simple everyday conversation in either English or French

Citizenship Test

Applicants are required to take a Citizenship test measuring knowledge of national symbols of Canada and a general understanding of the political, social, geographical, other characteristics of Canada.

Citizenship Oath

When the applicant meets the basic requirements for Citizenship and has passed both the language and Citizenship tests, he/she receives a notice to appear to take the oath of Citizenship. The oath is administered through a special ceremony.

Akrami & Associates has dealt with hundreds of Canadian Citizenship application cases. Therefore, we can help you with your application and arrange the required documents. For further information contact us at:

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!