Information You Need to Know about Canadian Citizenship

Canadian Citizenship

If you are eligible for Canadian citizenship, that means you have reached the milestone for your immigration journey. Being a Canadian citizen means you have more privileges than permanent residents do. For example, Canadian citizens have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote and even more, actually become involved with a political party or leadership campaign. Furthermore, you do not need to worry about the expiry date of your permanent residence and your residency requirements. In this blog, you will learn about how to become a Canadian citizen.

How Can I be Eligible for Canadian Citizenship

The eligibility of Canadian citizenship revolves around your permanent residency, residency obligations, knowledge of Canada, and language proficiency. More detailed requirements are shown below.

• Applicants must have Canadian permanent resident status and meet the residency obligation (present in Canada for at least 1,095 days out of the past five years before applying).
•  Children under 18 must also have permanent resident status, but do not have to satisfy the three-year requirement.
•  Applicants, who are between the ages of 18 and 54, must demonstrate the ability to communicate in English and/or French. This is done by submitting proof of language proficiency.
•  Applicants cannot criminal inadmissibility
•  Applicants must have adequate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, Canada’s geography, political system, and history.
•  Applicants must submit a complete application to IRCC.
•  Applicants must pay the required government fee.

Citizenship Test

Applicants, who are between the ages of 18 and 54, are required to take the citizenship test. The purpose of taking the test is to shows Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada what you know about Canada. It is usually written, but you may be asked to have an interview with a citizenship officer. More specifically, you will answer questions about Canadian:

• citizens’ rights, freedoms, and responsibilities
• democracy
• society and ways to take part
• physical and political geography
• social and cultural history and symbols
• political and military history

Taking the citizenship test is an essential part of becoming a Canadian citizen. If you are not available on the date and time of your test appointment, you will need to email or write to the local office that sent you the notice explaining the reason why you are not available. On the other hand, you can use IRCC’s online web form to explain why you are unable to take the test. Generally, once IRCC or the local office receives your e-mail or letter, you will be scheduled for a test on a different date. It is important for you to remember that if you don’t provide an explanation, or your explanation is not reasonable, IRCC may stop processing your application and not grant you citizenship.

If you pass and meet the other requirements for citizenship, you will receive an email or a letter with the date and time of your citizenship ceremony. Alternatively, you can receive the ceremony date at the same time you receive the test result.

If you do not pass test for the first time, but meet the other requirements for citizenship, IRCC will schedule you for a second test. If you do not pass your second test, IRCC will notify you to come to an interview with a citizenship officer. The interview typically will last 30 to 90 minutes, and it gives you the chance to show your language proficiency and knowledge of Canada.

Citizenship Ceremony

Applicants who successfully complete the citizenship test and interview will be notified to attend a citizenship ceremony. The ceremony will usually take place within three months after your test. At the ceremony, all applicants are required to sing the Canadian national anthem and take the Oath of Citizenship in either English or French before a citizenship judge. Once you complete the entire process, you will be granted your Canadian citizenship. You will receive your citizenship certificate as your proof that you are officially a Canadian citizen. The certificate will show the date that you became a citizen.

Dual Citizenship in Canada

Many countries, including Canada, permit dual citizenship. This means you do not have to give up your previous citizenship once you become a Canadian citizen. This does not apply to other countries, though. Each country has its own set of rules and laws regarding dual citizenship, and therefore, individuals seeking Canadian citizenship should consult their native government, embassy, or consulate for complete information regarding the impact on their current citizenship status should they become a Canadian citizen.

Having dual citizenship can be both beneficial and harmful. Apart from possibly having your previous citizenship revoked, you may be caught between two countries’ legalities, taxation, compulsory military service, and other potential problems. As a result, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding dual or multiple citizenship in each country of citizenship.

Contact Akrami and Associates

Preparing for the citizenship application can be exhausting and overwhelming. It is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to submit the application. Akrami & Associates work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients obtain Canadian citizenship. So, if you want to become a Canadian citizen, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!