Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. There are many advantages to becoming a Canadian citizenship. These include:
- having the right to vote
- employment opportunities
- social programs in health care, education and pension
- property ownership; and
- unrestricted residency.
Canada permits dual or multiple citizenship which can be obtained through several means such as applying for citizenship, being born in Canada, through one of your family members having been born in Canada, marriage to a foreign national and extended residency in a foreign country. There are several ways to become a Canadian citizens. Subject to certain conditions, these include:
1) Naturalization – you can become a citizen by becoming a permanent resident and meeting the residency requirements as a landed immigrant.
2) Parents – one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth even though you were born outside of Canada.
3) British subjects – British subjects residing in Canada at the time the Canadian Citizenship Act came into force on January 1, 1947 (or born to a British subject parent who became a citizen at that time (even though you were born outside of Canada).
Eligibility
You must meet the following requirements in order to become a Canadian citizen:
- Age – you must be at least 18 years or age or older (unless the person applying is the parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian who is already a Canadian citizen or applying to become one with the child, the child is a permanent resident and does not need to reside in Canada for three years.
- Permanent Resident – you must have permanent resident status in Canada and other than children, meet the minimum residency requirements of having resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years from the application date (you cannot be subject to an immigration investigation, inquiry or removal order to leave Canada).
- Language abilities – You must have adequate knowledge of either French or English. Those between the ages of 18 and 54 must send proof of their ability to speak and listen in English and French with their citizenship application (proof includes a CIC approved third party test, transcripts or diploma from a secondary or post-secondary education in English or French or achieving the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher).
- Knowledge of Canada – You must be aware of Canada’s history, values, institutions, symbols, rights and privileges of citizenship. You can read the government’s guide, “Discover Canada” to get general information about Canada. You must also know your rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen.
Once you pass the test and meet all other citizenship requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship.
Your application can take several months.