Citizenship

Become a Citizen of Canada

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a major milestone for permanent residents who want to fully integrate into Canadian society. Citizenship offers numerous benefits, including the right to vote, a Canadian passport, and greater job opportunities. If you are ready to take this step, here’s everything you need to know about the Canadian citizenship process.

What Are the Benefits of Canadian Citizenship?

Becoming a Canadian citizen comes with many advantages, including:

• The right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
• Access to a Canadian passport, one of the most powerful passports in the world.
• No need to renew your permanent resident (PR) card or meet residency obligations.
• Eligibility for certain government jobs that require citizenship.
• The ability to pass Canadian citizenship to your children born outside Canada.

Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Permanent Resident Status: You must be a permanent resident (PR) of Canada with no outstanding immigration issues.
• Physical Presence: You must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last 5 years before applying.
• Tax Filing: You must have filed your taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period, if required under Canadian tax laws.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate proficiency in English or French (CLB 4 or higher).
• Citizenship Test: If you are between 18 and 54, you must pass a test on Canadian history, values, institutions, and rights.

Who is NOT Eligible for Canadian Citizenship?

You may not qualify for citizenship if:

• You have an ongoing criminal case or have been convicted of certain crimes.
• You are under a removal order from Canada.
• You have not met the residency requirements.
• You provided false information on your application.

How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship

1. Gather Your Documents: Proof of PR status, travel history, language test results (if required), and tax records.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the online or paper application form accurately.
3. Pay the Fees: The application fee for adults is $630 CAD, while minors applying with parents pay $100 CAD.
4. Submit the Application: Send your application online or by mail to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
5. Take the Citizenship Test & Interview (if applicable): IRCC will invite you to complete the test and attend an interview.
6. Attend the Citizenship Ceremony: If approved, you will take the Oath of Citizenship and officially become a Canadian citizen.

Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship

Citizenship applications typically take 12 to 24 months to process, depending on individual circumstances and application volume.

Start Your Citizenship Application with CIP Immigration!

Applying for Canadian citizenship can be a detailed process, and errors can lead to delays. At CIP Immigration, we ensure your application is accurate and complete, guiding you every step of the way.

Take the final step in your Canadian journey—contact us today to begin your Canadian citizenship application!