Becoming a citizen of Canada can be an important step, especially for those who are already Permanent Residents in Canada. As soon as you have spent a few years in Canada as a permanent resident, you may begin to consider applying for Canadian citizenship. In fact, the journey from being a Permanent Resident in Canada to a full-fledged citizen carries many advantages. All citizens have the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and enjoy more protection under Canadian law.
As a permanent resident, you have probably already experienced many of the benefits from living in this diverse and welcoming country. However, taking that next step toward citizenship enables one to participate in the fullness of the nation’s civic life and affords even more opportunities. The following blog will help you through the Canadian Citizenship Application process after becoming a Permanent Resident in Canada, with easy steps and tips.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
Permanent Resident in Canada
To apply for citizenship in Canada, there are some requirements that you are supposed to meet. The first requirement is that you should be a Permanent Resident in Canada. In such a situation, in case your permanent residency card has expired, so long as your permanent resident status is valid, you can apply for citizenship. You should not have any unsettled residency obligations or serious legal problems, such as deportation orders.
Residency Requirement and Tax Obligations
You must have lived in Canada for at least three out of five years of the last five years. This equates to 1095 days. You also must have paid your taxes on time during this period, which would include filing taxes if expected and paying any due income taxes.
Language Proficiency and Citizenship Test
You will also have to show language proficiency in either the English or French language if you are between 18 and 54 years of age. You will also be required to take a citizenship test that will assess your knowledge of Canadian history, values, and government.
Prepare for the Application to Become a Canadian Citizen
Required Documents to Get Ready
Second, once you have met the eligibility criteria, prepare your application for Canadian Citizenship. This basically means that you first assemble all the documents that are needed. These may include the Permanent Resident in Canada card, proof of language ability, tax records, and details of travel history over the past five years.
Application Form Completion
Download the citizenship application form from the Government of Canada website and fill it in. Ensure that all information is correct; failure may delay processing. You have to pay an application fee. This fee is non-refundable.
Canadian Citizenship Application Submissions
Online or Mail Submission
After going through the proper procedures, now it is time to submit your application for Canadian Citizenship. You may be in a position to submit it online or by mail including all the supporting documentation that could be asked for, failure to which the process might get delayed due to incomplete information.
Acknowledgment and Review
Once you have made the application, IRCC will confirm receipt. They will then review your application to make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements such as residency and language skills.
Taking the Citizenship Test
Overview of the Test
One of the most important features of the process in getting your Canadian Citizenship is an examination. You must be between 18 and 54 years of age when taking this examination to qualify for citizenship. The exam would usually be composed of multiple-choice and true or false questions amounting to 20, and you must correctly get at least 15 to allow you to pass.
Attending the Citizenship Ceremony
Taking the Oath of Citizenship
The final stage, after passing the test in the Canadian Citizenship Application, will be your attendance at the Citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Citizenship and be admitted into Canadian citizenship.
Receiving Your Certificate of Citizenship
This is the certificate that will be given to you during the ceremony as proof of your new status. From this day forward, you are no longer just a Permanent Resident in Canada; you are a full citizen with new rights and responsibilities.
Benefits of Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Increased Availability of Job Opportunities
Citizenship opens more opportunities, most especially in government jobs. You can live and work anywhere in Canada without losing any status when you are abroad.
Passing Citizenship to Future Generations
The citizens of Canada have the right to give their citizenship to their children regardless of where they are born. This will ensure that successors in future generations will have advantages of Canadian citizenship.
This is one step that almost any Permanent Resident in Canada will have to undergo. The application process for Canadian citizenship may apparently seem much longer than what it actually is, but the process is relatively simpler if you just go with what’s required. Just make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, make your application with due care, pass the citizenship test, and attend the oath-taking ceremony, and you will soon emerge as a proud citizen of Canada. The benefits of citizenship are well worth it and will bring you more rights, opportunities, and security to continue on with your journey here in this beautiful country.
