Whether you’re already in Canada or making plans to immigrate, one of the major goals for many immigrants is becoming a Canadian Citizen. If your ultimate goal is also to obtain a Canadian Citizenship, you’re on the right website. Here at MDSVISA Immigration Services, we not just help you with visa and immigration services, we also help you achieve your immigration goals and that includes obtaining a Canadian Citizenship.
From eligibility requirements to benefits and even a step-by-step process of applying for Canadian Citizenship, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you on your road to becoming a Canadian Citizen. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
Before applying for Canadian citizenship, there are a few criteria you need to satisfy. Let’s go through all of them:
1. Permanent Resident Status
You should be a permanent resident. Your PR status should be valid and not in the process of review against possible fraud in immigration or other legal cases.
2. Physical Presence in Canada
You must have been physically present in Canada at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years immediately before the date of your application.
Days accumulated as a temporary resident, for example, student, worker, or protected person, or as a protected person can count toward the above requirement but only partially. To confirm your eligibility, use the Physical Presence Calculator on the government’s website.
3. Income Tax Filing
You must have filed income taxes in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years under the Income Tax Act.
4. Language Skills
Language ability is a must-have for all individuals between the age groups of 18 to 54 years in order to be eligible for Canadian Citizenship. You will be required to converse and understand either of Canada’s two official languages, English or French at the professional level.
Accepted proof includes a test result from a recognized language test such as IELTS and CELPIP.
5. Citizenship Test
If you are between the ages of 18 and 54, you will need to take a citizenship test. You will be tested on your knowledge about Canada’s history, geography, economy, government structure, laws and symbols, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens. It is multiple-choice in nature, with 20 questions; you will have to correctly answer at least 15 questions.
6. Oath of Citizenship
You will also have to take an Oath of Citizenship. Taking the Oath of Citizenship in a ceremony seals your citizenship. It seals your commitment to uphold Canadian values, laws, and traditions.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Canadian Citizenship
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible
The first step is to understand whether you’re eligible or not through the above eligibility requirements or through the government’s official website here.
Step 2: Download the Citizenship Application Form
Log in to Canada.ca and print out the application form; it contains different forms based on your status as an adult, a minor, or submitting due to specific circumstances, such as adoption.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the application form as required. Attach all the documents in the document checklist, including proof of your PR status, your tax records, language test results, and identification. Incomplete or wrongly completed applications are delayed or rejected.
Step 4: Pay for the Application Fees
As of 20th November 2024, the Canadian Citizenship Application fee is $630 for applicants who are 18 years or older and $100 for applicants under 18 years of age. The fee has two aspects: a processing fee of $530 and the Right of Citizenship fee of $100. Out of these fees, the processing fee is non-refundable while the Right to Citizenship fee is refundable if your application is rejected.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Mail or courier the complete, finished application form to the address included in the instructions. Use a service that provides a tracking number so you can accurately know when it is received.
Step 6: Check on the Status of Your Application
You can check your application status online with a specific number provided to you by IRCC after making the submission.
Step 7: Get Ready to Take the Citizenship Test and Interview
If you have to take one, prepare and get ready to take the citizenship test. You can study the official guide entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship which can help you with most of the questions of the test. Tests are usually written but sometimes oral in specific cases of applicants, such as those with disabilities. Sometimes, some applicants may be asked to appear before an interview for certain questions about the application.
Step 8: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
If your application is successful, you will be sent an invitation to take part in a citizenship ceremony. Here, you will take the Oath of Citizenship at this ceremony, receive your certificate of citizenship, and you will finally be a Canadian citizen.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
There are a number of advantages associated with gaining Canadian citizenship:
- Voting Rights: You will have the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
- Travel: You will get a Canadian passport that offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.
- Employment: Many jobs require one to be a citizen, including government ones.
- Dual Citizenship: Canada has dual citizenship, and hence you will not lose your previous country of citizenship.
Useful Links for Your Citizenship Journey
- Physical Presence Calculator: Calculate your residency days.
- Discover Canada Guide: Official study guide for the citizenship test.
- IRCC Citizenship Services: To track applications and to make general inquiries.
Conclusion
Becoming a Canadian citizen opens new avenues and attaches you more strongly to Canada. Hopefully, this guide will help you successfully get your Canadian citizenship. However, if you still have queries or require relevant professional assistance with your application, you can reach out to us.
More Helpful Resources:
Mistakes to Avoid During the Visa Application Process in Canada
How to Calculate Express Entry Points
Changes to Family Open Work Permit (OWP) Program (Effective January 21, 2025) 
How to Write a Canadian Style Resume to Find a Job in Canada 
Dos and Don’ts of Canadian Social Etiquette and Norms 
How Does the Cost of Living Vary Across Different Provinces and Cities in Canada? 
Holidays, Events & Cultural Celebrations in Canada 
10 Tips To Survive The Canadian Winter as an Immigrant in Canada 
Top 12 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Visa Application Process in Canada 
What Should Newcomers Expect in Their First Year of Moving to Canada? 
How to calculate Express Entry points in 2024? 
Canada Study Permit Extension in 2024 
How to get PR in Canada after study in 2024?