How to obtain Canadian citizenship? How is acquiring citizenship in Canada and obtain a Canadian passport? Pros and cons. Methods of obtaining Canadian citizenship. Requirements. Conditions. Documents. Procedure for obtaining a Canadian passport. Reasons for rejection.

Canadian citizenship offers individuals affiliation to a free, democratic, and multicultural society that boasts the highest quality of life for its citizens, according to the UN. The country’s economic, social, and political stability provides its citizens with a sense of peace and confidence. Possessing a Canadian passport is considered prestigious, granting maximum opportunities for free movement, residency, and employment across all continents.

Who can acquiring Citizenship in Canada?

To obtain Canadian citizenship, individuals must meet the requirements outlined in current immigration legislation. Citizenship can be acquired automatically through birth or descent (outside Canada) if one of the child’s parents is a Canadian citizen. Naturalization is another route to citizenship, requiring a minimum of three years of legal residency in the country. Individuals with legal problems during their stay in Canada, those who have been stripped of citizenship, are under investigation, or are evading punishment are ineligible.

What does the Canadian passport provide?

Canadian citizenship offers numerous benefits to migrants from another countries.. These benefits include unrestricted access to employment, social benefits and programs, travel to 176 countries worldwide, discounted education at universities, voting rights in state-level elections, the ability to hold multiple citizenships, and the opportunity to sponsor family members to live in Canada.

Here is a short list:

  • Access to all social benefits and programs
  • Canada’s social protection is considered one of the best in the world
  • Allows for unrestricted travel to 176 countries worldwide
  • Access to discounted education in universities
  • The right to vote in state-level elections
  • The right to hold multiple citizenships simultaneously
  • The ability to invite family members to live in Canada

However, the process of acquiring a Canadian passport can be lengthy and bureaucratic. Failure to maintain permanent residency in Canada can lead to loss of medical and social benefits, and all citizens are required to undergo an annual income declaration procedure.

Requirements for Canadian Citizenship Application

To apply for Canadian citizenship, there are specific conditions and requirements that candidates must meet. These include being of legal age, having a permanent residency status for at least five years, and residing in Canada for three years without leaving on the basis of immigration programs. Candidates must not leave Canada for more than six months before submitting their application, must be proficient in either English or French, which are the official languages, and must pass a Canadian history exam.

Minors do not need to fulfill these conditions to obtain Canadian citizenship. Children under 18 can acquire Canadian citizenship if one of their parents holds a Canadian passport or is in the process of obtaining one. Applicants over 58 years old are also exempt from taking exams and language proficiency certification.

Methods for Obtaining Canadian Citizenship

There are several ways to obtain Canadian citizenship, each requiring careful consideration of the applicant’s age, education, status, goals, priorities, and other relevant details.

To enter Canada, there are two types of visas available – temporary residence visas (non-immigrant) and permanent residence visas (immigrant). Non-immigrant visas include:

  • Tourist visa – for the duration of the trip
  • Guest visa – for the period specified by the inviting party
  • Work visa – issued based on an invitation from a Canadian employer for the period of the employment relationship specified in the contract
  • Study visa – for the period of study at Canadian educational institutions.

While these visas can lead to long-term stays and even permanent residency status in Canada, they do not guarantee citizenship. Specific immigration programs are crucial for obtaining permanent citizenship, which offer permanent residency status. Canada has several federal (valid throughout Canada) and provincial (specific provinces) immigration programs that provide opportunities for highly qualified specialists with relevant education and work experience.

Criteria for obtaining an immigration visa

Skilled worker: This category applies to candidates who have a high-demand profession at the national level. Applicants should have an IELTS score of at least 6, relevant work experience of one year, and recommendations from employers.

Business: This visa is for individuals who want to conduct business activities in Canada with a minimum capital of CAD 300,000 and at least two years of positive experience in this field. Priority is given to startups and unique businesses.

Investment in economic development: This category is for those who invest at least CAD 400,000 in the Canadian economy.

Family reunification: This visa is for Canadian relatives who are willing to provide financial support to the immigrating family member. This obligation lasts for a period of 3 to 10 years.

Education: This category applies to those who have passed entrance exams at accredited educational institutions and plan to continue working after graduation.

Humanitarian grounds: This category is for those seeking asylum for various reasons, such as war or persecution based on nationality, politics, race, or religion.

To acquire Canadian citizenship, foreign nationals must complete 5 crucial steps

  1. Choose an immigration program that suits their situation.
  2. Secure an immigration visa.
  3. Enter Canada.
  4. Obtain Permanent Residency based on the immigration program selected.
  5. Reside continuously in Canada for 3 years.

Once the above steps are completed, applicants can submit an application with the necessary documents to the immigration office to obtain Canadian citizenship.

The process of obtaining Canadian citizenship involves the following steps:

  1. Fill out the prescribed immigration forms.
  2. Provide fingerprints.
  3. Confirm basic proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages.
  4. Pass an exam on Canadian laws, history, and culture.
  5. Attend an interview with an immigration office representative to assess conversational language proficiency.
  6. Take the Oath of Citizenship by participating in a ceremony to become a Canadian citizen.

Upon arriving as a permanent resident, an individual is issued a Permanent Residence card for five years, which can be renewed indefinitely if the decision to become a Canadian citizen has not been made.

Documents

To apply for immigration, an applicant will need:

  • Filled out CIT002E form
  • Application with two photographs taken within the last year
  • The owner of the photos aged 14 or over must sign them
  • Payment of government fees

Additionally, copies of the following must be attached:

  • Permanent resident card
  • Medical insurance;
  • Driver’s and pension licenses if applicable
  • Income tax returns for the last three years
  • Tax clearance certificates
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Bank statements
  • Documents showing proof of residence (property ownership or lease agreement)
  • Language test results of CLB4+ (French or English) or diploma from a Canadian institution
  • Employment contract (for skilled worker program applicants)
  • Business operation documents if they contributed to the application
  • Marriage certificates if one of the spouses has a Canadian passport
  • Education documents

There are no specific timelines for a response to an application. Each case is reviewed individually. The applicant receives a notification that their application has been accepted and is being processed. After all checks are completed, and with a successful result, the authorities will send an invitation to the next step – the examination. The letter specifies the location and time of the test, which cannot be changed.

If a candidate fails the test, they have another opportunity to retake it a few months later. If they fail a second time, an interview with a judge is held, who makes a decision on a case-by-case basis. Once the test is passed, the candidate is scheduled for a mandatory citizenship ceremony led by a judge, where they recite the Oath.

Good to know: Guide to acquiring Australian Citizenship: Process and 6 Requirements

Dual Citizenship

Canada recognizes multiple citizenships while also becoming Canadian citizens, as long as they take an oath of allegiance to Canada. This means they are obligated to pay taxes in both countries, but they must register their Canadian citizenship with the appropriate authorities in initial country.

Can the Canadian passport application be denied and what to do?

If an applicant for a Canadian passport provides false information, has violated the law within the past three years, poses a threat to Canada’s national security, is under deportation status, or has been stripped of Canadian citizenship, their application may be denied. If this happens, the applicant can reapply after five years.

If spouses apply for citizenship simultaneously and one is denied, it does not automatically mean that the other cannot obtain citizenship, as each immigration application is assessed individually. However, Canadian citizenship may be revoked from those who have not resided in the country for more than ten years.

Canada’s government policy aims to attract immigrants as a factor in the country’s economic development. To become a permanent resident and citizen, it is important to meet the immigration requirements, including having a desirable profession, sufficient financial resources, good health, and an impeccable background.