|
How to become a Canadian citizen |
|
|
|
Page 1 of 2 Here's an interesting statistic: Some 84 per cent of all eligible
immigrants to Canada go on to obtain citizenship. That percentage is
higher than in virtually any other country that accepts immigrants, a
testament to how many newcomers go on to consider Canada home.
(By contrast, in Australia, where the residency requirement is a
minimum of two years, only three-quarters of eligible immigrants obtain
citizenship, while the figures for the UK and the US are even lower at
50% and 40% respectively).
So how exactly does one become a Canadian citizen? Let's start with the basic requirements.
You need to be:
- 18 years or older.
- A permanent resident of Canada.
- Able to communicate in English or French.
- Free of any criminal record.
- Living in Canada for at least three years out of the four years immediately preceding your application for citizenship.
[A couple of points to note: If you have lived in Canada before
becoming a permanent resident, that time can be added on as half time
if it falls within those four years. And unless there are exceptional
circumstances, time spent outside of Canada (other than for short
vacations) will not be counted towards the calculation of the 1095 days
required to qualify for Canadian citizenship.]
Apart from these requirements, you also need to learn about the rights
and responsibilities of Canadians, some things about Canada’s history
and geography, and the country's political system. This knowledge will
be put to the test in the final stage of your citizenship application.
(More on the Citizenship Test later).
Let's start with the application process.
First off, you need to get the citizenship application forms, which you can find on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website
or by calling the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100. The call centre's
automated system will guide you through the steps needed to get your
application form.
If you have a child who is under 18, you may apply for your child’s
citizenship at the same time. Children do not need to have lived in
Canada for three years to become citizens, but they do need to be
permanent residents.
When downloading or calling in for forms, you need to suppply the
names, ages and date of permanent resident status for everyone you are
applying for, your full address (including the postal code) and the
number of adult and children’s forms you need.
You also need to keep your credit card handy. There is a $200 charge
($100 for minors) which includes fees for processing and the right to
citizenship. Half the adult fee is refundable if you fail the test.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can ask for a fee receipt to be
mailed to you (takes about two weeks), and pay the amount at any major
bank. The receipt will be stamped by the bank teller when you pay your
fees. Attach the completed fee receipt to your citizenship application
form.
You will need to send in two citizenship photographs with your
application. Note that this photograph must meet very specific
criteria, so when you go to have your picture taken at a photo studio,
you must ask for a 'citizenship photograph'. Most studios will be able
to do this for you, including those at a Walmart or Sears.
Read the instructions contained in the guide carefully before
completing the citizenship application form. The fee for processing
your form and your children’s forms is not refundable, so make sure you
are ready to become a citizen before applying.
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>
|
Features 
