Citizenship
People born in Canada are Canadian citizens by birth . Those born abroad to a parent who is a first generation Canadian citizen is also a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents also have the opportunity to apply and gain Canadian citizenship this process is called " naturalization" , children born to parents who are naturalized Canadian citizens are also Canadians by birth.
Permanent residents looking to apply for Canadian citizenship need to meet certain criteria to be eligible :
They have to have lived in Canada for 1095 days - 3 years in the last 5 years.
Filed their taxes
Pass a citizenship test
Prove language skills in English or French by taking a knowledge exam.
Take the oath of citizenship.
There are additional requirements if you are :
Applying for a minor
A Canadian applying for your adopted child that is born outside Canada
Current or former Canadian Armed Forces ( CAF) member applying under the fast -track process
A past Canadian citizen who wants their citizenship back.
A spouse is NOT automatically granted citizenship when the applicant is granted their citizenship . They must meet the same criteria.
Language Skills :
If you are between 18-54 years old on the day you sign the application you must pass the knowledge test. Speaking and listening skills have to be the equivalent of a level 4 CLB. Proof of the test must be submitted with the application. You are exempt for taking the knowledge test if you are younger than 18 years old or older than 54.
Citizenship Test:
Citizenship test is required for applicants between the age of 18 - 54 on the day they sign the application. The test will ask questions about :
the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens
Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols
You are exempt for taking the citizenship test if you are younger than 18 years old or older than 54.
Oath of Citizenship :
Citizenship will NOT be granted if you do not take the oath. The oath is required from all applicants 14 years old and older if their application is approved.
Dual Citizenship :
Canada allows dual citizenship ; you are not required to abandon your original citizenship when you become a Canadian citizen.
Revocation of Citizenship :
When a permanent resident obtains their citizenship by fraud , false pretenses or knowingly concealing material circumstances. These grounds for revocation could have occurred at the time of applying for permanent residency or Canadian citizenship . Once this comes to light , a request for information letter is sent followed by a notice of intent to revoke by the minister. The citizen is given 60 days to respond. Consequences are as severe as issuing a removal order.
Renunciation of Citizenship :
A Canadian citizen may renounce their citizenship if they :
Are a citizen of another country
are not subject to a security declaration
Are not a minor
are not prevented from understanding the significance of renunciation - may be waived by the minister.
Do not reside in Canada - may be waived by the minister
Resumption of Citizenship:
A former Canadian citizen may resume their citizenship if they :
Submit an application
Citizenship was not revoked
Are not subject to a security declaration
Are not prohibited
Are not under a removal order
Became a permanent resident after having ceased to become a Canadian Citizen and fulfilled all conditions associated.
Have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for 365 days during the immediate 2 years before the application
filed their taxes in the year prior to the application
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