Citizenship in Canada

In late 2017, significant amendments to Canadian citizenship legislation were implemented, streamlining the application process and making it more efficient than ever.

Citizenship Requirements

Permanent residents seeking Canadian citizenship must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Residency Requirement: Applicants must have resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) within the five years preceding the submission of their citizenship application. Days spent in Canada as a student, visitor, worker, temporary resident, or protected person during this period may count as half days, with a maximum of 365 days contributing toward the total of 1,095 days.
  2. Language Proficiency: Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, meeting the minimum language requirements set by the government.
  3. Knowledge of Canada: Applicants must possess a fundamental understanding of Canadian citizenship rights and responsibilities, as well as knowledge of Canadian history, geography, and political systems. This knowledge will be assessed through the Canadian citizenship test, which must be passed once the application is approved.
  4. Criminal History: Applicants must not have a criminal record that would prohibit the granting of Canadian citizenship.

Ineligibility for Citizenship

Conversely, citizenship applications may be denied for the following reasons:

  • The applicant is not a Canadian permanent resident.
  • The applicant fails to meet or cannot provide evidence of the minimum residency requirements.
  • The applicant does not meet the required language proficiency in either English or French.
  • The applicant fails the Canadian citizenship test and/or interview.
  • The applicant has been ordered to leave Canada.
  • The applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense in the last three years.
  • The applicant has had their citizenship revoked.
  • The applicant is currently on parole, probation, or incarcerated.
  • The applicant has been convicted of or is under investigation for a crime against humanity or a war crime.
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