Becoming a Canadian citizen is not a simple process. There are several laws and criteria Canadian immigration services must adhere to. They want to ensure that only those who are contributing to the country will be accepted.
To ensure this, there are many steps involved. From the application to citizenship, we’ll walk you through on getting Canadian citizenship.
Read on!
Eligibility Requirements of Canadian Citizenship
To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, applicants must meet certain requirements. To start, applicants must be aged 18 or older and must have permanent resident status in Canada.
They must have lived in Canada for three out of the last five years. They must be able to demonstrate knowledge of Canada’s official languages (English and French) with proficiency in one. Other requirements include the following:
- Clean criminal record
- Knowledge of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
- Understanding of Canada’s political system
Lastly, applicants must be willing and able to renounce all other citizenship rights. They must commit to Canada’s democratic values and pledge their allegiance to the Queen of Canada.
Meeting all of the eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship will be beneficial for applicants in the long run, as it opens many transnational and professional opportunities.
Steps to Apply for Citizenship
Applying to be a citizen of Canada is no small feat. But with the right steps, it can be done. The first step is to determine if you are eligible by completing a citizenship eligibility quiz online.
After that, you will likely need to gather the required documents and forms. This includes the following:
- Valid passport
- Proof of your residency in Canada
- Proof of your identity
Next, you must complete the citizenship application form and include any valid supporting documents.
The next step is to pay the applicable fees. Once the application is complete, you must submit it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After your application is received, you may be contacted for an interview to answer questions related to your application.
Upon successful completion, you may receive a confirmation letter from IRCC that you have been granted Canadian citizenship. If you want to know more about being a Canadian citizen, learn how here.
Benefits of Obtaining Canadian Citizenship
Obtaining Canadian citizenship is advantageous in many ways. Becoming a Canadian citizen means having access to government programs and services that are available to Canadian citizens.
These programs and services include access to health care, the ability to participate in provincial elections, and the ability to travel freely within and outside of Canada. Furthermore, having Canadian citizenship gives one the right to access education. It also gives the right to hold certain jobs and the right to live, work and move freely throughout Canada.
Becoming a Canadian citizen is also a great way to show commitment to Canada, enabling one to build a life and take part in the Canadian democratic system.
Canadian citizens also gain access to Canada’s diplomatic services and military services. Ultimately, becoming a Canadian citizen brings with it several great benefits, making it an attractive choice for many people.
Get Your Canadian Citizenship Today
Congratulations! You have now completed your journey to becoming a Canadian citizen! Now, let’s work together to ensure Canadian citizenship is inclusive and accessible to even more people.
Be sure to share your newfound knowledge of Canadian citizenship with those around you. Encourage them to become empowered and inspired to become naturalized citizens just like you!
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