A Guide to Canadian Citizenship Requirements

You’ve watched the home channels showcasing Canadian suburbia at its best, you've drooled at the posts documenting the country’s vibrant foodie culture and you’ve read the reports of all the promising job prospects available in the Great White North over the last few months. If that’s not a sign that Canada’s calling, we don’t know what is! With the Canadian government’s goal of welcoming 1.23 million immigrants to become permanent residents by 2023, the time has never been better to set off on your journey to becoming a Canuck. So, let's explore all the Canadian Citizenship requirements and get you on your way to frolicking amongst the maple leaves, eh!

What Do I Have to do to Be Eligible for Canadian Citizenship?

To qualify for Canadian Citizenship, you will have to meet the requirements set by the Government of Canada. You must:

Ø  Have Canadian permanent resident status

Ø  Have lived in the country for at least three years out of a five-year period

Ø  Take and pass a test for citizenship

Ø  Demonstrate proficiency in English and/or French

It’s important to note that there will be additional requirements under the following circumstances:

Ø  If you apply for someone under the age of 18

Ø  If you’re a Canadian citizen wanting to apply for citizenship for a child you’re adopting from another country

Ø  If you are or have been in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and apply via a set fast-track process

Ø  If you’re a former citizen of Canada and would like to become one again

Canadian Citizenship Requirements Explained

1.     Permanent Resident Status

Irrespective of how old you are, you’ll have to have obtained Canadian permanent residency if you are going to apply to become a citizen of the Great White North. Note, however, that there are several things that will be reviewed in your application for Canadian citizenship.

2.     Time Spent Living in Canada (physical presence)

This refers to time physically spent living in Canada. It is advised that you should try to apply for Canadian citizenship only once you have spent over 1,095 days in the country. This applies to minors as well. Spending extra days up north will count in your favor.

Top Tip: You can track your time spent outside of Canada by keeping a travel logbook. This will assist in keeping track of your time spent in the country.

3.     Language Requirements

When it comes to official languages, Canadians have two - English and French. Adults aged 18 to 54 will have to prove that they are proficient in one or both languages. To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you’ll have to meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level four or higher. By being able to do this shows that you can: 

Ø  Communicate effectively when it comes to day-to-day engagement

Ø  Follow basic instructions, questions as well as directions

Ø  Communicate using at least a basic level of grammar and construct simple sentences

Ø  Have a basic vocabulary 

4.     The Canadian Citizenship Test

As with the language tests, you’ll have to take a Canadian citizenship test if you are 18 and older. The test will be conducted in either French or English. It runs for a duration of 30 minutes and consists of 20 multiple choice questions. You’ll have to get 15 of them correct to pass. You will have to have knowledge of:

Ø  Canadian history

Ø  Canadian geography

Ø  The economic climate in Canada

Ø  The government of Canada

Ø  Canadian regulations and laws

Ø  Relevant Canadian signs, symbols, etc. 

5.     Canadian Income Tax in Canada

There’s a chance you’ll have to submit your tax returns in Canada for a minimum of three out of five years before applying for Canadian citizenship. Make sure that you find out if you are due to file tax returns, and if you are, make sure you know which income tax package to use, how to submit your tax returns and by when to do it. You should submit a tax return if you:

Ø  Are eligible to pay taxes for the 12-month period

Ø  Need a tax refund

Ø  Require tax breaks or benefits

Your move to apply to become a Canadian citizen is probably the best one you’ll ever make. While the application process may be daunting and filled with complicated paperwork, you’ll find that things go smoothly once you know what to expect and have conducted thorough research on all the requirements. Our team Sia Immigration is here to guide you through each step of your Canadian Citizenship application process. With so many opportunities waiting in Canada, don't wait another day. Apply for Canadian citizenship today!

Source Link - https://www.siaimmigration.com/blog/Canadian-Citizenship-Requirements

Location: British Columbia, Canada

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