Canadian Citizenship

The Canadian Citizenship Act came into force on 1 January 1947. It was the first nationality law to define people as Canadian. The creation of Canadian citizenship was an important expression of the country's growing sense of national identity.

The 1977 Citizenship Act (which received royal assent in 1976) came into force on 15 February 1977. Most provisions of the Act still apply today. It ensures that both native-born and naturalized citizens are equally entitled to all the rights of a citizen, and subject to all the duties of a citizen.

Becoming a Canadian citizen comes with benefits that are not available to permanent residents, such as: access to restricted jobs; the right to vote and run for political office; and the ability to travel with a Canadian passport.

A Citizenship Certificate is valid indefinitely and Canadian citizens who wish to travel internationally need only renew their passports every ten years.

To become a Canadian citizen, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years or older
  • Be a permanent resident
  • Have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years (a total of 1095 days)
  • Have filed your taxes
  • If you need to pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada (if you are between 18-54 years of age)
  • Prove your English or French language skills (if you are between 18-54 years of age)

While applying for Canadian citizenship, you:

  • Can’t have any unfulfilled conditions relating to your permanent resident status
  • Can’t be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada)
  • Can’t be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds

What are the steps to Canadian Citizenship?

  • You must submit a formal application to IRCC and pay a government processing fee and a right of citizenship fee
  • Upon receipt of the application by CIC, a formal notice of confirmation is sent to you
  • As a next step, you need appear for a knowledge exam (written/oral)
  • Upon successful completion of the knowledge exam and meeting all other requirements, you will be invited to attend a ceremony to take the oath of citizenship
  • You will receive your citizenship certificate towards the completion of the ceremony

Our team can assist you with the process, and help avoid errors that tend to be overlooked more often than not, while submitting your citizenship application.