Have you been living in Canada for a while and want it to be your permanent residency? Before becoming a permanent resident, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Matching the eligibility criteria is very important when it comes to Canadian citizenship. After you match the eligibility criteria, there will be a series of checks and verifications. Once completed, you can be a permanent resident of this country.

1. The Eligibility Criteria For Canadian Citizenship

1.1. Permanent Residency

To become a Canadian citizen, one must be a permanent resident. A permanent resident enjoys the same rights as other Canadian citizens but has a residency permit, which they must update annually.

But one big drawback is that if you’re not a citizen of Canada, you can’t vote or run for any government body. On the contrary, you can be a permanent resident and enjoy benefits like health care and education.

Keep the following in mind when getting your permanent residence certificate:

• Your visa shouldn’t be under review due to fraud.
• You shouldn’t have a removal order against you.
• Make sure to fill in the PR status correctly.

1.2. The Condition Of Physical Presence

Before applying for citizenship, ensure you have been physically present in Canada for 1,095 days. This step applies to minors or adults who don’t have a parent or child living in Canada. But this also spares people who have parents or children staying in Canada.

Since 1095 is the least number of days you should be physically present in Canada, try to be present physically more than the said time. This will prevent any further complications, even if there is a mistake in calculation.

1.3. Filing Taxes

If you have lived in Canada for 3 to 5 years, you must have filed income tax. On the day you reach Canada, you make residential ties. And, when you have built enough ties or relationships, you become a resident in the eyes of tax officials. Residential status differs in terms of income tax and immigration system.

If you were a Canadian citizen but left the country and then returned, you will still be considered a resident when you re-establish your ties and pay taxes.

1.4. Citizenship Test

When you submit your Canadian citizenship application, officials check all the papers and send back an acknowledgment of receipt. After some time, they will invite you for a citizenship test and interview.

The eligibility criteria of the age of the applicants for the citizenship test ranges from 18 to 54. If you’re between this age range on the day you apply, you must take this test to be a Canadian citizen. Canadian government takes a toll on your knowledge about Canada. You have to answer questions regarding different aspects of Canada. If you have any special requirements about the test, you can inform the officials.

The Canadian government checks the understanding and awareness of citizenship application candidates about the country’s history, geography, culture, law, economy, symbols, and other aspects. After that, the candidates need to sit for an interview.

1.5. Language Proficiency

This test measures your ability to speak Canada’s two official languages: English and French. You need to speak and listen at a specific level, and the citizenship official will review your results.

The officials will monitor your communication throughout the process and assess your speaking and comprehension skills in these two languages.

If you can converse about daily topics and understand the instructions, you are on the verge of successfully clearing this test. In addition, you also need to be able to express yourself correctly in English and French and should be able to follow proper grammar while constructing sentences.

2. How To Register For The Process?

The IRCC website contains all the forms and the list of documents that you need to provide. You must fill out the forms and apply online.

After this step, you will receive an AOR and a unique client identifier. The officials will also provide more location details regarding the citizenship test and interview.

3. What Is Forbidden?

Your criminal history matters in foreign nationals. It does in Canada, too. Your criminal record will always be checked when you move places.

Imprisonment is one thing that will prohibit you from becoming a Canadian citizen. It will be an obstacle between you and Canadian citizenship for some time. Even imprisonment outside Canada can stop you from getting your Canadian citizenship.

Ensure a clean criminal background to get citizenship in this country.

4. Citizenship Ceremony

After your application form is accepted and the process is over, you must attend a Citizenship ceremony to take an oath. You will be asked to participate in the ceremony every year. Anyone above 14 must attend after you sign your Canadian citizenship form.

Ensure you adhere to all the things mentioned during the oath session to be a responsible citizen of Canada.

These are the steps you should follow to get your Canadian citizenship. Remember to follow all these things and not skip any of these points. The process can be a bit tiring, but the result is fruitful.

Another good thing about Canada is that it allows dual citizenship! You can apply for permanent citizenship in another country without losing your citizenship in this country.

Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by Annanya