Becoming a Canadian citizen: A step-by-step guide

Are you a permanent resident in Canada and now wish to become a Canadian citizen? Here is some general information you should know about Canadian citizenship!

What does Canadian citizenship allow ?

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must first have permanent resident status in the country. If you’ve reached the citizenship stage, you already enjoy many rights in the land of the maple leaf. As a citizen, you retain all the rights you had as a Permanent Resident of Canada.

The major change you’ll experience as a citizen is the right to vote and participate in elections. As a Canadian citizen, you are allowed to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. You are also eligible to run as a candidate in any of these elections.

Canada allows dual citizenship. So, if you apply for Canadian citizenship and your home country also allows dual citizenship, you can retain your original citizenship.

If you plan to start a family, citizenship can also be passed on to your children, whether they are born in Canada or not. If you are a Canadian citizen, your child will automatically be a citizen at birth. If the child is not born in Canada, at least one parent must be a Canadian citizen to pass on citizenship.

Finally, citizenship does not need to be renewed and does not require you to be physically present in the country (unlike Permanent Residency). Citizenship therefore offers a more permanent and integrated status in Canada.

Eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship

Before submitting your application for Canadian citizenship, make sure you are eligible.

The eligibility criteria, as defined by immigration authorities, are as follows:

• Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years, with at least two years as a permanent resident;
• Have been physically present in the country for 1,095 days in the 5 years preceding the application;
• If applicable, have filed your income taxes;
• Have language skills in French and/or English;
• Not be under investigation for fraud or any legal proceedings, currently or in the past;
• Pass and succeed in the citizenship test.

The citizenship test

Think you’re eligible for Canadian citizenship? Congratulations! You can now begin the process.

After submitting your application and once it is processed, you will need to pass the citizenship test. The purpose of this test is to demonstrate your knowledge of Canada and your ability to become a citizen.

As a citizen, you are expected to understand and uphold your rights and responsibilities in the country. You must, in a way, prove to Canada that you will represent the country appropriately.

How the test works

The test consists of 20 questions and lasts 30 minutes. You may be asked multiple-choice and true/false questions.

The test can be taken in writing or orally, in French or English. You pass if you answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly.

What to prepare for the test

You will be asked about various topics, such as Canadian history, economy, laws, symbols, government, and geography.

To prepare, you will receive a free official study guide called Discover Canada. It is available in various formats to support your preparation. The test is based on this guide, so it contains all the necessary answers.

To take the test, you must bring official documents, including your passport(s), your test notice, your Permanent Resident card, two photo IDs, proof of your language skills in English or French, and any other documents requested in your test notice.

The ceremony

The final step and official confirmation of your citizenship is the citizenship ceremony.

Once you pass the test, you will typically be invited within three months to attend the citizenship ceremony. An immigration officer may contact you by email or phone. Stay alert so you don’t miss your invitation. All applicants aged 14 and over must take the oath.

During the ceremony, you will affirm your present and future commitment to the country.

It is during this ceremony that you will be granted your rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen.

Due to the health crisis, ceremonies are still being held online rather than in person. You will be informed if your ceremony is to be held physically. Once you become a citizen, you are expected to contribute to Canada’s strength and inclusion by being an active citizen. To honor your rights and responsibilities and engage with the community, you can participate in the country’s democracy, welcome newcomers, or help protect the environment.

Would you like to become a Canadian citizen and want support with the process? Don’t hesitate to contact our professionals.

This article was last updated on May 10, 2022.