Obtenir la citoyenneté au Canada : les étapes à suivre

You have been in Canada for several years and feel the desire to become a true Canadian by obtaining citizenship?

We explain everything you need to know about citizenship in Canada and the steps to take to obtain it!

WHY BECOME A CANADIAN CITIZEN?

Each year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of new residents, whether temporary or permanent. Among them, many take steps to officially become citizens. In 2022, more than 370,000 people obtained Canadian citizenship.

Many foreign nationals are drawn to the quality of life and the diverse landscapes that Canada offers. Among immigrants who first arrived in Canada with temporary status, many choose to obtain permanent residence. The final step in the desire to remain in the country and fully become part of it is applying for citizenship.

Citizenship offers more rights on Canadian soil, but for many, it is also a symbol of belonging to the country.

The rights of Canadian citizens include all those of permanent residents. For example, the right to be protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Being a citizen also provides additional rights and advantages, such as:

-The right to participate in the country’s political life: unlike permanent residents, Canadian citizens can vote and run in provincial and federal elections;

-No longer having to worry about the validity of your status: the expiration of a work permit or permanent resident status is no longer an issue once you obtain citizenship. While the permanent resident card expires every five years, citizenship is granted for life and does not need to be renewed;

-The freedom to leave and re‑enter the country without any residency obligation: permanent residents must have spent at least 730 days in Canada over the past 5 years;

-The right to move, settle, and work anywhere in Canada;

-The ability to pass on citizenship to your children, whether they are born in Canada or abroad.

THE STEPS TO APPLY FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP

DETERMINE WHETHER YOU ARE ELIGIBLE

To obtain Canadian citizenship, you must first ensure that you meet certain requirements:

-Hold permanent resident status: you must have valid permanent resident status at the time you submit your application, but you may still apply even if your permanent resident card has expired.

-Be able to prove that you were physically present in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) within the past 5 years;

–In some cases, provide income tax returns;

-Not be subject to a removal order or any legal proceedings;

-Have language skills in French and/or English;

-Pass the citizenship test;

GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

To submit your citizenship application, you will need to provide several documents and supporting evidence. Be sure to plan ahead and have all these documents ready before submitting your application.

The documents required may vary depending on your situation. In most cases, you will need to provide:

-A printed copy of the physical presence calculation, to demonstrate that you were physically present in Canada for at least 3 years within the last 5 years.

-A color photocopy of your passport or travel document

-Color photocopies of 2 personal identity documents, which may include: a copy of the personal information page of your passport or travel document, a driver’s license, a health insurance card, a foreign identity document, or a permanent resident card.

-Photocopies of proof of your language skills in French and/or English

-In some cases, you may be required to provide income tax returns.

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM AND PAY THE APPLICATION FEES

You can download the application form online. It is important to take the time to complete the form carefully and read each question thoroughly.

The citizenship application requires fees that you must pay at the time you submit your application. You can pay them online.

For an adult aged 18 or over, the total fees amount to $630. This includes a $530 processing fee, which is non‑refundable if your application is refused, and a $100 right‑of‑citizenship fee.

You can then submit your application either by mail or online.

THE REVIEW OF YOUR APPLICATION

When you submit your application, the authorities will first take the time to verify whether it is complete and meets the minimum requirements. If this is the case, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt.

If your application is incomplete, does not meet the minimum requirements, or if you did not include the payment of fees, it will be returned to you along with a letter explaining the steps you need to take.

TAKE THE CITIZENSHIP TEST

If your application is being processed and you are between 18 and 54 years old, you will be scheduled to take the citizenship test. You will receive the notice by email if you provided an email address in your application. Otherwise, you will receive this notice by phone.

Although there are some exceptions, most applicants must take and pass this test.

The test is taken online in most cases, in either French or English. It consists of 20 questions covering the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, as well as the country’s culture, history, and geography. To pass the test, you must answer at least 15 questions correctly.

ATTEND THE CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY

If your citizenship application is approved, you will be required to attend a citizenship ceremony, for which you will receive an invitation by email or by mail. This ceremony is mandatory for adults and for children aged 14 and over, and it takes place either online or in person.

This ceremony brings together several people who are obtaining their citizenship at the same time. You will take your oath of citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate there.

Congratulations — you are finally a citizen of the maple‑leaf country!

Canada is an immigration country, welcoming several thousand foreign nationals each year. Among them, some fall in love with the country and choose to become citizens in order to settle permanently and benefit from all the rights associated with this status. The path to obtaining citizenship is not straightforward and requires several steps.

If you would like to be assisted by an expert, feel free to contact our professionals at info@immetis.com.