Citizenship

Canadian citizenship grants the right of participation in politics either in the form of voting or running for elections on federal, provincial or municipal level.Citizens of Canada have broader job opportunities with high level of job security. Additionally, Canadian passport holders can travel to many countries without visa or it is easier for them to obtain visas.Canadian law approves dual citizenship which means that an individual may keep his previous citizenship in addition to a Canadian one. However, every country has its own rules and laws regarding dual citizenship, and every individual must consult with their native country’s government in order to abide by them.

To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, you must:

• Be a permanent resident and have lived in Canada (some exceptions apply) for 1095 days in the last 5 years before making the application for Citizenship. You may count 0.5 day for each day you lived in Canada as a student, a worker, a visitor, a temporary resident permit holder OR a Protected person, up to a maximum of 365 days.
• have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
• have filed your taxes, if you need to
• pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada
• Prove your language skills (Speaking and Listening) if you’re between the age of 18 – 54 years on the day you sign the application.
  Other requirements may apply.

Any child born outside Canada to a Canadian parent after April 16, 2009 is a Canadian citizen by birth only up to the First Generation; means the parent of the child was either born in Canada OR became a Canadian Citizen by immigrating to Canada and then getting citizenship through Naturalization process.
Other requirements may apply.

For more information, please click Canadian Citizenship