What is a Citizenship Application?

A citizenship application is a formal request submitted by a permanent resident who wants to become a Canadian citizen. This process is regulated by the Citizenship Act, which sets out the criteria and procedures applicants must follow. 

Citizenship provides various rights and privileges, including the ability to vote in elections, hold a Canadian passport, and access certain government jobs restricted to citizens.

Citizenship Application Qualifications and Requirements

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet several qualifications:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply on your own. For minors under 18, a parent or legal guardian can apply on their behalf.
• Permanent Resident Status: You need to have permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. This means you must not be under investigation for immigration or fraud issues or have an unfulfilled condition related to your PR status.
• Physical Presence: You must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last five years before applying. Time spent outside Canada may count if you were a Crown servant or lived with a family member who was a Crown servant.
• Tax Filing: You must have filed taxes in Canada for at least three out of the five years before your application.
• Language Skills: Applicants between 18 and 54 years old must prove they can communicate in English or French. This involves demonstrating speaking and listening abilities at level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
• Knowledge of Canada: You need to know Canada’s history, values, institutions, and symbols, which will be tested during the citizenship test.

How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship

The application process for Canadian citizenship involves several steps:

• Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet all the necessary requirements, such as permanent resident status, physical presence, language skills, and tax filing.

• Prepare Your Documents: Collect all required documents, including your permanent resident card, proof of language skills, travel history, and any other relevant documentation.

• Choose the Right Application Package: Depending on your situation, there are different application packages:

1. 1. • Adults (18 and over)
      • Minors (under 18)
      • Members of the Canadian Armed Forces
      • Stateless persons born to Canadian parents
      • Adopted persons by Canadian citizens

• Fill Out the Application Forms: Follow the instructions carefully in the application package. Use the document checklist to ensure you include everything required.

• Pay the Application Fees: Pay the applicable fees in Canadian dollars. These fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. If applying for multiple family members, you can pay with a single receipt.

• Submit Your Application: Send your complete application package to the Case Processing Center-Sydney (CPC-S). Make sure your application is filled out accurately, as incomplete applications will be returned.

• Attend the Citizenship Test and Interview: If you are required to take a test (for applicants aged 18-54), you will be invited to a written multiple-choice test. You will also have an interview to assess your knowledge of Canada and language skills.

• Take the Oath of Citizenship: If your application is approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony to take the oath of citizenship. This is a mandatory step for applicants aged 14 and older. The oath can be taken in either English or French.

Canadian Citizenship Processing Time

The processing time for Canadian citizenship applications varies depending on several factors. Generally, it takes between 7 to 12 months from the date of application submission. 

Factors that can influence processing time include the completeness of your application, the volume of applications being processed, and any additional verification needed.

Canadian Citizenship Fees

The following are the fees for Canadian citizenship applications:

• Adult (18 years and over): $630 CAD, which includes a processing fee of $530 and a right of citizenship fee of $100.
• Stateless Adult (18 years or over) born to a Canadian parent: $100 CAD, which covers only the right of citizenship fee.
• Minor (under 18 years): $100 CAD for the processing fee.

These fees must be paid when submitting your application. If applying for multiple family members together, one payment receipt can cover all applications sent in one envelope.

If you are considering applying for Canadian citizenship, SEP Immigrants can provide the guidance and support you need. Our experienced team will assist you in every step, from checking your eligibility to submitting your application. Reach out to us today to start your path to becoming a Canadian citizen!