America isn't the only game in town when it comes to emigrating to North America. To earn Canadian citizenship, it is important to follow the eligibility rules and application directions exactly, or your application for citizenship will probably be denied. This page will walk you through the most important steps to make sure you gain citizenship quickly and easily.
Canadian Citizenship Tips
1. Canada allows dual citizenship.
2. The citizenship application fee is not refundable.
3. Study the booklet that comes with the application booklet well. It contains everything that you will be asked on your test.
4. Speak with Canadian citizens about their country to learn about Canada's history, laws and politics.
5. Keep track of all your paperwork. You will need to present it at your test and at the citizenship ceremony.
Introduction
* According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 150,000 people gain new citizenship to Canada every year.1 2 But before you can become an official Canadian citizen, it takes about four years to meet the requirements to apply for citizenship and get through the application process. If you want to know how to become a Canadian citizen, follow these instructions.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
* There are specific eligibility requirements that a person must meet in order to become a Canadian citizen. Before applying for citizenship, make sure that you meet all the basic criteria.3
1. The minimum age that you must be to apply for Canadian citizenship is 18 years old. A parent who is a Canadian citizen or who is applying for Canadian citizenship may apply for citizenship for their minor-aged children as well.
2. You must have lived in Canada with permanent resident status for at least three of the past four years in order to be eligible to apply for citizenship.4
3. You must fluently speak English, French or both.
4. You are not eligible for citizenship if you are in prison, on parole, on probation, have ever been convicted of a war crime or crime against humanity, or have been convicted of a crime within the past four years. You are also not eligible for citizenship if you have had your Canadian citizenship revoked within the past five years.
Step 2: Fill Out an Application
* Once you determine that you meet the eligibility requirements for citizenship, you can fill out the citizenship application.
1. Download the citizenship application packet from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.5
2. Fill out the application form. Refer to the guide included in the packet for instructions on how to fill out the form.
3. Make photocopies of your permanent resident card and two forms of identification. At least one of the forms of identification must contain your photo. Do not send your originals.
4. Have a citizenship photo taken of yourself. The photograph must meet the guidelines specified in the application guide. Acquire two copies of the citizenship photo and sign both copies.
5. Figure out your citizenship application fees at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website's fee calculator.6
6. Pay your citizenship application fees.
* -If you are in Canada, you can pay your fees on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website or pay in any Canadian bank.7
* -If you are not in Canada, contact the Canadian Embassy nearest you to find out how you can pay your fees.8 Once you pay your fees, get a receipt.
7. Mail your citizenship application form, photocopies, signed citizenship photos and receipt to Citizenship and Immigration Canada at
Case Processing Centre - Sydney
* P.O. Box 7000
* Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6V6
Step 3: Take the Citizenship Test
You must pass a test in order to qualify for Canadian citizenship. The purpose of the test is to determine your language ability and your knowledge of Canada.
1. Look for a verification form in the mail from the Canadian government that confirms they have received your citizenship application. Along with the verification form, you will receive a booklet titled A Look at Canada.9
2. Study the booklet you received in the mail. The booklet contains information on Canadian geography, history, laws and politics, all of which you will need to know for your test. Everything you need to know to pass the test is contained in the booklet.
3. You can also learn about Canada on the Canadian government website.10
4. You will receive notice in the mail notifying you of the date and location of your test. In the presence of a government representative, you will have to take either a written test or an oral test as determined by the Canadian government.
5. Show up for your test on time.
6. Bring the originals of photocopies that you sent in with your citizenship application to your test.
7. Bring your passport and any other travel documents from the past four years to your test.
Step 4: Citizenship Ceremony
* If you pass the citizenship test and meet all other eligibility requirements, you will receive an invitation in the mail to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will be made an official citizen of Canada.
1. Attend your citizenship ceremony on the date, time and place listed on your invitation. A parent of a minor under the age of 14, can attend the ceremony in place of their child if they so desire.
2. Bring your permanent resident card and your immigration documents to the ceremony.
3. At the ceremony, you will be asked to affirm or swear to the Canadian citizenship oath.11 Once you do, you will become an official citizen of Canada.
4. You will not be the only one taking the citizenship oath. The ceremony is held for numerous people at once.
5. Accept your certificate of Canadian citizenship certificate that shows proof of your legal status as a citizen of Canada.12
Conclusion
The old expression that good things do not come easy rings especially true with Canadian citizenship. The process to become a citizen is lengthy and requires a little bit of hard work. But once you have successfully made it through the process, congratulations are due for earning the official status and all the rights due to a Canadian Citizen.13 As a citizen of Canada, you can enjoy the benefits of living in a country that was rated the third best country to live by in on the 2008 UN Human Development Report.14
References for How to Become a Canadian Citizen
Table of Contents
* Introduction
* Step 1: Determine Eligibility
* Step 2: Fill Out an Application
* Step 3: Take the Citizenship Test
* Step 4: Citizenship Ceremony
* Conclusion
* Additional Forms and Resources
* References
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