Canada is a country that welcomes immigrants from all over the world. Many people choose to make Canada their home because of its high quality of life, diverse culture, and democratic values. If you are one of them, you may be wondering how to become a Canadian citizen in 2024.
Becoming a Canadian citizen is not an easy process. It requires meeting certain eligibility criteria, filling out an application, passing a citizenship test, and taking an oath of citizenship.
However, it also comes with many benefits, such as the right to vote, run for office, travel with a Canadian passport, and access to various government programs and services.
Let me guide you through the steps on how to become a Canadian citizen and some tips and resources to help you prepare for your journey to Canadian citizenship.
Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
Before you apply for Canadian citizenship, you need to make sure that you meet the following requirements:
Permanent Resident of Canada
This means that you have been granted the right to live in Canada permanently by the Canadian government. You do not need to have a valid permanent resident card to apply for citizenship, but you must not have any immigration or fraud issues that could affect your status.
You must have lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years (1,095 days). This is also known as the physical presence requirement. You can count some of the time you spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident, but only up to 365 days.
You can use the physical presence calculator to find out if you meet this requirement.
File Your Taxes (if you need to)
You must have filed your income tax returns for at least three years during the five years before the date you apply. You must also have no tax-related issues or unpaid taxes.
Language Skills
You must prove your language skills in English or French. You must be able to communicate in either of the official languages of Canada. You must be able to understand, speak, read, and write at a basic level. You can prove your language skills by taking a third-party language test, completing a secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, or providing other evidence of your language ability.
Pass a Citizenship Test
You must demonstrate your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, laws, symbols, values, and rights and responsibilities of citizenship. You must also show your understanding of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens. You must take a written test or an oral interview with a citizenship officer. You must answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly to pass the test. You can study for the test by reading the official study guide.
Take the Oath of Citizenship
You must swear or affirm your loyalty and commitment to Canada and its values. You must attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will recite the oath of citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate. You must also bring your original documents and your permanent resident card to the ceremony.
There are some exceptions and different requirements for certain groups of people, such as minors, adopted children, stateless persons, and current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. You can check the eligibility criteria for your specific situation on the government website.
Application Process for Canadian Citizenship
If you meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship, you can start the application process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Application Package
You can choose to apply online or on paper. The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. You can download the application package from the government website. You can also order a paper copy by calling 1-888-242-2100.
Pay the Application Fees
You need to pay the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee. The total amount depends on whether you are an adult (18 years or older) or a minor (under 18 years). You can pay your fees online using a credit card or a debit card. You need to include the receipt with your application. You can find the current fees and payment methods on the government website.
Submit your Application
You need to sign and date your application form and attach all the required documents, such as your proof of language skills, your photos, and your copies of identification. You need to send your application as soon as possible after you sign and date it.
If you are applying online, you need to upload your documents and submit your application through your online account. If you are applying on paper, you need to mail or courier your application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You can find the address and instructions on the government website.
Application Processing
The processing time for citizenship applications may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. You can check the processing times and the [status of your application] online. You will also receive notifications by email or mail about the progress of your application. You may be asked to provide additional information or documents or to attend an interview with a citizenship officer.
Citizenship Test Preparation
You will receive a notice to appear for the citizenship test or interview. The notice will tell you the date, time, and location of your test or interview.
You will also receive a copy of the official study guide, Discover Canada, which you can use to prepare for the test.
You should study the guide carefully and review the questions and answers at the end of each chapter.
You should also learn about your local community and province, as you may be asked questions about them during the test or interview.
Take the Citizenship Test or Interview
You will need to bring your original documents, your notice to appear, and your permanent resident card to the test or interview. You will also need to bring a valid identification document, such as your passport or driver’s license.
You will have 30 minutes to complete the written test, which consists of 20 multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. You need to answer at least 15 questions correctly to pass the test.
If you fail the test, you may be given a second chance to take it on another date. If you fail the second test, you will have to attend an oral interview with a citizenship officer, who will ask you the same questions orally.
The interview may last up to 90 minutes. You will be notified of the results of your test or interview on the same day or within a few weeks.
Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
If you pass the test or interview, you will receive a notice to attend a citizenship ceremony. The notice will tell you the date, time, and location of your ceremony.
You will need to bring your original documents, your notice to appear, and your permanent resident card to the ceremony. You will also need to bring a valid identification document, such as your passport or driver’s license.
You will participate in the ceremony with other new citizens, where you will recite the oath of citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate. You will also sing the national anthem and listen to speeches by dignitaries and guests.
The ceremony may last up to two hours. After the ceremony, you will officially become a Canadian citizen.
You should be proud of yourself for achieving your goal of becoming a Canadian citizen. You should attend the citizenship ceremony and participate in the oath of citizenship and the national anthem. You should also bring your family and friends to share this special moment with you.
