Canada will hold citizenship ceremonies for new Canadians online

The oath-taking ceremonies to become an official Canadian citizen have been put on hold by Canada due to the rising coronavirus crisis. However, Canada is taking all possible steps to help immigrants in the immigration processes. So, it has been announced that Canada might hold virtual ceremonies for newcomers who were waiting for the oath-taking ceremonies. Also Read: How to get Canada PR visa? Step by step guide. The federal government has said that it will soon start implementing online citizenship ceremonies so that individuals need not wait longer for the official proceedings.  Also, the government will prioritize online ceremonies for those who are in dire need of Canadian citizenship. Candidates whose oath-taking ceremonies were canceled due to the spread of COVID-19 will get a chance now to become a Canadian citizen soon. The Immigration Ministry of Canada had canceled all citizenship ceremonies when it implemented special preventive measures to limit the spread of the pandemic.  The test centers that were closed as a part of special measures have also re-opened in Canada now. 

Importance of getting Canadian citizenship

Becoming a Canadian citizen is the final step for a newcomer who immigrates to Canada for living there permanently. In order to be eligible for Canadian citizenship, a candidate has to first secure permanent residency in Canada and live there for three years and submit tax returns.  Also Read: How to Move to Canada through Express Entry? Also, he or she needs to pass the citizenship test which examines the person’s knowledge about the rights and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen. An applicant of age more than 14 years is allowed to take the oath of citizenship which is the last procedure for getting the status of a Canadian citizen.  After attaining Canadian citizenship, the applicant enjoys the same rights that a Canadian-born person has. Some of these rights are voting power, getting a Canadian passport, being preferred for public sector jobs, universal health care, and other benefits. 

Canadian government might renounce citizenship fee

As of now, a candidate has to pay an application fee of $530 and another $100 for a “Right of Citizenship Fee”. However, soon the liberal government might waive citizenship in the coming times. Immigration is crucial for Canada’s economic health and nearly, 85 percent of permanent residents in Canada secure Canadian citizenship and become citizens. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs