Citizenship of Canada holds great importance and meaning to many people. It promises a better lifestyle for many Canadian citizens.
This year Canada is celebrating Citizenship week from 23 to 29 May. The Act of Canadian citizenship was introduced on 1 January 1947 by the prime minister of Canada “William Lyon Mackenzie King”. Since the citizenship Act has been amended Canada values it as a multicultural society. The pandemic further fueled alteration in citizenship in Canada by launching virtual citizenship ceremonies.
Immigration Minister of Canada detailed further changes in the citizenship Act.
“Canada respects and celebrates the difference between other countries”, Fraser said in a media release. Canada amended its citizenship Act that shows the values and promotes an overall society.
Broadening the interpretation of citizenship by descent is recently included in these modifications to be more comprehensive for families who want to get citizenship. They also added a new oath of citizenship in Canada. It recognizes the structural and treaty rights of nations, Inuit, and native peoples.
As a citizen of Canada, you can enjoy many advantages that permanent residents are not able to use like holding a Canadian passport and the right of voting. Some steps are given below you should follow to become eligible for citizenship.
Eligibility for Canadian citizenship
Permanent residence status
If you are applying for citizenship in Canada then you must have a valid PR card of Canada which shows that you have permanent residence status in Canada. There are more than 100 immigration programs, you can apply through to obtain permanent status in Canada.
Fulfill the requirement of residency
To meet the requirements of residency you have to be present physically in Canada for a minimum of 1,095 days before the date you sign in your application. You should live more than 1,095 in Canada to avoid calculation problems.
In your calculation, you can count that time toward your residency requirement as well. When your physical presence will be counted as every day that you spent in Canada as a permanent residence then it will be counted as a half-day in Canada.
Visitors, students, and workers are included in temporary residence. Those who are convicted refugees by the board of Immigration and Refugees or in need of protection are called protected people.
Time spent outside of Canada will not count as a physical presence requirement but there are some exceptions given. For instance, those permanent residents who work in the U.S are able to count their physical presence, the days that they spent in the U.S for work purposes.
File your Taxes in Canada
You have to pay taxes in Canada a minimum of three years within the five years before the date of application submission to be eligible for citizenship.
You may have to file an ITR if you meet the conditions given below:
- If you want to claim a refund.
- If you want to receive advantages and loans.
- If you pay tax for the year.
Pass a Citizenship test
Candidates between the ages of 18 to 54 have to take a Canadian citizenship test. The test is based on the rights and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen, and also the questions are based on the history, economy, laws, symbols, and geography of Canada. The time of the test is 30 minutes and the test will take in French and English language. The type of question is MCQ and true or false. Candidates have to score 15 out of 20 to clear the test.
Language ability test
As you know Canada has two language skills: English and French. If you are between the age of 18 to 54 you must have to show that you can communicate in English and French by obtaining a CLB level of 4 or more in listening, writing, reading, and speaking.
The way that IRCC assesses your language proficiency is given below:
- By reviewing the proof that you submit with your application.
- By overserving your communication skills with citizenship officials during the process of application.
Evidence of your language skills is based on your educational credential or transcript submitted in French or English in Canada.
Become a citizen
85% or more immigrants who hold permanent residence in Canada become Canadian citizens. If you want to get citizenship in Canada then you can take help from an immigration lawyer for the process of Canadian citizenship.
