According to IRCC’s memo about the Citizenship to Passport Pilot, IRCC will invite 100 citizenship applicants to apply for a passport during processing through this pilot.
An application form for a new passport will be simplified using data gathered from the citizenship program. The passports will be printed by IRCC after the application has been processed in order to divert traffic from ESDC – (Employment and Social Development Canada).
A pilot program will streamline passport applications in order to prepare for an integrated model in the future, according to IRCC.
Invitations have already been sent by email to some of the qualified individuals. A passport application form is explained in these emails, along with extra documentation for submission. After the applicant has completed their Citizenship Oath. As well as the IRCC has received it, the passport application should be processed within 20 business days.
IRCC’s passport pilot – Origin of the pilot
An assessment will be conducted to determine whether a connection between the nationality and passport systems can be achieved. By training citizenship workers on the passport line of business. IRCC hopes to ease the strain on passport renewals and facilitate new Canadians’ easy access to passports.
Neither the citizenship nor passport programs met predetermined service criteria in 2022 due to their slow processing times. It is still difficult for new citizens to become citizens even though the number of applications has decreased significantly.
The pilot’s results will be evaluated in order to possibly develop a paradigm that integrates citizenship and passports. By the end of December 2023, recommendations for a wider rollout will be presented.
What are the eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship?
If you wish to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold permanent residency status.
- Fulfill Canada’s physical presence criteria.
- Submit tax returns (if applicable).
- Successfully complete a Canadian citizenship test (for ages 18-54).
- Demonstrate language proficiency (for ages 18-54).
It is necessary for you to have lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years (1,095 days) in order to qualify for a residence permit in Canada.
Physical presence can be calculated based on the time you spent living in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person. In the past five years, each day you were a protected person or a temporary resident in Canada may be counted as one-half day. As a temporary resident or protected person, you can count up to 365 days toward your physical presence requirement.
A citizenship ceremony invitation will be sent to those who pass the citizenship test and interview. Applicants must sing the national song of Canada during the citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship to Canada in English or French. Canadian citizenship will eventually be granted to them.
