In the year 2023, over 300000 obtained Canadian citizenship. IRCC reported that a significant milestone was reached as more than 354,000 individuals successfully obtained Canadian citizenship. This noteworthy achievement was celebrated through over 3,000 citizenship ceremonies held across the country.
Interestingly, this spike in the number of new citizens of Canada is a continuation of the upward trend that has been seen recently. A remarkable total of 375,413 people become citizens of Canada in 2022, a significant rise over the two years previous.
In light of this astounding expansion, the data indicates a significant increase in naturalization when compared to previous years. A total of 250,513 people became citizens of Canada in 2019, 110,989 in 2020, and 137,133 in 2021. The information reveals a significant change in the country’s naturalization trend, with a consistent and significant rise in the number of people deciding to become citizens of Canada.
How is the IRCC addressing the reduction of the citizenship backlog?
The IRCC has made great progress toward their goal of processing 80% of citizenship applications within set service standards. The backlog of citizenship applications was over 46% in January 2022. But by November 2023, the IRCC had effectively reduced the backlog of applications to 20%, which was in line with their target percentage.
The following strategies have helped the IRCC reduce the backlog:
- Introducing a novel online platform for applicants to efficiently undertake the citizenship test.
- Implementing virtual citizenship ceremonies as part of the new approach.
- Launching streamlined online application processes catering to a wide range of clients seeking citizenship, obtaining straightforward proof of citizenship, or accessing citizenship records.
- Introducing an online citizenship application tracker, enabling clients to easily monitor the progress of their applications and stay informed about any necessary next steps.
- Bolstering processing capabilities by expanding the workforce through strategic hiring initiatives across various business lines.
Pathway from permanent residency to citizenship
Before beginning the application procedure, residents of Canada who wish to become citizens must meet certain requirements.
In order to be eligible for permanent residency and citizenship in Canada, an individual must:
- Hold the status of a permanent resident in Canada.
- Fulfill tax filing obligations when applicable.
- Successfully pass the Canadian citizenship test, if aged between 18 and 54.
- Demonstrate proficiency in language skills for individuals aged between 18 and 54.
- Satisfy the physical presence requirements stipulated by Canada.
Once they have maintained physical residency in Canada for a minimum of three years (equal to 1,095 days) within the immediate five years prior to the citizenship application, permanent residents are eligible to apply for citizenship through the IRCC.
It’s crucial to remember that this residency requirement only takes into account the five years right before the application date.
- Each day spent in Canada as a permanent resident is considered a full day for the purpose of meeting the physical presence requirement for citizenship.
- Days spent in Canada before obtaining permanent residency, either as a temporary resident or protected person, contribute as half-days towards fulfilling the physical presence requirement for citizenship, with a maximum credit of 365 days.
If a person become a permanent resident less than five years ago, the computation starts on the day they became a permanent resident.
Time spent serving a term in Canada, including in jails, prisons, reformatories, probation, parole, or other facilities, does not contribute towards meeting the physical presence requirement. Stated differently, this period of time cannot be regarded as a component of the necessary bodily presence.
What sets Canadian citizenship apart from permanent residency is that it comes with no residency requirements.
Citizens of Canada enjoy the benefit of not having any residency restrictions. Citizens of Canada can also vote in municipal, provincial, and federal elections and are eligible for Canadian passports. Unless acquired through material misrepresentation, individuals cannot lose their Canadian citizenship status.
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