Canada remains one of the top targets for foreign nationals who are looking forward to become an International citizen. The country is known for its serene and beautiful environment, stable and booming economy and easy immigration policies. A Canadian citizenship card will expose you to a lot of benefits, bigger opportunities, and developments in your personal and professional life. Getting a Canadian citizenship is not a complex process that can not be navigated. Continue reading for more clarification.
Essential Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
To get Canadian citizenship, you must be able to meet the eligibility requirements of the application process. These requirements include:
Eligibility requirements
- Language proficiency: Canada has two official languages(English and French), which are used to communicate around the country. It is highly important that you are able to speak one of the two languages.
- Age: It is important to know that age can not be a limiting factor to getting Canadian citizenship. But if you are below 18 years old, your parent/guardian has to apply on your behalf.
- Permanent residency: You must be a Canadian permanent resident to apply for Canadian citizenship.
- Period of stay: You must have stayed in Canada for at least 3 years.
- Understanding the country’s history and culture: You must know about Canada’s history, politics, rules and regulations, rights and responsibilities of citizens in Canada.
- Compliance with Tax rules: You must be able to comply with the tax rules and regulations in Canada.
Application requirements
- Citizenship test: You must pass the Canadian citizenship test for all applicants. This is to check the level of knowledge of the applicant about Canada.
- Application form: Filling out the application form for the Canadian citizenship form (CIT 002) and submitting a completed form is important.
- Other supporting documents: You must also possess and submit documents like language tests, etc.
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List of Documents Required for Canadian Citizenship
When you are applying for a Canadian citizenship card, you must possess some documents, which include:
1. Original ID passport: You must have an original ID passport from your home country ( either valid or expired)
2. Personal Identification documents: These include:
- Driver’s license
- Permanent resident card
- Health insurance
- Birth certificate
3. Language proficiency: You must possess a language proficiency test or exam result like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
4. Passport: You must have at least two passport photographs.
5. Application fee receipt: Ensure to keep your receipt for payment of the application process.
6. Other documents: These include: Bank statements, lease agreements, Utility bills like electricity bills, etc.
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How to apply for a Canadian Citizenship Card
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must follow the steps below to be successful in your application process:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
This is to review all the eligibility criteria and requirements to determine whether you can meet up with the requirements to successfully apply for the visa. You can use the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal to check your eligibility.
Step 2: Collect the required Documents
Certainly, you will need some documents to be able to apply for Canadian citizenship. These documents are to clarify and verify your identity and make sure you are truly eligible for a Canadian citizenship card. Examples of these documents are: Language proficiency test, permanent resident card, ID valid passport, etc.
Step 3: Preparing for your application
After preparing the documents needed for the application, you must get the application form and fill the form accurately. You can get the form via the IRCC portal and apply through these methods:
- Get to download and print the application form, instructions, and document checklist.
- Getting the application form and others via email (but this may take longer)
- Getting to apply online via the portal
Step 4: Fill in the Application form
When you are able to download the form or apply online, you must fill in your details and other necessary information.
Step 5: Paying the Application fee
The application fee must be paid to process your application. The fee is around $630 for adults (i.e 18-54 years old) and $100 for minors (less than 18 years old).
Step 6: Submitting the Application form
You can submit your application form directly online on the IRCC portal or via email. Before final submission, ensure that you review your application and submit all the required documents.
Step 7: Preparing for your Citizenship Test
The Canadian citizenship test is to check your knowledge about Canada. You will be assigned to a particular center for your test. And make sure to come along with your permanent resident card.
Step 8: Interview Session
You may be required to attend an interview for additional information and documents, like biometric identification, like fingerprints and passport.
Step 9: Taking the Citizenship Oath
When your application is received and approved, you will take the oath of citizenship to officially become a Canadian citizen.
Step 10: Application Approval
Your application is successful when you receive the certificate of Canadian citizenship and take the oath of Citizenship. Entry-Level Jobs are Available in Canada
The Benefits of a Canadian Citizenship Card
A Canadian citizenship will earn you a lot of benefits and opportunities as a foreigner. These benefits include:
Social Benefits
- Social services: With a Canadian citizenship card, you will have access to various social services like Canada child benefit, insurance, and security.
- Healthcare services: A Canadian citizenship card will give you access to comprehensive quality healthcare services.
Travel Benefits
- A Canadian passport: You will have a Canadian passport which holds a great value and can be used to travel to places globally with no restrictions.
- A visa-free journey: With a Canada citizenship card, you can easily travel to many countries (over 180 countries) around the world, including developed countries like the USA, United Kingdom and other European countries.
Employment Benefits
- Job opportunities: With a Canada citizenship card, you will have more access to exclusive job opportunities with attractive salaries and compensation.
- Career Advancement: You will enjoy more access to various development programs that can add more value to you as a professional.
- Self-employed: With a Canadian citizenship card, you have more freedom to start your own business and access to government-assisting programs for entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Political Benefits
- Right to vote: You will have the right to vote for any of your favorite political Candidates contesting for government positions.
- Right to be in office: A Canadian citizenship will give the right to run for any government positions in the country.
Personal Benefits
- Protection: You will be well protected by the Canadian citizen laws, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Peace of mind: You will be at peace when you are a Canadian citizen since you are well protected by the law and can access other amenities.
Education Benefits
- Access to Modern Education: When you are a Canadian citizen, you will have unlimited access to standard and modern education systems.
- Free education and Scholarship opportunities: You will also be eligible to gain from the free education provided by the Canadian government and other scholarship opportunities offered to Canadian citizens.
Family and Sponsorship Benefits
- Family reunion: If you are a Canadian citizen, you will have the opportunity to stay with your family members forever and spend more time with them.
- Family Sponsorship: With a Canadian citizenship card, you will have the right to sponsor any of your family members to Canada.
Tax Benefits
- Tax savings: As a Canadian citizen, you will enjoy opportunities like tax deductions and credits.
- Tax-free account: You will have access to a tax-free savings account, which is available only for Canadian citizens.
Dual Citizenship Benefits
- Dual citizenship: With dual citizenship, you will enjoy dual benefits, i.e as a Canadian citizen and your home country citizen.
- Universal opportunities: you will also get to enjoy universal opportunities in education, employment opportunities, etc. Canada Permanent Residency is Ready for Pick up – Apply Now
Conclusion
Having a Canadian citizenship card is a journey of hard work, dedication, and strong determination. You must be well equipped with the right information and be ready to face challenges ahead. There are many eligibility criteria and requirements that must be fulfilled before applying. Canada is an open place for Canadian citizens. They enjoy a lot of benefits and opportunities from being a Canadian citizen. To enjoy these benefits, you can begin your application on the IRCC portal/ Goodluck on your new journey! Canada Visa by Marriage – Five [5] Things You Need Before Applying
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Citizenship Application
1. Do I need to be a Canadian permanent resident to qualify for Canadian citizenship?
Yes, it is a top requirement. You must be a permanent resident for at least three years to apply for a Canadian citizenship card.
2. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if I have a criminal record either in my home country or Canada?
This depends on the gravity of your crime or whether you have been convicted of any crimes before. If it is a great crime, you may not be eligible to apply for Citizenship, but if it is a less serious crime, you may be eligible. You can speak to an immigration lawyer for more clarification.
3. How much is the Canadian Citizenship application processing fee?
The average cost for applying for a Canadian citizenship card is $630 per applicant.
4. How many years do I need to live in Canada before I can apply for a Canadian citizenship card?
You must have lived in Canada for 5 years to apply for a Canadian citizenship card.