Are you planning to stay in Canada and wish to apply for Canadian citizenship? The next step is, of course, applying for citizenship if you are a holder of a Canada PR Visa or came to Canada through theCanada Federal Skilled Worker Program.
This could be daunting at first, but when one breaks up into simple steps, it becomes very easy. Let’s go stepwise through the same.
Why Should You Get Canadian Citizenship?
Canadian citizenship is not just a formality. It comes along with some very real advantages, and that is perhaps why so many permanent residents make the leap.
- The right to vote
- A passport makes international travel much easier and more comfortable.
- You don’t need to worry about PR card renewal or residency.
- You’re protected under Canadian law and have all rights of citizenship.
Citizenship is the next step after applying for a Canada PR Visa under Express Entry or the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program. It is also the official way to make Canada your permanent home.
Step-by-step Guide to Apply for Canada Citizenship
Step 1: Clear Your Eligibility
Before submitting, it is wise to ensure that you meet these eligibility criteria. Not everyone can apply at once. This is what you should check:
- Residency Requirement
Must have been a resident in Canada for 1,095 days in the last five years before applying. This shows that you have a real connection with the country.
- Income Tax Filing
Must have filed taxes in Canada for at least three years within that five-year period. The evidence shows that you are actively contributing to the economy of Canada.
- Language Skills
Proficiency in the English or French language is required of applicants aged between eighteen to fifty-four years.
- Citizenship Knowledge Test
For the age group of eighteen to fifty-four, a test covering Canadian history, government, laws, and symbols will be needed. Such a test ensures that you actually know the country whose citizenship you are taking.
If you do not meet all these requirements yet, you will have to wait until you do before you can apply.
Step 2: Show Proof of All Required Documents.
Documents needed are the following:
- A valid Permanent Resident card or proof of PR status.
- Two personal identification documents such as a passport, driver’s license, or health card.
- A proof of language ability like IELTS or CELPIP results.
- Income tax records for the last three years.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
It’s best to have everything on hand before actually filling out the application. Missing of documents is one of the biggest reasons that a process gets delayed.
Step 3: Fill Out The Application Form
One can apply for Canadian citizenship using the online or paper forms, and here’s how to make the process easier:
- Verify that names, birth dates, and other personal details match those on PR cards and passports.
- Verify the addresses, employment, and residence history is true.
- If children are applying, they need to fill out different forms.
- Pay the application fees (currently CAD 630 for adults).
Step 4: Application Submission
Now that your application is complete, and you have all your papers, you should submit it:
- Online: Direct upload of all documents to IRCC portal.
- Paper: Post your application to the specific address given in your guide.
Your government will then review your application and may come back with a requisition for more documents. You want to make sure that your application is complete and accurate before submission, so working with the top immigration consultant in India can help you in this area, especially if you began your PR journey from India.
Step 5: It Is Time to Prepare for the Citizenship Test and Interview
People between 18 and 54 years of age will be getting an invitation for the test. This is what you would expect:
The test lasts about thirty minutes with twenty questions mostly about Canadian history, geography, government, and symbols.
It could be followed by a short interview with a citizenship official regarding documents verification and checking of language skills.
With good preparation, this is an easy task. The test is not supposed to be that difficult.. it merely confirms that you know about Canada.
Step 6: Wait for Result
You will wait for the final decision after the test and interview. Processing would take around 12-18 months based on the workload of IRCC.
- During this time you have to keep in touch easily at all times.
- You keep your PR card and all other identification documents up to date all the time.
Step 7: Take the Oath of Citizenship
If your application is approved, an invitation will be sent for the Citizenship Ceremony, where the Oath of Citizenship will be taken. This makes you Canadian, start resting at this point since you are endowed with all rights and obligations of a citizen.
Can the Process Be Speeded Up?
Although citizenship cannot be fast-tracked, it can make its way faster if one starts well:
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, Express Entry program, or Provincial Nominee Programs can be preferred to apply for a Canada PR visa.
Before an immigration consultant in India, ensure your PR application is accurate and smooth at the right direction for the best advice.
Starting right can save months and make the path to citizenship a lot easier.
Final Words
It is more than just the documents you have to fill; it is the legal acceptance of Canada as your home. From obtaining your PR visa to meeting the residency requirements and passing the test, every step draws you closer to being a citizen.
If your desire is to have a Canadian passport, full citizen rights, and a Canadian life, your first step is to apply for Canada PR Visa; next, you settle, and then tackle these steps.
The final step is to take the oath, which means that after this step, you are not just living in Canada; you belong there.