Canada is a great welcoming country that attracts people from different parts of the globe. There are plenty of reasons many people find Canada attractive, and some of them include:
- It is rated one of the safest countries in the world to live in.
- All residents enjoy a free public schooling system, and it has some of the best universities in the world.
- There are tons of great job opportunities.
- The country believes in freedom.
- Canada does not have any political or religious persecution.
- The country offers free public healthcare.
- Canada is multicultural and is welcoming to visitors.
- The country presents great economic opportunities with plenty of business.
- Opportunities for new business owners and investors.
- Canada has good immigration programs, and it does not take long to become a citizen after following the proper procedures.
Process of Applying for Canadian Citizenship
If you would like to relocate to Canada, there are a few steps you need to follow. Below we will offer a general guideline on what you need to do when applying for citizenship.
- Ensure you are eligible for citizenship
To become a Canadian citizen, there are a few requirements everyone must abide by, and these include:
- You must be a Canadian permanent resident (landed immigrant).
- You must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of French or English (for individuals between the ages of 18-54) when applying.
- A person has to have knowledge of the country as well as the privileges and responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen.
- You must have been physically present in the country for a minimum of 1,095 days in five years before the application.
- You will need to file your income taxes for three years (or more) within the five years.
- You cannot be inadmissible or prohibited on security or criminal grounds.
- You cannot be under a removal order.
- You cannot have any unfulfilled conditions concerning permanent resident status.
Keep in mind that it may be possible you may end up losing your current citizenship or nationality after becoming a Canadian citizen. If you have any queries about this, contact the high commission, embassy or consulate of the country of your present nationality before you go ahead and apply for citizenship.
- Determine how long you have already stayed in Canada
After going through the eligibility requirements, it is now time to calculate how long you have already lived in Canada (physical presence). This can be done simply by using an online calculator from the official Canadian immigration website. Note that you are required to send the printed a copy of the results with the application.
- Gather the relevant documents
The 3rd step towards applying for Canadian citizenship is submitting the relevant documents, and they include:
- A printout of the Online Physical Presence Calculation or form CIT 0407 (PDF, 1.8MB).
- Photocopies of biographical pages of all your passports (valid and expired ones) or other travel documents you have used in the past five years.
- Photocopies of 2 pieces of personal identification. Examples of these can include biographical pages mentioned above, permanent resident card, driver’s license, health insurance card, age of majority card, senior citizen identification card and foreign identity documents like government-issued identification documents or passport.
- Photocopies of documents proving your knowledge of English or French if you are 18-54 years old. If you cannot demonstrate the proper French or English ability because of a medical condition, you must submit supporting evidence with the application.
- 2 identical citizenship photos.
- Application fee ($630.00) per adult (you will pay this online).
- Document Checklist.
- Finish the application form
You must answer all the questions on the application form unless instructed otherwise. Download the form on your computer and fill it out. There is also the option of saving the form on your PC and filling it out later. Remember to read the questions carefully and answer the questions truthfully. There are a total of 18 questions that you must answer. The application will be returned if you do not answer any of the questions. Suppose two or more members of the same family are applying for Canadian citizenship. In that case, everyone will need to complete an application, and all the applications should be sent in a single environment. This is because these applications will be processed together. Note that there is a different application form for children who are younger than 18 years.
- Pay the fees
You have to pay $630 for each applicant who is above the age of 18. Minors are required to pay $100. All the fees are paid online.
- Submit Application
Once you have completed the entire application process, you can send it to the address below when using regular mail:
Case Processing Centre- Sydney
P.O.Box 7000
SYDNEY, NS
B1P 6V6
When using a courier Address send the application to:
Case Processing Centre- Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
BIP 5Z2
After this, you need to prepare for your test, go for an interview, hearing or test and wait for the final decision. To distract yourself while waiting for the decision, you can do something relaxing like playing online games such as Book of Rebirth slot. As you do this, you can take advantage of the various casino bonuses that the gaming station offers. This will brighten up your waiting time. And once you are granted citizenship, you will be invited to a ceremony where you will take the oath.
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