How To Become A Canadian Citizen With Pictures

Apply for whatever you qualify for while you’re still in your home country. Often the processing takes practically forever. The sooner you start, the better. You will receive a 1/2 day credit for every day you live in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident, for the record. [1] X Research source

There’s obviously necessary paperwork to fill out, fees to pay, and time to wait when it comes to this. It’s also a mandatory step – you cannot go from staying in Canada on a temporary visa to becoming a citizen. Visit Canada’s citizenship and immigration website for official information.

As stated previously, you’ll receive 1/2 a day’s credit for every day spent in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident. All the more reason to get on establishing your residency! This 4 year rule does not apply to those under the age of 18. [3] X Research source

If English or French isn’t your native tongue (or close to it), Canada’s immigration website has a list of documents it will accept as proof that you meet the language requirement. [6] X Research source These will be required as part of your citizenship application.

You cannot be deemed a “security risk” or otherwise criminally prohibited. [7] X Research source You cannot be currently getting investigated or convicted of a criminal offense. [5] X Research source Basically, stay away from mishaps with the law and you’ll be fine.

Apart from Wayne Gretsky, Justin Bieber, Jim Carrey, maple syrup, beavers, hockey, (of course if Canada was gone/there’d be no more) Celine Dion, beer, mounties, and bacon, we’ve also Canada to thank for Trivial Pursuit, the TV, the telephone, the zipper, basketball, and the electron microscope. We should all practically revere Canada – did we mention the free healthcare and not-shut-down government? All stereotypes aside, you really do have to know Canadian history. This includes their values, institutions, and symbols. [5] X Research source To get more specific, visit their website – there’s a pretty complete list of what you’ll need to cover, from the economy, to their regions, to how they govern themselves (the Queen is really, really far away). [8] X Research source

Included in the application packet is a document checklist. Be sure you have everything you need and in the right format. Fair warning: it’s an extensive checklist. If you do not fill out everything correctly and include everything you need, it will get sent back to you. [9] X Research source You will get very frustrated if this happens and it’s very easy to avoid – so read everything thoroughly.

You’ll need photocopies of transcripts, school records, travel records, your Maple Leaf Card, your ID card, and proof of language evidence, in case you were curious.

It is preferred that you complete this online (with your application). However, you can also pay the fees at a financial institution in Canada. If you choose the in-person method, you will need to fill out a payment receipt form (IMM 5401). The cashier will handle the brunt of this. The half you receive back should be filled out and attached to your application.

Case Processing Centre – SydneyGrant AdultsP. O. Box 7000SYDNEY, NSB1P 6V6 If you’re mailing it by courier, the address is:Case Processing Centre, SydneyGrant Adults49 Dorchester StreetSydney, Nova ScotiaB1P 5Z2

On the citizenship test, there will be questions about Canada’s political system, geography and history, and you will have to pass this test in order to be a Canadian citizen. This booklet covers all of that. The audio version comes in English and French, and, unfortunately, isn’t read by Howie Mandel, Leonhard Cohen, or Avril Lavigne.

From the point they receive your application and you become a citizen, it currently is estimated to take 25 months. If your application is incomplete or there are other problems, it is estimated to take 35 months. [13] X Research source If you don’t receive word back automatically, don’t fret. Good things come to those who wait.

If you don’t speak English or French as your native tongue, this will also serve as your language assessment. A judge will determine whether or not your skills are up to par.

You will receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship at the ceremony. So don’t miss it! After all the hoops you’ve jumped through, this is it! All you have to do is appear, take your oath, and you’re in for good. Time to eat some poutine!

If you do have dual citizenship, there are benefits and disadvantages. Make sure you’re up to snuff on the legal requirements – you don’t want to viewed as a tax or military draft evader. [14] X Research source The requirements vary by country, so do your research. If you do renounce your original citizenship, it’s not something you can get back easily. This is not something to jump to – make sure you’re 110% positive this is the track you want to take.