Canadian Citizenship
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Canadian Citizenship Requirements 2024
If you meet all those requirements, the only thing that remains is doing the paperwork. It can be submitted by you personally or by an immigration consultant. Further in the text, we explain how we work and what we do for our clients, so keep on reading!
- Be a permanent resident
- Must have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
- Must have filed all your taxes
- Must have passed a citizenship test
- Must have proved language skills
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As experienced Canadian citizenship consultants, we have a deep understanding of the diverse opportunities and welcoming environment that Canada offers to those seeking to become citizens. With our extensive knowledge and proven track record, we have successfully guided countless individuals through the complex process of immigrating to Canada, helping them transition smoothly and achieve their dreams of Canadian citizenship.
Top Citizenship Consultants at Your Service
Canadian immigration law is intricate and constantly evolving, making the process of applying for citizenship challenging. With requirements changing frequently and the volume of paperwork being overwhelming, navigating this journey alone can be daunting. Although a DIY approach is possible, enlisting the help of a certified immigration consultant is often the safest and most efficient way to proceed, saving you both time and money. Here’s how partnering with Lombardi Immigration can help you avoid unnecessary delays and achieve your citizenship goals efficiently:
We Ensure Accurate Document Completion
Application forms are extensive and require meticulous attention to detail. Providing accurate and complete information is crucial to avoid delays in processing. Any errors, even unintentional ones, can lead to significant setbacks or potential misrepresentation issues. Our consultants are experts in ensuring that all forms are filled out correctly, helping you avoid any pitfalls.
We Guarantee Timely Submission of Your Documents
Timeliness is critical in the immigration process, especially when additional documents are requested by processing offices. Missing a deadline can result in delays or even denial of your application. Our team ensures that all necessary documents are submitted promptly, adhering strictly to deadlines, so your application progresses smoothly.
We Provide Continuous Application Monitoring
Staying informed about the status of your application is essential to reducing stress and ensuring a smooth process. At Lombardi Immigration, we prioritize keeping you updated at every stage of your application. You’ll always be in the loop, with timely updates and clear communication regarding the progress of your case.
We Offer Personalized Support and Guidance
Beyond just monitoring, we are here to provide you with personalized advice and support throughout the entire immigration process. Whether you have questions, need clarification, or require assistance with specific challenges, our team is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.
Permanent Resident Status
Achieving permanent resident status is a significant milestone on your path to Canadian citizenship. Once you receive your PR card, the time you spend in Canada starts counting toward your citizenship eligibility. Before applying for citizenship, it’s crucial to ensure that your PR status is valid and that you meet the necessary residency requirements. The citizenship application process can be lengthy, and even a small mistake can result in significant delays. Our team is here to guide you through each step, helping you avoid any pitfalls and ensuring that your journey to Canadian citizenship is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Time You Have Lived in Canada
To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) before signing your application. It’s recommended to apply only after surpassing this minimum to account for any potential discrepancies in your calculation. In some cases, you may also include the time you spent in Canada as a temporary resident in your calculation.
How to Calculate Your Time in Canada
- Count Your Days in Canada: Only the days you were physically present in Canada count towards your residency requirement.
- Exclude Time Spent Abroad: Periods when you were outside the country, such as international trips or vacations, do not count.
- Keep Accurate Records: Maintaining a detailed record of your time in and out of Canada is essential for an accurate calculation.
Tip: Review passport stamps, flight tickets, or travel bills to track your time outside Canada. Keeping a travel journal can also be helpful in ensuring accuracy when calculating your physical presence in Canada.
Filing Income Taxes
Filing your income taxes is a key requirement for Canadian citizenship. You must ensure that you have filed taxes in Canada for at least 3 years within the 5 years before you apply for citizenship with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You should receive a T4 or T5 tax slip from your employer in January or February following the end of the tax year. Even if you were in Canada for only part of the year, you might still be required to file a tax return.
For further details, please refer to the relevant information on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
Important Note: When you submit your citizenship application, you authorize IRCC to contact the CRA to verify that you have filed your taxes as required. Ensuring your tax filings are up-to-date is crucial for the success of your citizenship application.
Citizenship Test on Canadian Responsibilities and Rights
To become a Canadian citizen, you must pass a citizenship test that assesses your knowledge of Canada’s responsibilities, rights, and general information. This requirement applies if you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your application. The test covers various topics, including Canadian history, geography, economy, government, laws, and national symbols.
The test consists of 20 questions, and you must answer at least 15 correctly to pass. It is available in both English and French and has a duration of 30 minutes. The questions are based on the information provided in the official citizenship study guide.
Study Resources:
Many websites offer sample online tests that can help you prepare effectively for the exam. You can also access the official citizenship study guide here.
Language Skills: A Key Citizenship Requirement
Canada has two official languages: English and French. If you are between 18 and 54 years of age on the day you sign your citizenship application, you must demonstrate proficiency in listening and speaking at a specified level in either language. This is a critical requirement set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for those seeking Canadian citizenship.
For more details on this requirement, please see our Related Article: Language Requirements (opens in a new window).
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has transitioned to online submissions for citizenship applications. Currently, you can submit your documents either by mailing hard copies or by uploading them through the online submission portal.
Documents to Submit With Your Application
To assist you in preparing your application, we have provided the following resources:
- Documents Checklist (opens in a new window)
- Download Citizenship Applications for Adults (opens in a new window)
Things That Disqualify You from Canadian Citizenship
Certain factors can disqualify you from becoming a Canadian citizen:
- You must not have any unfulfilled conditions related to your permanent resident status.
- You must not be under a removal order, meaning Canadian officials have not asked you to leave Canada.
- You must not be inadmissible or prohibited from entering Canada on criminal or security grounds.
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