Benefits of being a Canadian Citizen
Certainty
Once a person obtains Canadian citizenship, they do not have to actively do anything to retain it. It is very difficult, particularly following 2017 reforms by the Trudeau government, for a person to lose their Canadian citizenship.
Travel Rights
Canada enjoys an excellent global reputation and Canadian Citizens are thus able to visit most countries in the world without a visa, or to receive one on arrival. A Canadian passport also gives its holder the constitutionally protected right to enter, remain in, and leave Canada.
Benefits for Children
A Canadian citizen can transmit their citizenship to their descendants. In general, anyone born in Canada has Canadian citizenship. Only a citizen, however, can automatically transmit their citizenship to children born outside Canada.
Job Opportunities
Some jobs, particularly sensitive positions in the government or security, may give preferential or exclusive consideration to people who are Canadian citizens.
Political Participation
The Canadian Constitution guarantees only Canadian citizens the right to vote or run for the federal Parliament. To fully participate in Canada’s democratic life, citizenship is required.
Dual Citizenship
Canada permits dual citizenship. This fact means that Canada will allow a person to become a Canadian citizen, while retaining their other citizenship.
Symbolism
For many people, becoming a citizen is the fullest and final way to join the “Canadian family.” Ceremonies are often deeply moving events for participants and their loved ones.
Who can Apply ??
To become a Canadian citizen, most applicants must
- be a permanent resident.
- have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days).
- have filed taxes, if you need to.
- pass a citizenship test.
- prove your language skills in English or French.
Requirements to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
♦ You need to provide photocopies of each document that need to be submitted with the citizenship application.
♦ Provide the Record of Landing or ideal proof of Permanent Residence in Canada in any of its Provinces, such as an address, house number, etc.
♦ Valid Permanent Resident Card.
♦ Photocopies of biographical pages of the passport or any other travel documents which show the applicant information, the documents should be valid and should cover at least six years from the issued date of the document.
♦ Two original passport size photos of an applicant.
♦ Original Police Certificate with no illegal remarks from each country in which the applicant was present for at least 183 days.
♦ Applicants aged between 14 and 64 years must be proficient in English or French.
♦ If the applicant is physically disabled then the photocopy of proof for a disability should be submitted to the government with the citizenship application, which should be valid.
♦ All applicants aged between 14 and 65 years must pass a written or oral knowledge test about the Canadian values, culture, symbols, rights, and duties of a citizen.
♦ You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before the date you sign your application.
♦ You must have permanent resident status (PR) in Canada, you must not have unfulfilled conditions associated with that status, and your PR status must not be in question.
