In Canada‘s short history, millions of immigrants have come to call Canada home. More and more people are coming here to live, work, and share in the Canadian experience. And while Canada has a rich history of welcoming newcomers, there are some things that every newcomer should know before they come to this country.
This post will summarise what is required for Citizenship in Canada and the many other facts that immigrants need to know before coming to this land. Important information will help you settle into Canadian life much quicker and easier – so don’t wait!
- The first Canadian Citizenship Act was passed after World War II on January 1, 1947, essentially the effort of one determined politician by the name of Paul Martin Sr, a cabinet minister.
- This Canadian Citizenship Act also introduced Canada’s passport and new rights for Canadian women.
- Canadian Citizenship means that you are a part of Canada and get all the rights that every citizen enjoys, whether they were born here by birth or through this Citizenship Act.
- During your application… immigration officials will check your immigration status, documents and criminal record/background.
- To become a Canadian Citizenship, the following requirements must be met:
- You are a permanent resident of Canada.
- You are at least 18 years old.
- Have lived in Canada for at least three full years.
- Speak English or French.
- Have general knowledge about Canada.
- Pay the application fee ($630 for anyone over 18 and $100 for anyone under 18).
- A typical application takes a few months to process fully. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a “Notice to Appear” from the citizenship office with information about when to appear for your citizenship test and where.
- The citizenship test includes questions about Canada’s history, voting, geography, your responsibilities as a citizen and other general questions about Canada. This website contains everything you need to know about Canada to succeed on your citizenship test.
- After you have completed the test, they will let you know if you failed or succeeded. If successful, you will receive a “Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship” with information such as the location, date, and time.
- This Oath of Citizenship is the last step to becoming a Citizen of Canada. At this ceremony, you will take the Oath of Citizenship, sign the Oath form, and then be given your Canadian citizenship certificate.
- Oath of Citizenship
I swear (or to affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, and Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
- We must note that even after you become a Citizen, Canada reserves the right to revoke your Citizenship. It is infrequent and rarely happens, but Canada reserves this right like any other country.