Applying for Canadian citizenship after obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) is an exciting step, as it grants you full rights as a Canadian citizen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Ensure You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for Canadian citizenship, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Permanent Resident Status: You must have Permanent Resident (PR) status in Canada and should not be under review for immigration or fraud reasons.
- Residency Requirement: You need to have lived in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years before applying. This includes time spent as a temporary resident (student, worker, visitor) if it counts toward your residency days.
- File Taxes: You must have filed your taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period if required under the Income Tax Act.
- Language Proficiency: You need to prove you can speak English or French if you are between the ages of 18 and 54 at the time of your application. This can be done by providing test results or showing proof of your education in one of the languages.
- No Criminal History: You must not have been convicted of an indictable criminal offense or under a removal order.
2. Gather Required Documents
When applying for citizenship, you’ll need several documents to prove your eligibility. These include:
- Permanent Resident Card (to prove your PR status)
- Travel documents (such as passports) for the last 5 years to show your time spent outside Canada
- Proof of language proficiency (for applicants aged 18-54)
- Tax documents (proof that you filed taxes in Canada during the required period)
- Photocopies of valid ID (such as passport or birth certificate)
3. Complete the Application Form
You’ll need to complete the Canadian Citizenship Application Form. This form can be downloaded from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or filled out online.
Some key details you’ll need to include:
- Personal details (e.g., name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.)
- Immigration history (details about your PR status and how long you’ve lived in Canada)
- Residence history (dates and places you lived during the 5 years leading up to your application)
- Details of your language proficiency (if applicable)
4. Pay the Application Fee
The application fee varies depending on your age. As of now:
- Adults (18 and older): CAD 630
- Minors (under 18): CAD 100
You can pay the fee online through the IRCC website. Make sure to include a copy of the payment receipt with your application.
5. Submit Your Application
Once you’ve filled out the application and gathered all necessary documents, you can submit your application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can submit your application online or mail a paper application to the address provided by IRCC.
6. Wait for Processing
After submitting your application, IRCC will process your citizenship request. The processing time may vary, but typically it takes 12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of your case.
7. Take the Citizenship Test (if required)
If you are between the ages of 18 and 54, you will need to take a citizenship test as part of the process. The test is typically about Canadian history, geography, government, and laws.
Preparing for the Test:
- Study the “Discover Canada” guide provided by IRCC. This guide is available online and covers everything you need to know for the test.
8. Attend the Citizenship Interview (if required)
In some cases, IRCC may invite you for an interview, especially if there are any questions or issues with your application. Be sure to bring all required documents and be prepared to answer any questions about your application and residency in Canada.
9. Wait for the Decision
After your interview and test (if applicable), you’ll need to wait for the final decision on your citizenship application. IRCC will notify you of their decision.
- Approved: If your application is approved, you’ll be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you’ll take the Oath of Citizenship.
- Denied: If your application is denied, IRCC will inform you of the reasons. You may be able to appeal the decision in certain situations.
10. Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
If your application is approved, the final step is attending the citizenship ceremony. This is when you will officially become a Canadian citizen. You will take the Oath of Citizenship, which includes pledging loyalty to Canada, and receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
11. Receive Your Canadian Citizenship Certificate
After the ceremony, you will receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate, which is the official proof of your citizenship.
12. Apply for a Canadian Passport
Once you become a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a Canadian passport. A passport will allow you to travel internationally with the benefits of Canadian citizenship.