Refugees in Canada can apply for Canadian citizenship once they meet certain eligibility requirements. The process involves becoming a permanent resident, meeting the residency obligation, and passing the citizenship test and interview.
Step 1: Obtain Permanent Resident (PR) Status
Before applying for citizenship, refugees must first become permanent residents of Canada. There are two main ways this can happen:
- Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) – Those resettled to Canada through the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program receive PR status upon arrival.
- Protected Persons in Canada – Refugees who make an asylum claim and are approved by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Once PR status is granted, refugees can begin working towards meeting citizenship requirements.
Step 2: Meet the Residency Requirement
To apply for citizenship, you must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years before applying.
Temporary resident time (asylum seekers): If you lived in Canada before receiving PR status (as a protected person or asylum seeker), some of that time may count toward residency (each day counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days).
Make sure to keep track of travel history: Any time spent outside Canada may not count toward the residency requirement.
Step 3: Meet the Tax Filing Requirement
You must have filed taxes for at least 3 years in the 5-year period before applying for citizenship. This helps IRCC verify your financial history and residency compliance.
Step 4: Demonstrate Language Proficiency
If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must prove proficiency in either English or French by:
- Providing results from an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
- Showing proof of completing secondary or post-secondary education in English or French.
- Providing documents from government-funded language programs (e.g., LINC or CLB assessments).
Step 5: Pass the Citizenship Test and Interview
If you are 18 to 54 years old, you must pass a citizenship test covering Canadian history, geography, government, and rights & responsibilities. The test is based on the “Discover Canada” study guide, is multiple-choice, and takes 30 minutes.
An interview with an IRCC officer may be required to verify your application, check your residency history, and assess your language skills.
Step 6: Submit Your Citizenship Application
Complete the Canadian citizenship application form (CIT 0002) and gather required documents, including:
- PR Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- Passport/travel documents from the last 5 years.
- Proof of residency (bank statements, tax records, etc.).
- Language proof (if required).
Pay the processing fee ($630 for adults, $100 for minors) and submit your application online or by mail.
Step 7: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
Once approved, you will receive an invitation to the citizenship ceremony, where you take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your Canadian citizenship certificate.
Refugees in Canada can obtain citizenship after becoming permanent residents, meeting residency and tax requirements, and passing the necessary tests. Citizenship grants full rights, including the ability to vote, obtain a Canadian passport, and access more job opportunities.
For more details, visit the IRCC website or consult a legal professional if you need assistance with your application.