How to Get Canada Citizenship- Key Things Worth Knowing

How to get Canadian citizenship? This is a common question posed by innumerable aspirants, especially students and working professionals who wish to settle in the country. Here we will talk about the various ways to participate in the citizenship process in Canada and obtain that coveted certificate.

Benefits of Canadian citizenship

Getting Canada citizenship by investment or taking the PR to citizenship Canada pathway will benefit you. Here are some advantages enjoyed by those getting Canadian citizenship: 

• Eligibility for more employment opportunities in Canada. 
• Eligibility to run for political positions or vote. 
• No anxieties about any loss of official status. 
• Traveling with a Canadian passport worldwide. 
• No need for the renewal of immigration documents. 
• You can travel to 180 countries without a visa, including Australia, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, China, and countries in the EU (European Union). 
• Dual citizenship is recognized by Canada, enabling you to retain your original home citizenship. 
• You have eligibility for getting health insurance for free as Canadian citizens. 
• You can set up your own business in North America. 
• You need not pay taxes on income that you earn abroad or inheritance. 
• Enjoy attractive benefits, including pension, lower taxes, and more. 
• Enjoy higher standards of living and public infrastructure. 

Check Eligibility to Study in Canada

How to Get Canada Citizenship

If you are wondering how to get Canada citizenship for Indians, you need to fulfill the following conditions: 

• Be a permanent resident of the country. 
• Demonstrate proof of your language proficiency. 
• Should have stayed in Canada for three years out of the last five years. 
• Pass an examination on your responsibilities, rights, and duties as a Canadian citizen, along with demonstrating your knowledge of the country. 
• Should have filed your taxes if required.

Via Investment Route

There are different guidelines regarding Canada citizenship by investment for Indians, and they vary across provinces. Quebec, for example, you must make a guaranteed investment of CA$1,200,000 in a government-approved investment fund for a period of five years. You must also have a minimum net worth of CA$1,600,000.

Via Family Relations

You will not automatically get citizenship by marrying a Canadian citizen. You should meet the other required criteria. If you have a grandparent or parent in Canada, you can be a citizen. Irrespective of your age, if you are applying for citizenship, you should possess the country’s PR (permanent resident) status.

How Many Years Does it Take to Get Canadian Citizenship

You should have been physically present in the country for a minimum of 1,095 days (three years) in the last five years before signing the application.

You should have filed taxes in the country for a minimum of three years in the last five years from the application date. You will have to demonstrate proof of language proficiency in either English or French, the two official languages in the country. Applicants between 18 and 54 should submit score sheets and communicate suitably with officials throughout the procedure and during citizenship hearings if required. You should adhere to the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) of Level 4 or more. You must also have cleared your test of citizenship.

Application Procedure for Canadian Citizenship

You can always apply online, although not everyone can get this benefit. Refrain from online applications if you have already submitted your application on paper. You can only apply online in case you meet the following requirements: 

• Valid email ID. 
• You are already eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. 
• You are a minimum of 18 years of age while applying online. 
• You are only applying for yourself without any family class sponsorship Canada requirements. 
• You do not include the time spent outside Canada while computing your physical presence in the country. 

Those not meeting these criteria should apply on paper only. Here are the steps involved: 

• Get your application package, including the guide and all necessary forms. You should choose the right application form- there are separate forms available for adults (18 or more), guardians/parents applying for a minor (under 18), adults serving with the CAF, minor without any Canadian parent and applying individually, a stateless person with a Canadian parent, and those adopted by Canadian citizens. 
• Pay the application costs, which depend on factors like age and category and may include the right of citizenship charge and processing fee. You can always pay your fee online and then apply the receipt. 
• You should sign the application form, date the same properly, have the same date on your physical presence calculation and application form, and get a printout of the CIT 0407 form or Online Physical Presence Calculator. 
• Submit the application form and all checklist documents via courier/mail 
• You will receive the form back if the calculated date exceeds 90 days before the authorities receive your application. 
• If you are applying for multiple individuals, put all the forms in the same envelope. 

These are the addresses that you should keep in mind: 

Mailing Address- 

Case Processing Centre – Sydney

Citizenship Grants, PO Box- 7000, 

Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6V6, Canada

Courier Address- 

Case Processing Centre – Sydney

Citizenship Grants, 47–49, Dorchester Street, 

Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 5Z2, Canada 

Documents Needed for Citizenship

The documents required may vary, depending on various parameters and factors. Here is a general guide for your perusal (although you should always scrutinize the checklist). 

• Translation of documents in French or English if some documents are not in these two languages. You will also require an affidavit or sworn statement from the individual conducting this translation if he/she is not a certified translator from Canada. Translations from individual applicants or their family members are not acceptable. 
• Original CIT 0407 printout or the Online Physical Presence Calculation. 
• Colour photocopies of all passport pages or travel documents, showing your photograph, name, birth date and place, document number, expiration, and issue dates, etc. If these documents are absent, offer your explanation in question number 14. 
• Photocopies of two personal identification documents. Some examples include PR cards, biographical passports, driver’s licenses, senior citizen cards, health insurance cards, foreign identity documents, etc. 
• Those falling under the age bracket of 18 to 54 years should provide photocopies of English/French language proficiency tests, transcripts/certificates/diplomas from a post-secondary or secondary program in Canada or other countries (the language of study should be either of these two languages) and proof of accomplishing CLB Level 4 or more through the Government training program.
• Two identical photographs for citizenship. 
• Document checklist or CIT 0007 form and all the necessary documents listed above.
• The application fees for Canadian citizenship vary based on the applicant's age and status. 
  • Adult (18 and over): The total fee is $630 CAD, which includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 right of citizenship fee.
  • Minor (under 18): The processing fee is $100 CAD.

How to Avoid Canada Citizenship Application From Getting Rejected

Canada issues one of the most powerful passports globally. That is why the country's citizenship application process is strictly outlined to ensure all applicants meet the necessary qualifications. The same applies to Canadian citizenship for Indian citizens.

A very minute error can also lead your citizenship application to get rejected. That is why you must follow some important tips to avoid such a scenario when going to study abroad.

Understand the Eligibility Criteria

Meet the Canadian citizenship eligibility requirements, including obligations related to residency, language proficiency, and tax filing.

Fill the Application Form Correctly

Complete all sections of the citizenship application form truthfully and accurately. Double-check your details before submitting the form to avoid mistakes.

Submit All Required Documents

Gather all supporting documents and ensure they are included with your citizenship application. This may consist of language proficiency proof, proof of residency, and tax documents.

Meet Residence Requirements

Ensure you meet all physical presence requirements in Canada. You must be physically present in the country for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the last five years before applying for Canadian citizenship for Indian people.

Language Proficiency

Showcase your language proficiency in English or French as required. You must submit proof that you can speak and listen at the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 or higher in English or French if you are 18 to 54 years of age. 

File Your Taxes

Ensure you have filed all your taxes for the required years. Not meeting tax obligations can result in the rejection of your citizenship application.

Check Processing Times

Find information about processing times on the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Pay the Correct Fees

Ensure you submit the correct citizenship application fees. Verify the current fees on the official IRCC website.

No Omissions or Misrepresentations

Do not remove any relevant information, and avoid misrepresentations. Reveal your travel history, background, and any other details when required.

Seek Professional Advice

Consult immigration professionals, consultants, or legal experts if needed. This applies especially if you are unsure about any aspect of your application.

Stay Informed

Check the official IRCC website for updates and announcements regularly. Stay updated on the latest changes in immigration policies and procedures.

Follow Instructions Carefully

Read and follow all instructions provided by IRCC. This includes learning how to get Canadian citizenship, filling out forms, what documents to include, and where to send your application.

How Can Indian Nationals Check Status of Their Canadian Citizenship Application Online

Indian nationals can check the status of their Canadian citizenship application online by visiting the official Government of Canada website. Follow these steps:

1. Check your application status. 
2. Find the section called ‘How to check your application status.’ 
3. Enter all relevant information, such as your application type, age, and other details.
4. For additional information, visit the help center on the same website for further assistance. 

Canadian Citizenship Test

If you fall under 18-54 years of age, you will have to appear for the citizenship test. You will have to answer questions on citizens’ rights, duties, and responsibilities along with the country’s geography, history, economy, laws, Government, and symbols. 

The test is taken in either English or French and requires 30 minutes with a maximum of twenty questions (15 correct answers grant you a pass mark). You will have to answer multiple-choice false/true questions and answer questions based on the Discover Canada official study guide for citizenship. The test may be oral, but it is mostly written. 

Who Needs to Attend an Interview

Here are some of the key details that you should keep in mind: 

Minors are only called for interviews where are questions to be asked.  

Oath of Citizenship

The Oath of Citizenship is the last step in the process of becoming a citizen of Canada. The ceremonies are held throughout Canada and at all times of the year. Special ceremonies take place throughout Citizenship Week and Canada Day as well. Adults and children belonging to the age bracket of 14 or more should take the oath. Parents will receive citizenship certificates for their children who are less than the age of 14.

Around one to two weeks before these ceremonies, people are notified about the location, date, and time. It usually happens around three months after the test of citizenship. 

If you are unavailable for some reason, you may send a message explaining the same and requesting a new date. Failure to present or an insufficient explanation may lead to the application not being processed further. Once the message is received, the ceremony will be rescheduled. You must remain in the room for the whole ceremony. Your notice will state the language of the ceremony (English or French or even bilingual). 

The following documents need to be carried by the person: 

• Notice for the ceremony. 
• Signed Permission Release and Consent form copy. 
• Permanent resident card or confirmation or permanent residence. 
• Record of landing (those who became permanent citizens before 28th June 2002). 
• Two personal IDs and passports. 
• Your chosen Holy Book (optional) for swearing the oath. 

You will swear the oath and receive the citizenship certificate before signing the affirmation of citizenship or oath form. An official or judge will conduct the ceremony, leading the oath for you and many other individuals. You will repeat the words spoken by the official. You can either affirm or swear the oath. 

Canadian Citizen vs Permanent Resident

A person who has a permanent residency permit in Canada is considered a permanent resident and qualifies for numerous advantages available to other citizens. The key distinction is that permanent residents cannot vote, obtain a Canadian passport, or leave the country for extended periods (for months at a time) without risking their residency status. The ability to apply for citizenship in Canada is available to permanent residents once they have met the requirements for living there.

Citizenship in Canada for Minors

The minor should be less than 18 years of age, be a permanent resident, have at least one parent or legally adoptive parent in Canada as a citizen or one applying simultaneously, and cannot have unfulfilled criteria for PR status. 

• They cannot be under any order of removal issued by the authorities or barred under security or criminal grounds. 
• The application page will include the CIT 0008 document checklist, CIT 0003 application form, specifications for the photograph, and the guide. 
• The CIT 0177, CIT 0464, IMM 5476, and IRM 0002 forms may also be required similarly in these applications. 
• The validation and printing procedure is the same as for adults (keeping the barcode page on top). 

Conclusion

As you can see, obtaining Canadian citizenship is a nuanced procedure with multiple steps to follow. Make a note of everything carefully and take your time while applying to avoid errors. Be honest, truthful, and abide by all regulations of the authorities throughout the process. 

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