Abasiakan DennyObtaining citizenship in Canada by naturalisation is a comprehensive process, with steps that require applicants to meet outlined eligibility criteria. These criteria must be met before a person becomes a Canadian citizen by naturalisation. Naturalisation is the legal process through which foreign nationals acquire citizenship in Canada, with all the full rights and privileges enjoyed by domestic citizens.
Meet Eligibility for Citizenship
Before you begin the naturalisation process, ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Some of the eligibility criteria include but are not limited to the following:
- You must already be a permanent resident in Canada. Ensure you have PR status in Canada before commencing the naturalisation process.
- You must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (about three years) to be eligible for the naturalisation process.Â
- Adults aged 18-54 must be proficient in the common language such as English and French. The test scores from these tests will serve an invaluable purpose in your naturalisation journey.
- You must not have criminal records. Have filled tax filings for at least three years. That is, you must have a removal order.
Gather Required Documents
After meeting the eligibility criteria, ensure that you check the required documents and gather them. Make a checklist of all the required documents and gather them before the application. Some important documents you’ll need to carry along include:
- Proof of language proficiency, such as test scores from internationally recognised language proficiency tests. For example, the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for proficiency in English or Test d’Evaluation de Francais (TEF) for French.
- Evidence of tax filings from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Important travel documents such as a passport that has been valid for the past five years. Without a valid passport or other travel documents, various forms of identification you may consider carrying with you include a Canadian citizenship card, certificate of Canadian citizenship, Birth certificate (for those born in Canada) and Provincial Identification (e.g. driver’s license).
- Documentation validating the residential status of the applicant for the past three years (1,095 days). Utility bills, lease deals, and other documentation showing the applicant’s residential, transaction and employment records for the past three years.
- A copy of your permanent resident card that confirms your status as a permanent resident in Canada.
Complete and Submit Your Application
- Fill out Form CIT 0002E (Application for Canadian Citizenship). Carefully complete the form or any other supporting documents to avoid delays or denial due to incomplete or misleading information in the form.
- Pay the application fee. Currently, adults are required to pay $630 while $100 is for minors (below 18 years).
- Submit your application through the IRCC-verified portal or by mail. The channel for submission of your application will be specified in the course of your application.
Take the Citizenship Test
- If you meet all the initial requirements, your application will be approved and invited for a citizenship test. The citizenship test covers the history, government structure, culture, laws and the rights of citizens.
- The test can either be conducted onsite or online. The test consists of 20 multichoice questions. The pass mark is 15/20. Research Canada and gather sufficient information for a successful test.
- After a successful citizenship test, participate in the citizenship ceremony. You will take the citizenship oath and receive your certificate of Canadian citizenship.
By following these steps you can successfully navigate through the Canadian naturalisation process. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria, have the required documents, complete and submit your application and take the citizenship test.
