CITIZENSHIP

Many permanent residents in Canada who have made it through the immigration process are looking forward to being given citizenship and being sworn in as official Canadian citizens. Before that day arrives, they must complete a few last processes before Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) authorises their application for Canadian citizenship.

Citizenship Requirements in Canada

Permanent residents, like all other immigrants in Canada, must complete a set of criteria in order to be considered eligible to apply for citizenship. Applicants will also need to show documentation that they have lived in Canada for three years (1,095 days) out of the five years before their signed application, among other things.

Applying for Citizenship

Permanent residents of Canada may now expect a speedier and easier citizenship application process thanks to changes to the Citizen Act that went into force in late 2017. Eligible candidates must pass the Canadian citizenship exam and, if IRCC so requests, may be subjected to an interview with a citizenship judge. Applicants will attend a Citizenship Ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship and become a Canadian citizen after they have been authorised.

Dual Citizenship

You will not be required to withdraw your original citizenship once your application has been granted by IRCC since Canada respects dual citizenship.