Canadian Citizenship
An applicant looking to become a citizen of Canada may apply for a Canadian Citizenship. To qualify for Citizenship, an applicant must meet the Government of Canada’s eligibility checklist. Individuals applying for Canadian Citizenship are eligible if they meet the following requirements:
If the applicant is deemed eligible, they will complete all the necessary forms included in the application package, along with provide all required documents. The application package varies by each applicant’s scenario outline on the Government of Canada’s website. After ensuring all application forms are properly filled out and signed, the application will be sent either by mail or courier to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
What is the processing time?
Although processing times are an estimate, the average processing time for a citizenship application is 12 months. Prior to submitting the citizenship application, the applicant must ensure that the government fees have been paid and have provided a receipt as proof. Each application will be reviewed to ensure all information has been correctly filled out and all required documents have been provided. Applicants can track their application status online through the government’s portal after receiving an Acknowledgement of Receipt through letter or via email.
Acceptance of Citizenship – Citizenship Ceremony
Once the Government of Canada approves an applicant’s request for citizenship, the individual (provided they are aged 14 or over) must attend the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony and take the oath. Parents of individuals under the age of 14 will receive certificates of citizenship for the applicant and are welcome to attend the ceremony if they desire but are not required to.
While attending the ceremony, the applicant will be asked to take the Oath of Citizenship, sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form, and sing the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada”. Once presented with the citizenship certificate after completing the Oath of Citizenship, the applicant has successfully completed their application process and is now officially a Canadian citizen.
Find out more about Citizenship applications and how it is related to your individual situation. Call (416) 498-9122 today to speak to an immigration lawyer.