Canada: An Attractive Destination for Immigrants and Citizenship

Canada’s reputation as a welcoming nation stems from its ability to integrate immigrants, bolstered by its proximity to the United States and the resulting benefits in welfare, education, and employment opportunities. Each year, numerous immigrants successfully obtain Canadian citizenship after completing the permanent residency process, joining the ranks of Canadian citizens.

According to official data, over 80% of immigrants residing in Canada have secured citizenship. This growing statistic reflects the numerous advantages citizenship offers, including political participation, equal rights, retirement benefits, freedom of entry and exit, and access to a Canadian passport—all key reasons why Canadian citizenship is so appealing.

Broadly speaking, Canadian citizenship is granted in two primary ways: birth on Canadian soil or through the citizenship application process (naturalization). Approximately 78% of Canada’s 37 million residents are citizens by birth. For those pursuing citizenship through naturalization, a specific and detailed process must be followed, which will be outlined below.

Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

• Expanded Job Opportunities: Many government jobs in Canada require citizenship in addition to expertise, giving citizens more career options compared to permanent residents.
• Stability and Security: Citizenship designates an individual as Canadian, eliminating the need to renew temporary or permanent residency status. This stability provides peace of mind, as revoking citizenship is nearly impossible.
• Simplified Residency: Permanent residents must renew their PR cards every five years, but citizenship eliminates these time-consuming and costly processes.
• Canadian Passport: Citizens can obtain a passport that is easier to renew and has longer validity. It also allows visa-free travel to many countries and access to Canadian embassy support if needed.
• Tax Benefits: Taxes for citizens are calculated based on citizenship rules, and those not residing in Canada are exempt from taxation.
• Political Participation: Citizens can vote in elections and even run for political office.
• Dual Citizenship: Unlike some countries, Canada does not require individuals to renounce their original citizenship, permitting dual nationality.
• Citizenship for Children: If one parent is a citizen, children born abroad automatically become citizens. Additionally, any child born on Canadian soil is granted citizenship, regardless of parental status.

Steps to Obtain Canadian Citizenship

To gain citizenship and enjoy its benefits, the following steps must be completed in sequence:

1. Document Submission: Gather required documents, complete application forms, and submit them along with applicable fees to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Citizenship Test: Once documents are approved, the applicant is notified of the test date and location. This test is mandatory for those aged 18–54.
3. Interview (if required): Some applicants may be summoned to a court hearing to answer additional questions.
4. Citizenship Ceremony: Successful candidates are invited to a ceremony where they take the Oath of Citizenship and sing the national anthem.

Eligibility Requirements for Citizenship

Citizenship is attainable either by birth or through naturalization, with about 17% of Canadian citizens achieving it via the latter. Key conditions include:

• Permanent Residency: Holding a valid Permanent Resident (PR) card is a prerequisite.
• Length of Residency: Applicants must have lived in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) within the past 5 years and paid taxes.
• Language Proficiency: Those over 18 must demonstrate proficiency in English or French with a valid certificate.
• Knowledge of Canada: Adequate understanding of Canada’s history, geography, and political system is required.
• Clean Criminal Record: A criminal history is a significant barrier to citizenship.
• Age: The minimum age for an independent application is 18; those under 18 apply through their parents.

Required Documents

• Valid passport and applicant photo
• Permanent Resident card and immigration documents
• Language proficiency certificate (English or French)
• Completed forms and fee payments
• Proof of residency in Canada

Key Notes on Application Submission

• The application form must be signed and dated accurately.
• The signature must match the one registered in the system.
• Forms older than 90 days will not be reviewed.
• Marriage to a Canadian citizen alone does not grant citizenship; a 3-year residency period after obtaining PR is still required.

Citizenship Test

The test consists of 20 questions in English or French, with a 30-minute time limit. It covers Canadian history, culture, and values. Applicants who fail can retake it.

Citizenship Oath Ceremony

In the final step, successful applicants gather to recite the Oath of Citizenship, pledging loyalty to Canada. The oath reads:
“I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.”

Renewing a Permanent Resident (PR) Card

The PR card, issued to permanent residents, is valid for 5 years. Renewal is necessary in the following cases:

• Expiration of the 5-year validity
• Loss or damage to the card
• Changes to personal identity information
• Failure to receive the card within 180 days of entering Canada
  For renewal, an individual must have resided in Canada for at least 730 days within the past 5 years. The PR card provides access to government services, free healthcare, and the ability to apply for citizenship.