Citizenship
Citizenship
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
Canadian law sets specific eligibility criteria that individuals must meet before applying for citizenship. As of November 2017, the following are required for a successful application:
Key Criteria for Canadian Citizenship:
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada’s two official languages—English or French.
- Permanent Residency (PR): You must hold Canadian Permanent Residency.
- Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the five years before applying.
- Tax Filing: Applicants must have filed taxes for at least three out of the last five years and should not owe any income tax.
If these criteria are not met, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may return the application.
Additional Requirements:
- Citizenship & Language Tests: Applicants aged 18-54 must pass a citizenship test, which covers Canadian history, politics, and geography, and demonstrate communication skills in English or French.
- Intent to Reside: The application must include a declaration stating the applicant’s intent to reside in Canada after citizenship is granted.
- Temporary Residency: Applicants can count half of the days spent in Canada as a temporary resident (up to a maximum of 365 days) toward the total residency requirement.
- Children Under 18: Children under 18 do not need to meet the residency requirement if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen or meets the residency requirements.
At BridgeWay Canada, we recognize that each client’s situation is unique. Our experienced immigration lawyers and consultants will develop a personalized strategy to help you navigate the process. We’ve helped many people successfully apply for and gain Canadian citizenship.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in your citizenship journey.
