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Citizenship
Canada grants citizenship through two main avenues: naturalization and birth within the country.
To qualify for citizenship through naturalization, Canadians with 3 years of qualifying permanent resident status during the preceding 5 years may apply for Canadian citizenship.
Canadian Citizenship Requirements
- You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 183 days in any of the three qualifying calendar years that fall entirely or partially within the five years preceding your application.
- You must have fulfilled any relevant requirements under the Income Tax Act to file income taxes for at least four taxation years that fall entirely or partially within the six years immediately preceding your application.
- You must intend to reside in Canada, or work outside the country in a role with, or accompany certain family members employed in or with: the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration, or the public service of a province.
- You must be able to communicate (speak and understand) in English or French, unless you are 65 years of age or older, in which case this requirement does not apply.
- Be able to demonstrate, in English or French, knowledge about Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship (if you are 65 years of age or older, this does not apply)
- 18 years old or older
- Have adequate knowledge of Citizenship Language Requirement, if under age 64
Processing of Citizenship Application
Applications are submitted to the citizenship office in Sydney, Nova Scotia, where they are pre-screened to verify that the application is complete and the 4-year residence requirement has been met. Within approximately 12 months of submission, applicants will need to attend an interview to demonstrate their knowledge of Canada in one of the country’s official languages.
Citizenship Language Requirement
Applicants for citizenship aged 14 to 64 must provide proof of their knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages at the time of application. The required minimum language abilities, as outlined in the regulations, include the ability to:
- Take part in short, every-day conversations
- Understand simple instructions
- Use basic grammar, simple structures and tenses in oral communication
- Use vocabulary that is adequate for routine oral communication
The applicant for citizenship must have speaking and listening abilities in English or French that meet the language requirements outlined above. Written proficiency is not required. Evidence of language proficiency must include one of the following:
- Results of an IRCC approved language test
- Diploma or transcripts showing secondary or post-secondary education in English or French
- Results from a government funded language course showing CLB 4 or NCLC 4 or higher
Individuals who underwent language testing as part of their permanent residence application can use those results as evidence of proficiency, even if the tests have expired. The language tests currently approved by IRCC for citizenship application purposes are:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian English Language-Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Test d’Évaluation Française (TEF)
- Test d’Évaluation du Français Adapté au Québec (TEFAQ)
Citizenship Refusal
If your Canadian citizenship application is refused, you may appeal the decision to the Federal Court of Canada. The first step in the appeal process is to file a Notice of Application with the Federal Court within 30 days of receiving the decision from Citizenship. This timeline is crucial.