How To Become a Citizen of Canada
Here is useful information about becoming a Canadian citizen. Read this page to decide if you are ready to take this step.
Requirements for Citizenship in Canada
To become a Canadian citizen you must:
- be 18 years of
age or older;
- be a permanent
resident of Canada;
- have lived in
Canada for at least three of the four years before applying;
- be able to communicate
in either English or French;
- know about Canada;
- know about the
rights and responsibilities of citizenship;
Time spent in Canada before
becoming a permanent resident may be counted towards becoming a Canadian citizen.
A child (under 18
years of age) must be a permanent resident of Canada to apply for Canadian
citizenship. To apply on behalf of your child you must either:
- already be a citizen;
or
- apply for citizenship
together as a family.
Children do not need
to have lived in Canada for three years before applying.
Citizenship Test
If you are between the
ages of 18 and 59 you must pass a citizenship test. For more information on
Canada and the citizenship test read the on-line study guide A
Look at Canada.
Who cannot become a
Canadian citizen?
Before you apply you should
make sure that you are eligible for citizenship. You cannot become a Canadian
citizen if you:
- are under a removal
order;
- are now charged
with an indictable criminal offence;
- have been convicted
of an indictable criminal offence in the past three years;
- are now in prison,
on parole, or on probation;
- are being investigated
for or have been convicted of war crimes;
- had your citizenship
revoked in the last five years.
Please note that
time spent in prison, on parole or on probation may not be counted towards
becoming a citizen.
Applying for Citizenship
in Canada
Find out about applying
for citizenship.
Canada Visas
Go to our Canada visas page for information about Study Permits, Work Permits and Temporary Resident Visas.
Immigration Canada Guide
Citizen and Immigration Canada - A Newcomer's Introduction to Canada
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
For comprehensive information about Canadian visas, visit the
Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site.
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© 2012 Vancouver English Centre
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Last updated on Aug 20/09
at 12:15 PDT
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