EMBRACING THE MAPLE LEAF: THE PATH TO CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP
Obtaining Canadian citizenship is a noteworthy achievement for individuals who decide to settle in this lively and hospitable nation.A candidate must adhere to a certain set of regulations if they want to become citizens of Canada after having lived inside Canada for some time.A heads up: the application process for Canadian citizenship can be time-consuming and complex. Make sure you meet all the requirements.
Benefits of Obtaining a Canadian Citizenship
For many people worldwide, becoming a citizen of Canada is their desire. Great healthcare, a friendly culture, and a high standard of living are all well-known in Canada. Getting Canadian citizenship allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the nation without facing any limitations. There are many other benefits, such as you are eligible to vote. Every Canadian citizen over the age of eighteen has the right to vote for the leader of Canada in every federal election. However, voters can participate in regular province and municipal elections in addition to federal elections. The second advantage is that a Canadian citizen can run for office, they can run in municipal, provincial, or federal elections. One of the strongest passports in the world is the Canadian one. With a Canadian passport, you can travel to a number of countries around the world without needing a visa and reenter the country without any difficulty. Most importantly, your next generation will reap the benefit since they will be Canadian citizens by birth.
Statistics
In order to meet service standards, IRCC has been striving to complete 80% of citizenship applications. Approximately 46% of citizenship applications were pending as of January 2022, and the application backlog was lowered by IRCC to 20% as of November 2023, meeting the organization’s goal.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data shows that in 2023, over 354,000 individuals obtained Canadian citizenship at over 3,000 ceremonies held across the nation.
Steps to obtain Citizenship from PR
Before applying, a person must fulfill several requirements in order to become a citizen of Canada.
In order to become a citizen of Canada while being a Canadian Permanent Resident, one needs to:
- Have a valid permanent residency of Canada;
- File taxes if necessary;
- Pass a Canadian citizenship test (if between the ages of 18-54);
- Verify your language abilities if you are between the ages of 18 and 54.
- Meet Canada’s physical presence requirements.
What are Canada’s Physical Presence Requirements
The majority of candidates must have resided in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the five years prior to the date on which they sign their citizenship application in order to be eligible for citizenship. With the ability to compute their own eligibility and realize precisely when they hold a position to apply, IRCC tools like the citizenship calculator have made life more straightforward for candidates. The IRCC makes it clear that each day spent in Canada within the last 5 years counts as one half day [for] physical presence, computations apply to TRs and protected persons across the country.
It’s also crucial to remember that Canadian TRs and protected individuals can only credit up to 365 days for their time spent in the country. The remaining time that counts toward this requirement needs to be time that was spent in Canada following PR status.
Canadian citizenship ceremonies
During a citizenship ceremony, participants will:
- Take the Oath of Citizenship;
- Get their citizenship certificate;
- Take an oath or affirm your citizenship using the provided form.
- Sing the national anthem.
A journey that frequently starts with the hope of a better life culminates in becoming a citizen of Canada. With its dedication to individual rights, diversity, and inclusivity, Canada extends a warm welcome to new citizens. A person who embraces the Maple Leaf not only acquires the rights and benefits that come with citizenship, but they also play a vital role in the diverse tapestry of Canadian society.
