Getting Canadian Citizenship just got easier, and you may qualify to hold one of the most valuable passports in the world.
There have been many changes implemented by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) since October 2017 that makes the possibility of you holding a Canadian passport that much easier.
Many people who may not have been eligibility under the old rules may now be able to apply.
With the new provisions for counting half of your time in Canada as a temporary resident in Canada, before getting permanent residency, it is possible to gain Citizenship after being in Canada as a permanent resident for only two years.
Whereas previously permanent residents had to accumulate at least four years of residency days out of six years prior to applying, they may now apply if they accumulate three years of residency out of five.
Also, permanent residents who spent time in Canada as a foreign worker, international student, or protected person before transitioning to permanent residence may count a portion of this time towards the residency days requirement, where each day spent in Canada on temporary status counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days.
The government has decreased the total time you must spend in Canada. As of October 11, 2017 the government no longer requires applicants for citizenship to be physically present in Canada for 183 days or more in four out of the six years preceding their application, as was the case before.
Canadian Citizenship Requirements
Application requirements include a formal application to Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada and include;
- 1,095 days Day Rule: you are required to spend a minimum of 3 years, out of the previous 5 years in Canada before submitting an application, time spent in Canada as a temporary resident now counts as half, maximum accumulated time is 1 year.
- The requirement to spend six months out of each calendar year has been retracted
- Tax requirements, applicant must file taxes if required to do so for 3 out of 5 years
- Upfront evidence of adequate knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages: English or French; IELTS or CELPIP.
- Citizenship test; requested by IRCC after the application has been submitted.
Why is Canadian Citizenship so valuable?
Canadian Citizenship offers:
- Inalienable rights, such as equality, freedom from oppression and freedom of assembly, as well as responsibilities, namely to abide by Canadian laws
- A Canadian Passport, allowing visa-free travel to over 140 countries
- The right to vote
- NAFTA labour mobility benefits
- No physical residency obligations
- A sense of security in knowing that your status cannot be easily revoked
Physical Presence
Permanent residents were originally required to be physically present in Canada for 4 years (1,460 days) in the last 6 years, with at least 183 days in 4 out of the 6 years.
Now, permanent residents only need to be physically present in Canada for 3 years (1,095 days) in the last 5 years. Also, every 2 days spent in Canada, as student, worker or protected person, prior becoming permanent residents may be counted as 1 day towards their physical presence, maximum 365 days.
For example if a person became Permanent Resident 2 years ago and was previously in Canada as a worker for 2 years or more before becoming a Permanent Resident they can apply right away. (also taking into consideration any travel time outside of Canada after they became a permanent resident) This is because they have 2 years as a permanent resident and are entitled to count half of the time they were in Canada as a temporary resident. Giving them a total of 3 years in the last 5 years.
Tax Requirements
Permanent residents must file their income taxes with Canada Revenue Agency, if required under the Income Tax Act, for 3 out of 5 years, matching the new physical presence requirements.
Language & Knowledge Requirements
In order to become a Canadian Citizen, permanent residents have to demonstrate that they have adequate knowledge of one of the official languages of Canada and knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of Citizenship. The age range that is required to meet the above has been reduced from ages 14 – 64 to ages 18 – 54.
Dual Citizen Citizenship Revocation
Before Bill C-6, under the Citizenship Act, Citizenship could be revoked from dual citizens convicted of crimes against the national interest. This has been rescinded; dual citizens will now face the Canadian justice system just as any other Canadian Citizen.
Intention to Continue Residing in Canada
The provision requiring new Canadians to stay in Canada is rescinded. Applicants are no longer required to intend to continue to live in Canada once granted Citizenship. This eliminates the worries from those who may have to live abroad for any reason.
Minors’ Application for Citizenship
The age requirement for Citizenship has been removed under subsection 5(1); minors without a Canadian parent could apply for Citizenship more easily. A legal guardian of the minor can now apply for Citizenship on behalf of the minor.
It is still important to ensure a complete and decision ready application and to be sure you meet the requirements even after you have submitted the application.
Summary of Old and New Regulations
| PREVIOUS REGULATION | NEW REGULATION |
| Applicants had to be physically present in Canada for four out of six years before applying for citizenship. | Applicants must be physically present in Canada for three out of five years before applying for citizenship. |
| Applicants had to file Canadian income taxes, if required to do so under the Income Tax Act, for four out of six years, matching the physical presence requirement. | Applicants must file Canadian income taxes, if required to do so under the Income Tax Act, for three out of five years, matching the new physical presence requirement. |
| Applicants had to be physically present in Canada for 183 days in four out of the six years preceding their application. | This provision is repealed. Applicants no longer have to meet this requirement. |
| Time spent in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident did not count towards the physical presence requirement for citizenship. | Applicants may count each day they were physically present in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident as a half-day toward meeting the physical presence requirement for citizenship, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. |
| Applicants between 14 and 64 years had to meet the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship. | Applicants between 18 and 54 years must meet the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship. |
Think you might be eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship? Contact us and see if you qualify! We will send you a quick questionnaire and be able to assess your eligibility right away, free of charge.
Applying to become a Canadian Citizen is exciting! Be sure to always meet the deadlines and requests from IRCC and reach out to others who are going through the process or have already obtained their PR. To communicate with other candidates and applicants, join the Foothills Immigration Forum on Facebook and join the conversation. Or contact us directly anytime to set up a free consultation. www.BelongToCanada.com. We’d love to hear from you.
Written by:
Leann Iamartino; Senior Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant; Commissioner of Oaths
Foothills Immigration Inc.
