Citizenship application

A Citizen of Canada enjoys a lot more privileges than a Permanent Residency Holder does. There are certain rights and privileges which you are entitled to as a Canadian Citizen. These rights include right to free thought, speech, practice religion, vote, assemble peacefully, aboriginal people’s rights, mobility rights, equality right and legal rights.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Canadian Citizenship, you need to fulfill certain conditions terms. These eligibility criteria can be categorized as follows:

• Age: You must be 18 years old or above to apply. If you have a dependent child below 18 years of age, you can apply for their citizenship if they are a Permanent Resident and eligible to apply for a Citizenship;
• Permanent Residency: You must have a valid Permanent Residency Status in Canada to apply for a Canadian Citizenship. You must not be involved in any kind of fraud or there must not be any case pending against you in the court of law.  You must have been physically present in Canada as a Permanent Resident for at least 1,460 days during the five years right before the date you sign your application; and 183 days during each of four calendar years that are fully or partially within the six years right before the date you apply;
• Language:You need to prove your ability to communicate in either of the two official languages of Canada – English or French. Ability to communicate, understand simple instructions, basic grammar, day-to-day usage etc. is what the officer is looking for.
• Income Tax: You must have filed for Income Tax for any income earned during your stay in Canada for at least three years;  
• Citizenship Test: You have to undergo a test to check your familiarity with Canadian values and culture. The Citizenship test usually is combined of questions about Canada’s history, values, institutions, symbols, rights, responsibilities and privileges etc.

If you have served in the Canadian armed forces, you are eligible to apply under a fast-track citizenship process.