Becoming a Canadian citizen opens doors to a multitude of rights and responsibilities. Established in 1947, Canadian citizenship recognizes individuals born in Canada, as well as those who have undergone a naturalization process, as equal members of the nation. Both groups share the same rights and obligations enshrined in the Citizenship Act.

In 2014, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act aimed to modify the existing legislation. However, these changes were later revised or repealed through subsequent amendments in 2017.

Rights of Canadian Citizenship

Category Right Description
Fundamental Rights Freedom of conscience and religion Develop, change, and practice your beliefs.
Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression Includes freedom of speech and press.
Freedom of peaceful assembly Participate in peaceful rallies and gatherings.
Freedom of association Join or leave groups freely.
Legal Rights Habeas corpus Challenge unlawful detention by the state.
Presumption of innocence Considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
Democratic Rights Voting right (18+) Elect representatives in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
Right to run for office Stand for election to political positions.
Mobility Rights Freedom of movement Live and work anywhere in Canada.
Travel freedom Enter and leave the country freely.
Passport right Apply for a Canadian passport.
Indigenous Peoples' Rights Protection of Indigenous rights Existing treaties and rights of Indigenous peoples remain unaffected.
Official Language Rights and Minority Language Educational Rights Bilingualism French and English enjoy equal status in government and Parliament.
Education choice Receive education in either official language.
Multiculturalism Cultural expression Preserve, enhance, and share your language and cultural heritage.
Equality Non-discrimination Fair treatment regardless of gender, age, background, religion, race, or disability.

Responsibilities of Canadian Citizenship

Category Responsibility Description
Respecting Others Tolerance and understanding Honor the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their differences.
Celebrating diversity Embrace and appreciate Canada's multicultural heritage and the official languages, English and French.
Legal Obligations Upholding the rule of law Abide by all laws and regulations established by the government.
Jury duty participation When selected, serve on a jury to contribute to the justice system.
Democratic Engagement Active citizenship Participate in the democratic process by voting in elections at all levels.
Holding representatives accountable Engage with your elected officials and voice your concerns and ideas.
Personal Commitment Self-reliance and contribution Take responsibility for your own well-being, including education, work, and family care.
Supporting others in need Contribute to the community through volunteering and charitable acts.
Environmental Stewardship Protecting our shared resources Minimize waste and pollution, conserve natural resources, and preserve the beauty of our landscapes and heritage sites.

Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship by Descent:

Canadian Parent:

  • At least one parent must be a Canadian citizen at your birth.
  • This parent can be natural-born, naturalized, or a citizen by descent themselves, but their citizenship must have been acquired before your birth.

Born Outside Canada:

  • Individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent are eligible for citizenship by descent, as long as they meet the requirements.
  • Children born in Canada automatically become citizens, regardless of their parents’ citizenship.

Adopted Children:

  • You can qualify if your adoptive parent(s) were Canadian citizens at the time of adoption, and the adoption followed relevant laws.
  • For international adoptions, consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Second Generation Born Abroad:

  • If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad to a Canadian parent, you are considered “second-generation born abroad.”
  • Generally, as of April 17, 2009, second-generation individuals are not eligible for citizenship by descent, with some exceptions.
  • Find details about these limitations on the IRCC website.

Citizenship Lost and Regained:

  • If you lost Canadian citizenship due to changes in the Citizenship Act before April 17, 2009, you may be able to regain it under special provisions.
  • The IRCC website provides further information on regaining Canadian citizenship.

 

Documentation and Application Process:

Proof of Requirements:

To apply for Canadian citizenship by descent, you’ll need documentation proving you meet the eligibility criteria. Gather these key documents:

  • Canadian Parent’s Citizenship:
    • Canadian citizenship certificate or card
    • Canadian passport
    • Canadian birth certificate (if born in Canada)
  • Your Birth Certificate:
    • Original or certified copy showing your full name, date and place of birth, and both parents’ names.
  • Proof of Identity:
    • Valid foreign passport
    • National identity card
    • Driver’s license

Additional Documents:

Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

  • Adoption papers (adopted children)
  • Legal name change documents (if applicable)
  • Marriage certificate (if parent’s citizenship is based on marriage)

Application Form (CIT 0001):

Application Fees and Payment:

  • There’s a non-refundable application fee (CAD 75 as of September 2021). Find the latest fee information on the IRCC website.
  • Pay online using a credit card or valid prepaid card.

Submitting Your Application:

  • Once you have all the required documents and completed the form, mail your application package to the appropriate IRCC office. Detailed instructions are provided in the CIT 0001 application guide.

Processing Time and Tracking:

  • Applications typically take 5-8 months to process, but this may vary.
  • Track your application status and current processing times on the IRCC website. Remember, complete and accurate documentation can speed up the process.

Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Next Steps

Receiving Your Citizenship Certificate:

Upon approval of your citizenship application, you’ll receive a certificate as official proof of your Canadian citizenship. This document is crucial for obtaining a passport, accessing social benefits, and other critical services.

Obtaining a Canadian Passport:

As a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a passport using the Adult General Passport Application (PPTC 153): https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/passport/forms/pdf/pptc153.pdf. Gather the required documents, including your citizenship certificate, proof of identity, and two passport photos. Find detailed instructions and additional information on the Government of Canada’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html.

Social Benefits and Healthcare Registration:

Canadian citizenship guarantees access to various social benefits and healthcare services. To register, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a provincial health card. Procedures for obtaining a SIN and health card differ by province. Therefore, please visit your provincial government’s website for specific instructions.

Key Requirements

Physical Presence:

  • Minimum residency: To meet the physical presence requirement, you must have resided in Canada for at least 1,095 days (approximately 3 years) within the five years preceding your citizenship application.
  • Previous residency: If you resided in Canada before becoming a permanent resident, you may count some of that time towards the requirement. Each day spent as a temporary resident or protected person in the past five years can be counted as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days.
  • Recommendation: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recommends applying with more than 1,095 days to account for potential discrepancies.

Taxes and Tax Filing:

  • Filing requirement: You may need to file Canadian income taxes for at least three years within the five years before applying.
  • Obligation to file: Even if you lived in Canada for part of a year, you may still need to file if you owe taxes, want a refund, or seek government benefits and credits.

Canadian Citizenship Test:

  • Age range: Applicants between 18 and 54 years old must take this 30-minute test.
  • Content: The test assesses your knowledge of Canadian rights and responsibilities, history, geography, laws, government, and more.
  • Language options: You can choose to take the test in English or French, Canada’s official languages.

Language Proficiency:

  • Age range: Applicants between 18 and 54 years old must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level of 4 or higher.
  • Assessment methods: IRCC evaluates your language skills through application documents, communication during the process, and potentially a language assessment during a hearing.
  • Proof of proficiency: Acceptable forms of proof include certificates, diplomas, and tests.

Ineligibility for Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship may not be granted to individuals who:

  • Do not meet the residency requirements: This includes not physically residing in Canada for the required number of days within the specified timeframe.
  • Lack language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate adequate knowledge of either English or French to meet language requirements.
  • Fail the citizenship test or interview: Passing the citizenship test and interview assesses understanding of Canadian rights, responsibilities, and values.
  • Cannot provide proper documentation: Complete and accurate residence documentation is essential for verifying eligibility.

Additional Factors:

Several legal and criminal matters can also impact eligibility for Canadian citizenship. Potential grounds for ineligibility include:

  • Loss of citizenship within the past five years: Prior revocation of Canadian citizenship may affect reacquisition.
  • Criminal convictions within the past three years: Certain criminal convictions raise concerns about upholding Canadian values and laws.
  • Current incarceration or legal restrictions: Individuals in prison, on parole, on probation, or under removal orders are not eligible to apply.
  • Suspicion or conviction of serious crimes: Investigations or convictions for war crimes or crimes against humanity are significant impediments to citizenship.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Path to Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship represents a profound commitment to values of multiculturalism, inclusivity, and opportunity. By embracing these principles, individuals contribute to the vibrant fabric of Canadian society, enriching its cultural tapestry and strengthening its democratic foundation.

For those seeking to join this dynamic nation, understanding the path to citizenship is a crucial first step. This overview has provided a foundational framework, highlighting key requirements and offering a glimpse into the responsibilities and privileges that come with citizenship.

Exploring official government resources, consulting immigration professionals, and actively engaging with your local community are all valuable steps in navigating the path forward. Ultimately, the decision to pursue Canadian citizenship should be a well-considered one, driven by a heartfelt connection to its values and a desire to contribute positively to its future.

By embarking on this journey with thorough preparation and genuine commitment, aspiring citizens can embrace the full potential of Canadian life and participate in shaping the nation’s trajectory together.