Eligibility

To become a Canadian citizen, individuals must meet several requirements set by the Canadian government. Here is a summary of the key conditions, subject to change: 

- Permanent Resident Status:  

You must be a permanent resident of Canada, usually having lived there for at least three out of the five years prior to your citizenship application. There may be exceptions for those who were temporary residents (such as students or refugees) before obtaining permanent residency. 

- Physical Presence:  

You need to have physically been in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the last five years before applying. 

- Income Tax Filing:  

You must have filed income taxes for at least three of the five years, which should correspond to the years you lived as a permanent resident. 

- Language Requirements:  

Most applicants aged 18 to 54 must show proficiency in either English or French, typically through language tests like CELPIP, IELTS (for English), or TEF (for French). 

- Citizenship Test: 

 A test covering Canada’s history, values, institutions, and symbols may be required, with questions based on the official guide “Discover Canada.” 

- Criminal History: 

 Certain criminal convictions or pending charges can affect eligibility for citizenship. 

- Intent to Reside:  

Applicants must intend to live in Canada or work abroad for the Canadian government, Canadian Armed Forces, or as Crown servants after becoming citizens. 

- Knowledge of Canada:  

Applicants must show understanding of Canada’s history, values, and institutions by taking a citizenship test. 

- Application and Fees: 

 Citizenship applicants need to fill out form CIT 0002 and pay the required processing fees, which are $630 for adults and $100 for minors. 

Process 

After submission, applications are pre-screened by the citizenship office in Sydney, Nova Scotia, to verify completeness and residency qualifications. Applicants will then attend an interview, demonstrating their knowledge of Canada in one of its official languages.