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Becoming a Canadian Citizen - Where to Start

By: Rob Parker

Congratulations! You have made the big move to a new country, and you feel that it is now time to become a citizen of Canada.
Fortunately, Canada is a fairly welcoming place for new arrivals; after all, it is only through immigration that the country’s population numbers are able to keep from falling!

As with any country, though, there are a few steps that you will have to take in order to become a Canadian citizen. After completing the steps and having citizenship granted, you will qualify for all of the benefits that come with citizenship. Here are the things you have to do in order to get started.

Determine your eligibility

Not everyone is automatically allowed to gain citizenship in Canada. Before you apply to take the citizenship test, you have to make sure that you are eligible. Here are some of the criterions that you will have to double check:

Age: Only people over 18 years are allowed to apply for citizenship on their own. Any minors (those under 18) must apply through a parent or guardian. Exceptions include permanent residents and children who have at least one parent who is already a Canadian citizen.

Permanent Resident Status: In order to receive citizenship, you must hold permanent resident status.

Time lived in the country: You will have to have lived in Canada for at least three years before applying, but children are exempted from this rule.

Language abilities: You must be able to carry on a conversation in either French or English.

Criminal history: Those with a criminal record, or whose Canadian citizenship has been revoked, may not apply for citizenship.
This includes people who have been charged with an offence for which the courts have not yet found them innocent.

Applying

After determining your eligibility, you need to apply to receive the citizenship package. The application process includes the following:

Obtaining an application kit.

Reading the guide that is included with the kit.

Completing the form and including the required documentation, which is: proof of permanent resident status, two pieces of identification (one of which needs to have your photo on it), two signed citizenship photos, and the receipt for your fee.

Pay the fee ($200).

Mail the application and all documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices, located in Nova Scotia.

Once you have filled out your application, you have to wait until you receive a letter stating that you are eligible for citizenship. Included in the letter will be a booklet about Canada, and you will need to know many of the facts in the booklet in order to pass the citizenship test, which will be the last task in your journey to Canadian citizenship.

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