Canadian Citizenship Requirements:
Presence in Canada for at least 183 days in any three qualifying calendar years within the previous five years.
Compliance with income tax filing requirements for any three taxation years within the five years before applying.
Intent to reside in Canada, work with certain Canadian entities, or accompany family members employed in specific sectors.
Language proficiency in English or French.
Knowledge about Canada and the responsibilities of citizenship for those under 65.
Age 18 or older with adequate language skills if under 64
Minor Application (Under 18):
Minors under 18 years of age may apply for citizenship if they are a permanent resident and have a parent who is either a Canadian citizen, or who is applying for citizenship at the same time. The completed application and processing fee is all that is required — they do not need to take the citizenship test..
You may be ineligible for Canadian citizenship if you
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Are under a removal order
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Have a criminal record or are facing changes in Canada
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Been refused Canadian citizenship as a result of misrepresentation
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Had your Canadian citizenship revoked
Processing of Citizenship Application
Applications are submitted to the citizenship office in Sydney, Nova Scotia where they are pre-screened to ensure the application is complete and the 3-year residence rule has been met. Within about 12 months from submission, applicants will be required to attend an interview to demonstrate their knowledge of Canada in one of Canada's official languages.
Citizenship Language Requirement
Applicants for citizenship between the ages of 14-64 must provide evidence of their knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages on the date their application is submitted. The minimum language abilities to be met are described in the regulations as the capacity to:
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Take part in short, everyday conversations
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Understand simple instructions
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Use basic grammar, simple structures, and tenses in oral communication
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Use vocabulary that is adequate for routine oral communication
The applicant for Citizenship must have English or French speaking and listening abilities that meet the language requirements described above. Written proficiency is not necessary. Evidence of language proficiency must include one of the following:
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Results of an IRCC-approved language test
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Diploma or transcripts showing secondary or post-secondary education in English or French
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Results from a government-funded language course showing CLB 4 or NCLC 4 or higher
Individuals who underwent language testing in the process of applying for permanent residence can use those results as evidence of proficiency, even if they have since expired. Language tests currently approved by IRCC for citizenship application purposes are:
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International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
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Canadian English Language-Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
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Test d’Évaluation Française (TEF)
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Test d’Évaluation du Français Adapté au Québec (TEFAQ)
