How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship Online
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The Benefits of Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Being able to vote in free and democratic elections while having the ability to travel without the need for a visa to 140 countries is a huge draw for Canadian Citizenship.
Miho and myself both received our Canadian citizenship so we fully understand the benefits and the work involved. We would love to help you apply for Canadian citizenship, guiding you through the process and help you to achieve the same rewarding feeling that we experienced.
Highlighted below are the steps, evidence and frequently asked questions that will help you understand the process. And if you need clarity, then our consultations are a great place to start as they will educate you with the information you need if you want to complete this process yourself.
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What is Canadian Citizenship and Why is it Worth Having?
The benefits of Canadian Citizenship are:
- Inalienable rights, such as equality, freedom from oppression and freedom of assembly, as well as responsibilities, namely to abide by Canadian laws
- A Canadian Passport, allowing visa-free travel to over 140 countries
- The right to vote
- US & Mexican Free Trade Agreement labor mobility benefits
- No physical Residency Obligations
- A sense of security in knowing that your status can’t be easily revoked.
Citizenship status is much more secure than Permanent Residency and can only be taken away if it was obtained fraudulently, unlike Permanent Residency, which can be revoked as a result of serious criminality.
Can I Apply for Canadian Citizenship Online?
You sure can! To apply for Canadian Citizenship online, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old or have a parent or legal guardian apply on your behalf.
- Have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1095 days (3 years) out of the last five years before applying.
- Have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the last five years.
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French. You can prove your language proficiency by providing proof of completion of a designated language test or through secondary or post-secondary education in English or French.
- Pass a citizenship test. The test assesses your knowledge of Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols.
- Have no outstanding immigration or criminal issues.
- Intend to reside in Canada once you become a citizen.
- Have a basic understanding of Canada’s rights and responsibilities, such as obeying the law, voting in elections, and respecting the rights of others.
- Meet the requirements of the Citizenship Act and the Citizenship Regulations.
What are the Steps for Applying for Canadian Citizenship Online?
If you are looking to apply for Canadian citizenship online, here are the general steps you need to follow:
- Determine if you are eligible: Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship. You can do this with the handy online tool “Am I Eligible?”
- Gather necessary documents: Gather all the documents such as proof of your identity, residence, language proficiency, and make sure your income tax filings are up to date. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your situation.
- Create an online account: Create an account on the Canadian government’s website, which is called the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account. This is where you will submit your application and track the progress of your application.
- Fill out the application: Fill out the application form online, including all the required information and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee: Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
- Submit the application: After completing the application and paying the fee, you can submit it online through your IRCC account.
- Wait for the processing of your application. The processing time may vary depending on your situation.
- When invited, attend and pass the Citizenship test.
- If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to attend the citizenship ceremony where you will take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your Canadian citizenship certificate.
What Documents Will I Need for my Canadian Citizenship Application Online
To apply for Canadian citizenship online, you will need to provide certain documents. Here is a list of the documents that you may need:
- Proof of identity: This could be a valid passport, driver’s license, or any other government-issued identification.
- Proof of language proficiency: You will need to provide proof of your proficiency in either English or French. This can be done by providing the results of a language test recognized by the Canadian government or through your educational transcripts.
- Proof of residency: You will need to provide documents that prove you have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last five years before applying.
- Proof of income tax filings: You will need to provide your SIN number and the Government will check that you have filed at least 3 income tax returns for the last five years.
- Police certificates: You may need to provide police certificates or a criminal record check from any country where you have lived for more than six months in the past five years.
- Other documents: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption papers, or custody documents.
- After you have submitted the application you will be invited to sit and pass the Citizenship test.
Proof of Citizenship Certificate by Descent
Canadian citizenship by descent refers to the process by which a person born outside of Canada can acquire Canadian citizenship if they have a Canadian parent. Here are the requirements for Canadian citizenship by descent:
- You must have been born outside of Canada after April 17, 2009, and at least one of your biological or adoptive parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.
- You must be able to provide proof of your Canadian parent’s citizenship at the time of your birth. This can be done by providing their birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate or any other official document that proves their Canadian citizenship.
- You must be able to provide proof that you have not renounced your Canadian citizenship in the past.
- You must meet the language and knowledge requirements, which means that you must be able to communicate in either English or French and have knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, and government.
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply for citizenship on your own behalf. If you are under 18, your Canadian parent or legal guardian can apply for citizenship on your behalf.
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Frequently Asked Questions | Canada Express Entry
The cost of applying for Canadian citizenship online varies depending on several factors, such as your age, residency status, and whether or not you are applying for citizenship for the first time or for a replacement of a lost or stolen citizenship certificate. As of May 2023, here are the fees for some of the most common citizenship applications:
- Adult citizenship application (18 years or older) – $630 CAD per applicant;
- Child citizenship application (under 18 years) – $100 CAD per applicant;
- Citizenship certificate application (for those who already have citizenship) – $75 CAD per applicant.
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should always check the official Canadian government website for the most up-to-date fee schedule. Additionally, there may be additional fees for services such as language tests or fingerprinting, which are required as part of the citizenship application process.
As of May 2023, the current processing time for online Canadian citizenship applications is estimated to be between 12 to 18 months. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate and processing times can be longer or shorter depending on individual circumstances, the volume of applications, and if you forgot to include supporting evidence.
It’s recommended to apply for Canadian citizenship as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements and have gathered all the necessary documents, in order to avoid any delays in processing times. You can check the status of your application online through your IRCC account and should expect to receive regular updates on the progress of your application.
As of May 2023, the current processing time for online Canadian citizenship applications is estimated to be between 12 to 18 months. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate and processing times can be longer or shorter depending on individual circumstances, the volume of applications, and if you forgot to include supporting evidence.
It’s recommended to apply for Canadian citizenship as soon as you meet the eligibility requirements and have gathered all the necessary documents, in order to avoid any delays in processing times. You can check the status of your application online through your IRCC account and should expect to receive regular updates on the progress of your application.
Yes, a child born outside of Canada is a citizen provided at least one of their parents was a Canadian Citizen by birth or by naturalization at the time of the birth of the child. This rule applies to adopted children too.
Where the rule does not apply is in the “first generation limitation” when the child is a child of a Canadian Citizen who themselves gained Citizenship by descent. This is to prevent Citizenship by inheritance by people that were not born or naturalized in Canada.
The child who is born outside Canada to Canadian parents will still have to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship.
To prove Canadian citizenship for your child, you can submit an application if they:
- Want to live, work, study or visit Canada
- Want to sponsor relatives for Permanent Residence in Canada
- Are from a country whose citizens require a visa to visit Canada
Yes, you can leave Canada after you have mailed or submitted your citizenship application online.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an acknowledgement letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which will confirm that your application has been received and is being processed. This letter will not prevent you from leaving Canada.
However, it’s important to ensure that you maintain your PR Card and not lose PR status before the Citizenship ceremony, and that you continue to meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship. If you fail to meet the requirements or if there are issues with your application, your application could be delayed or denied.
If you plan to leave Canada while your application is being processed, you should ensure that your PR card is valid until your expected return.
You should also ensure that you are available to attend any scheduled interviews or provide additional information or documentation if requested by IRCC.
Canadian law generally allows for dual citizenship, which means that you can hold citizenship in more than one country at the same time.
However, the laws regarding dual citizenship can vary depending on your country of origin. Some countries do not allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship, or may require you to renounce your original citizenship in order to become a Canadian citizen.
If you are unsure about the laws regarding dual citizenship in your country of origin, you should consult with the embassy or consulate of that country. They will be able to provide you with specific information about their policies regarding dual citizenship.
It’s important to note that if you become a Canadian citizen, you will be subject to Canadian laws and regulations, including taxation laws. You should consult with a qualified tax professional to understand how becoming a Canadian citizen may impact your tax obligations in both Canada and your country of origin.
A Canadian Citizenship Certificate is proof of your Citizenship.
Proof of citizenship is needed for:
- Applying for a Canadian passport;
- Joining the Canadian Forces;
- Proving the Canadian citizenship of your child born outside Canada;
- Working in a security clearance-required area e.g., Canadian Security Services.
You can only apply for your passport when you have received your proof of Citizenship Certificate.
Once you have a Canadian passport you can travel without a visa to more than 140 countries.
If you’re seeking proof of Canadian Citizenship or are applying for Citizenship for the first time, we can help. Our team will ensure that:
- You’re eligible to apply for a citizenship certificate;
- You have the right set of documents required for the application;
- We complete the application form on your behalf;
- A cover letter is provided to explain why your application is deserving;
- We can request an urgent processing if necessary;
- We will represent you to the government of Canada.
It’s important to note that only a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or a Canadian Immigration Lawyer, as well as a member of the Chambres de Notaires du Quebec, can accept payment to be your representative with IRCC.
The Canadian Citizenship test is an exam that assesses your knowledge of Canada, including its history, geography, government, rights and responsibilities, and symbols. The test is conducted in English or French and consists of 20 multiple -choice questions. You must score at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly to pass the test.
Here are some tips on how to pass the Canadian citizenship test:
- Study the official study guide: The official study guide, “Discover Canada,” contains all the information you need to know for the citizenship test. Review the guide thoroughly and take notes.
- Take practice tests: Canadian citizenship test practice is a great way to learn about Canada. There are many practice tests available online. Taking practice tests can help you identify areas where you may need to study more.
- Watch videos and listen to podcasts: There are many resources available online, including videos and podcasts, that can help you learn about Canada and prepare for the citizenship test.
- Practice speaking and listening: As part of the citizenship test, you will also be assessed on your speaking and listening skills in English or French. Practice speaking and listening as much as you can to improve your skills.
- Stay calm and focused: On the day of the test, try to stay calm and focused. Read each question carefully and take your time to answer. Don’t rush through the test.
If you are unable to pass the Canadian citizenship test questions on your first attempt, you can retake the test again. It’s important to note that failing the test could delay your citizenship application processing time
There are a number of language testing agencies that are approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to administer language tests for Canadian citizenship.
The two most common language tests that are accepted by IRCC for citizenship purposes are the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
You can find a list of IRCC-approved language testing agencies and their locations on the IRCC website. Once you have identified a testing agency that is convenient for you, you should contact them directly to schedule a test. You will be responsible for paying any fees associated with the language test.
It’s important to note that you must provide proof of language proficiency as part of your citizenship application. If you are unable to provide acceptable language test results, your application may be denied.
When applying for Canadian citizenship, you are required to submit a passport-style photo that meets the following requirements:
- The photo must be in color, sized to the exact specifications specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which is 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches high).
- The photo must be taken in front of a plain white or light-colored background.
- Your face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible.
- The photo must be of your head and shoulders only, with no other objects or people visible in the background.
- The photo must be a recent image of you, taken within the last six months.
- The photo must be of high quality, with no shadows, blurs, or red-eye.
It’s important to ensure that your photo meets these requirements, as any photos that do not meet the specifications will be rejected and may delay your citizenship application process. You can find more information on Canadian citizenship photo requirements on the IRCC website.
There are several situations that could prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen. Here are some examples:
- Not meeting the eligibility requirements: To become a Canadian citizen, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a permanent resident of Canada, meeting residency requirements, and not being inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as criminality, security, or health.
- Providing false information: Providing false or misleading information or documentation in your citizenship application can result in your application being denied or your citizenship being revoked.
- Failing the citizenship test: The citizenship test assesses your knowledge of Canada’s history, values, institutions, and symbols, as well as your proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages. Failing the test could result in your citizenship application being denied.
- Not meeting language requirements: You must be able to communicate in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French) to become a Canadian citizen. If you do not meet the language requirements, your application could be denied.
- Previous loss of citizenship: If you have previously lost your Canadian citizenship, you may not be eligible to apply for citizenship again.
- Involvement in certain activities: Involvement in certain activities, such as terrorism, espionage, or treason, could prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen.
It’s important to note that each citizenship application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and there may be additional factors that could affect your eligibility to become a Canadian citizen.
If you need your citizenship certificate urgently, you can request urgent processing of your application. In order to qualify for urgent processing, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You need to travel outside of Canada urgently and require a citizenship certificate to obtain a travel document.
- You need to apply for a job or to maintain employment and require a citizenship certificate as proof of your status.
- You are applying for government benefits and require a citizenship certificate as proof of your status.
- You have a medical emergency and require a citizenship certificate as proof of your status.
If you meet any of these criteria, you can request urgent processing by contacting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the IRCC Webform or by calling their Client Support Centre. You will need to provide supporting documentation to prove your urgent need, such as travel tickets or a letter from your employer or doctor.
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Please understand that, regardless of significance, we can only administer Canadian immigration advice and counsel within the context of a paid consultation or retained services. Free Canadian immigration information is available at the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website at www.cic.gc.ca or you can call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to speak with an agent.