Canada embodies diversity and multiculturalism, so new immigrants come each year to explore new opportunities. After living in Canada for five years following immigration, you can start your application for Canadian citizenship. The application process can be tasking. You need to meet eligibility requirements and submit various documents. Here is some insight into the eligibility and application forms one needs to become a Canadian Citizen.
Eligibility
Before applying for Canadian citizenship, there are requirements you must fulfill, including:
- Be a permanent resident
- Reside in Canada for at least 3 years of 1095 days of the 5 years since immigration
- File taxes in Canada for at least 3 of the 5 immigrant years
- Show language proficiency in English or French
- Understand Canadian history and culture
The eligibility criteria rest on the above requirements, but the law has certain provisions for minors. Minors applying alongside their parents or those who have a Canadian parent can get certain exemptions during citizenship application. They might not need to provide proof of residence.
Application Forms You Need for Canadian Citizenship
You can start your application if you meet all Canadian citizenship requirements. Proper submission of the required documents increases your chances of applying. If you are wondering how to migrate to Canada from UAE, then the best way would be to go through the application forms if you have all the required paperwork. Depending on your location, you might have different processes, so it should be best to consult a lawyer to help you with the migration.
Here are some documents you need when applying for Canadian citizenship:
Citizenship Application Form
The citizenship application form is available online alongside a checklist of all required documents. You can fill the document electronically and download it to submit on paper.
The Canadian government has recently allowed online applications for people who meet specific criteria. You should check to see whether you can meet each of these requirements.
Physical Presence Proof
Before applying for Canadian citizenship, you must attain residency. You should prove to have resided in Canada for at least three of the five years before the citizenship application.
You can use the online Physical Presence Calculator to prove you meet the required 1095 days. Print the results and attach them when submitting your application. If you cannot use the online calculator, you can fill in form CIT 0407 to prove your physical residence.
Language Proficiency Proof
Canada’s official languages are English and French, so you need to understand either of the languages before becoming a citizen. The minimum requirement is to have at least level 4 Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs), meaning you should:
- Understand instructions in either language
- Express yourself comfortably using basic grammar
- Hold a conversation in either language
You must submit the language test scores you got after immigrating or a certificate from a Canadian educational institution.
NOTE: Any documents not in English or French should be translated and accompanied by an affidavit from a certified translator.
Passport or Travel Documents and ID Photocopies
You need to submit proof of identification by photocopying two separate ID documents. Some personal identification documents you submit include:
- Copies of the passport or travel document’s biological page
- Driver’s license
- Health insurance card
- Permanent resident card
Receipts indicating You Have Paid Fees
Canada’s citizenship fees have to be settled in full before you can be granted citizenship. After paying the fees as stipulated on the immigration department’s website, you should submit the receipts. They act as proof of transaction, a requirement for your application to go through.
You need to prove tax filing for the last 3 years. Filing income taxes as a prerogative and obligation under the law can portray you as a responsible citizen.
Two Passport Photos
Submitting photographs is mandatory for the application to go through. The Canadian government issues specifications for citizenship photos to verify that they are of the right size and quality. Your picture should capture a neutral facial expression.
Policy Clearance Certificates
Any criminal record attached to your name can jeopardize your Canadian citizenship application. The IRCC requires you to submit police clearances and certificates from any country you have stayed in for more than 6 months. This period covers the period you have been an immigrant in Canada.
Documents Showing Changes to Personal Details
Changes to personal details, including name, date of birth, or sex designation, must be supported by documents. Such documents must be legally obtained within a Canadian province or an appropriate foreign state authority. You should submit these along with the application to ensure it goes through.
The documents are only acceptable if:
- They are legal: Showing both previous and amended changes
- They are backed by a court or adoption order
Application for Canadian Citizenship
Moving to Canada can expose you to better opportunities, allowing you to achieve more than you expected. The application process can be complex, so you need an expert to help you with the application for Canadian citizenship. Working with a top-rated Canada immigration lawyer makes the process easier. They offer advice and help you file the application correctly to help it go through.
