Get your Citizenship in Canada

Canada holds one of the highest citizenship rates in the world and was selected as one of the best countries in 2021. Indeed, most immigrants become citizens after living in the country for a certain period. 

Once you hold a permanent resident status, it guarantees you have permission to live and work anywhere in Canada and enjoy the same social benefits as Canadians. However, as a permanent resident, you cant vote and cant hold a Canadian passport. Also, you are still a legal citizen of your home country and can be deported. 

It is not a surprise that every year thousands of immigrants apply for Citizenship in Canada. All in all, it has been one of the goals for many immigrants since starting the immigration journey. But, what are the main advantages to getting citizenship in Canada? How many citizenships can you have?

Advantages of the Canadian Citizenship

1.  Never lose your citizenship status: Permanent residents need to comply with specific residency requirements, such as limiting their time outside the country. Also, if you hold Citizenship in Canada and are convicted of a crime, you won’t lose the status. In contrast, permanent residents can even face deportation.
2.  Canadian passport: It is one of the most desirable advantages for immigrants. Indeed, holding the Citizenship of Canada, you can travel to up to 195 countries without needing a visa. Furthermore, the Canadian passport expires every ten years, while you will need to renew your permanent resident card every five years. 
3. Vote in elections: This right is one of the essential advantages once you become a Canadian citizen. You will have the benefit of electing delegates at each election. 
4. Hold two citizenship: The Canadian government allows you to hold more than one Citizenship. It means you can keep the Citizenship of your country as well as the Canadian. 

What are the Requirements for Citizenship in Canada?

If you are a permanent resident and want to become a Canadian citizen, you must meet the following criteria:

1.  Of course, you first need to be a Permanent Resident and provide proof of residency requirements.
2. Before submitting your application for Citizenship in Canada, you must have lived in the country for at least three years during the last five years. Remember that having extra days is always an advantage. You should know that all the time you spent in Canada as a temporary resident (student, visitor, worker or under asylum) before receiving your permanent status counts towards the time you are required to apply for Citizenship.
3. Proof that you meet the minimum language requirements in English or French. To prove it, you must get at least a CLB 4 on your language test. Also, during the process, your skills are measured while you communicate with a citizenship official and your documents. 
4. Citizenship test: Yes, there is a test! All individuals between 18 to 54 years must take it to get the Citizenship of Canada. During the exam, you need to prove your knowledge of Canadian history, government and law. You can take the in English or French. It is 30 minutes long and with true or false or multiple-choice and you can take it written or orally.
5. Not having a criminal record.

Application Process For Citizenship in Canada

To apply for your Citizenship you should follow these steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility
2. Calculate the days you have been living in Canada
3. Prepare all your documents
4. Complete your application form 
5. Pay the application fee
6. Submit your application 

How Many Citizenships Can you Have in Canada?

To answer how many citizenships can you have, you must know that Canadian law allows individuals to have two or more citizenship. Then, you do not have to give up your citizenship to become Canadian. However, there are some other countries, that can take away your others citizenships.

What is a Dual Citizenship in Canada?

Dual citizenship is when more than one country identifies you as a citizen. In that case, you have dual citizenship. However, you don’t need to apply for dual citizenship, and there is no certificate in Canada. All Canadians can keep their foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship. Consequently, they will have dual citizenship in Canada and their other country. Always carry both passports when traveling.

It is also the same procedure to for dual USA –  Canada citizenship. So, as long as you have citizenship for USA or Canada, and become a citizen of the other country without renouncing to your original citizenship, you are a dual citizen from USA and Canada. It is simple and doesn’t require to fill any further document.