Canadian Citizenship

In addition to the rights held by permanent residents, such as freedom of movement within Canada, health care, the right to work and study, Canadian citizens hold rights which permanent residents do not:

The right to vote
The right to hold political office
The ability to work in a job requiring security clearance
The right to apply for a Canadian passport

There are several pathways to becoming a Canadian Citizen:

Being born in Canada (exception: not if born to diplomats)
Being born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen (limited to first generation)
Citizenship through adoption
Becoming naturalized

Eligibility Criteria for naturalization

To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, you must:

be a permanent resident
have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
have filed your taxes, if you need to
pass a citizenship test
prove your language skills

Situations that may prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen:

you’re in Canada serving a term of imprisonment, are on parole or on probation, or you’re serving a sentence outside Canada
you’re charged with, on trial for, or involved in an appeal for an offence
You have a criminal record
You have had your Canadian citizenship revoked
You have not met the terms and conditions of your permanent resident status
You’re under a removal order
You have been refused Canadian citizenship due to misrepresentation

Dual Citizenship

Every country decides whom it considers to be a citizen. If more than one country recognizes you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship.

You do not apply for dual citizenship and there is no related certificate.

Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship.

Canadian Citizenship

Not sure if you’re eligible to apply for Citizenship?

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