Introduction:
Canada is one of the countries that has high quality of life and a strong economy, and it is also home to different cultures, it is one of the best countries for those refugees who are looking for a better life. Gaining Canadian citizenship is the greatest hope and goal of immigrants. By obtaining Canadian citizenship, they can have the right to vote, get a Canadian passport and enjoy other government benefits. In this article, the conditions, and methods of obtaining Canadian citizenship, including the criteria for eligible persons, the application process and other necessary tests and other mandatory processes are presented.
Importance Canadian citizenship:
Canadian citizenship is of great importance in the lives of immigrants and in the wider Canadian community. The following points highlight the importance of Canadian citizenship:
Rights and Privileges: Canadian citizens enjoy many rights and privileges, such as the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, the right to run for public office and the right to apply for a Canadian passport. These rights enable citizens to participate fully in the democratic process and contribute to the development of Canadian society.
Access to government benefits: Citizens are entitled to certain government benefits and services, such as employment insurance, old-age safety, and child benefits. These benefits help improve the quality of life for citizens and their families.
International trip: A Canadian passport allows citizens to travel to many countries without a visa, making international travel much easier. In addition, Canadian citizens have the right to seek assistance from Canadian embassies and consulates abroad in case of emergencies or other issues. Canadian citizens have access to all medical services including coverage for hospital stays, prescription drugs and more.
Students Loans: A student studying in Canada can qualify for student loans from various banks and lenders, and these loans can help cover books, tuition fees, and other expenses.
Belongingness: Obtaining Canadian citizenship creates a sense of belonging and belonging to Canada and thus increases commitment to this country and its values. This sense of belonging can help immigrants integrate effectively into Canada and contribute to social cohesion.
Cultural Diversity:
Canada is known as one of the countries that has more cultural diversity and at the same time it is also famous for valuing different cultures. By accepting immigrants and providing pathways to citizenship, Canada creates a diverse society that is culturally enriched and promotes social harmony.
Contribution to economic development: Canadian citizens often contribute significantly to the economic development of the country through work, entrepreneurship, and investment. By granting citizenship to deserving immigrants, Canada takes advantage of their skills, talents, and resources, thereby creating economic growth and prosperity in the country.
International reputation: Canada has a positive international reputation because it has an inclusive government and has kept its arms open for refugees. This reputation helps attract highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world, thereby further strengthening Canada’s economy and society.
Preparation for the citizenship of Canada
Following the importance and benefits of Canadian citizenship, it is very important for applicants to prepare thoroughly for the application process. Here are some tips for future citizens:
Reading the official guide: The “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship” is the title of an official guide and a source of important information for those applicants who want to get ready for the citizenship of Canada. This guide has information about the history, geography, governance, and culture of this country. The applicants for the citizenship must read it carefully.
Exercising questionnaire: there are many online sources that offer tests about the citizenship. Such sources help the citizenship applicants to enrich the source of their information and identify the point that they focus on. Regular rehearsal creates the confidence for the applicants it will help the applicants for the test.
Linguistic skills: The applicants must strengthen their English or French linguistic skills, take language learning classes, taking part in conversational programs also help with the applicants and practicing with native speakers is also beneficial. In addition, watching films, reading books, and listening to podcasts also help.
Asking for legal advises: If an applicant for the citizenship is not confident on a part of the application process, it will be better to consult an attorney to contact an adviser of Canadian Immigration Office.
Joining Social Groups: Connecting with other immigrants and Canadian citizens through social groups, volunteer agencies, and social clubs can be beneficial during the naturalization process. Such connections help applicants to learn more about Canadian culture and values and facilitate integration into Canadian society after obtaining citizenship.
Criteria for eligible individuals:
In order for applicants to be eligible for Canadian citizenship, certain conditions must be met. These requirements are divided into five categories: permanent residence status, housing conditions, language skills, Canadian-related knowledge and good conduct.
1-Permanent residence statues:
The applicant must apply for the permanent residence of this country. The permanent residents of Canada have the rights to working and living in this country. By complying the conditions of permanent residence, the applicants can keep their permanent citizenship right.
2-Residing conditions:
The applicant must have lived for three years (or 1095 days) in Canada prior to his application for citizenship. The temporary residents (such as tourists, students, workers) must have lives for half of the days mentioned. As long the applicant makes more trip, the process of citizenship prolongs, because the intelligence of Canada collects information about such applicant which lingers the process of citizenship.
4-Language skills:
The applicants aged from 18-54 years, must be able to speak one of the two regional languages of Canada, English or French. The assessment of this skill can be done in different ways, by providing the result of one of the tests, providing a certificate of education completed at intermediate or post-intermediate level in English or French or demonstrating language skills during an interview with the relevant official. These are the methods by which certifies the linguistic proficiency of the applicant.
4- Information about Canada:
Applicants from 18 to 54 years of age should have knowledge about the history, values, institutions, symbols, urban life, and legal system. This process is accomplished in the form of answer and question and a guideline in the form of text is provided to the applicants in the form of text by the IRCC.
5- Morality:
Applicants should not have criminal background, accused of any crime or should be issued deportation orders. The applicant should not be deprived of the right of citizenship by the IRCC during past five years on the bases of presenting wrong information or forgery in documents.
Children below 18 years of age:
Children born in Canada will automatically become Canadian citizens. Parents of children not born in Canada but have Canadian citizen ship may be eligible to get Canadian citizenship.
If their parents are not Canadian citizen, then they could not get the Canadian citizenship. Parents of children below the age of 18 or their legal caretaker could apply to the Canadian citizenship on the behalf of children.
Procedure for individual above 54 years of age:
Citizenship process of elder persons is like the process of youth but there are some differences. Individuals above 55 are not obliged to learn language but still there are some conditions which should be met for the citizenship.
These individuals should have the determination to live in Canada, should not have criminal background in Canada or any other country and should live in Canada for at least three years during the past five years. In addition, these individuals should meet the above conditions.
Application process:
Canadian citizenship application has few steps which are mentioned below.
Citizenship package: The citizenship package should be downloaded from the IRCC website, it has application form, and documents check list and guideline which helps the applicant.
The IRCC website link:
My immigration or citizenship application – Canada.ca
Supporting documents: Applicants should prepare supporting documents such as permanent residents and its condition, passport or travel documents and its copies, language skill certificate, two photographs and other documents identified in the checklist.
Filling application: Applicants must complete the application form and ensure that all information is accurate and complete. It is important to answer all questions truthfully and provide all required information, failure to provide accurate and correct information may result in the application being delayed or rejected.
Fee payment: Application fee should be paid in a way which could not be refunded; it is paid through the IRCC website online. For elders the citizenship fee is $360 and for children it is $100.
Online fee payment link: Online E-payment – Canada.ca
Application Submission: When the application form is completed and all supporting documents are prepared, applicant should its application package to the centre for further processing.
Participation in the citizenship exam/interview: After the review of application individuals from 18 years of age to 54 would be invited for exam.
This exam is based on the official reading document and has 20 question and individuals should get at least 15 marks out of 20. After the written test applicant should appear to the designated official for interview so that his language skill and the information, he has about Canada is tested. The office may ask some other questions as well to confirm the information provided in the application.
Obtaining verdict letter: After the application is reviews, exam and interview is conducted, the IRCC would take decision regarding the application. If the application is approved the applicant would be informed to participate in the citizenship award ceremony. If the citizen application is rejected the applicant would receive a letter which would have information regarding the disapproval of application and the process for repeal.
Participation in the citizenship award ceremony: Approved applicant should take part in the citizenship award ceremony where the applicant would take oath. It is an important ceremony because it marks the end of citizenship application and start of a new life as Canadian citizen.
Challenges and important points:
The process of acquiring Canadian citizenship is fair but not without challenges, applicants should pay head to the following points.
Process duration: The application processing takes months and even years and is directly connected to different factors such as the original country of the applicant, complex nature of the application and the large volume of applications. Applicants should be ready for the long wait and during this period applicant should stay at the permanent place of residence.
Documents: Collecting vital support documents is time-consuming process and is a challenging process. This process is more challenging for individuals who have complex migration background.
Language skill: Applicants who are not skilled in English or French may face problems during examination or test with the IRCC officer. It is important to strengthen your English or French language skills in order to be successful in getting citizenship.
Knowledge about Canada: Applicants must have a good understanding of Canadian history, values, institutions and symbols in order to pass the citizenship test. Studying official study guides and other resources can help applicants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to perform well on the exam.
Financial issue: Applying for Canadian citizenship has significant costs, especially for families with multiple members applying at the same time. Applicants must generate budget for the application fee, language test and other related expenses.
Outcome:
Adopting Canadian citizenship is a big dream of many immigrants, and it can change their lives. In this way, they can fully integrate themselves into the Canadian society and take advantage of the best services and benefits of this country. By understanding the conditions and methods of obtaining Canadian citizenship, applicants can better navigate the application process and increase their chances of success. This process may be challenging and time-consuming, but for those who want their future life in Canada to be bright and beautiful, their efforts will pay off in the end.
Sources:
Government of Canada. (n.d.). Apply for citizenship. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Government of Canada. (n.d.). Discover Canada: The rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Government of Canada. (2019). Canadian Citizenship Act. Justice Laws Website.
Settlement.Org. (n.d.). How can I apply for Canadian citizenship?
Bloemraad, I. (2006). Becoming a citizen in the United States and Canada: Structured mobilization and immigrant political incorporation. Social Forces, 85(2), 667-695.
Omidvar, R., & Richmond, T. (2003). Immigrant settlement and social inclusion in Canada. Laidlaw Foundation.
Reitz, J. G., & Banerjee, R. (2007). Racial inequality, social cohesion and policy issues in Canada. In K. Banting, T. J. Courchene, & F. L. Seidle (Eds.), Belonging? Diversity, recognition and shared citizenship in Canada (pp. 489-545). Institute for Research on Public Policy.
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