Canadian Citizenship

Canadians are proud of their citizenship; the status, rights, and freedoms that it provides. 

Approximately 260,000 people became citizens of Canada in 2006, which represents 85 per cent of eligible Canadian immigrants.  These new Canadians have taken loyalty oaths pledging their commitment to the responsibilities and privileges of Canadian citizenship. 

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must have Canadian Permanent Resident status and have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the past four years before applying.


• Children under 18 must also have Permanent Resident status but do not have to satisfy the three year requirement.


• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
 

• For children under 18 years, the application can be made by the child’s parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian, who is already a Canadian citizen or who is in the process of applying for citizenship at the same time.


• Applicants must be able to speak either one or both of Canada’s two official languages (English or French) well enough to communicate in Canadian society.  The applicant must know enough English and/or French to understand people and for people to understand them.
 

• Applicants cannot have a criminal history considered prohibitive to granting Canadian citizenship (as decided by CIC).


• Applicants must be aware the rights and responsibilities of citizens and have a basic knowledge of Canada’s geography, political system, and history.

Eligible candidates can apply for Canadian citizenship through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  Once approved, they will be required to take a citizenship test (for applicants between 18 and 54).  Successful applicants must then attend a citizenship ceremony where they receive a certificate of Canadian citizenship and officially become new Canadians citizens.