Generally, people applying for Canadian Citizenship have to meet six different criteria. Note depending on your own case and situation, items on this list may NOT apply to you. Further, you or your family may require additional qualifcations beyond this list. So always seek legal advise before embarking on a citizenship Application.
Learn About Canada
Canadian rights and responsibilities, values, institutions, history and symbols are something that anyone applying for Canadian Citizenship should know. It’s pretty easy information to learn, because once you apply you’ll get a copy of the Canadian Citizenship Study Guide. This guide is specifically for immigrants to Canada and discusses those rights and responsibilities. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 54, you will likely have to take a test on these subjects.
Speak English Or French
People applying for Canadian Citizenship are expected to know a bit of English or French. A basic understanding is necessary in order to be able to communicate effectively. You do not have to be fluent, although you may be subject to a language test.
Live In Canada
In order to apply for Canadian Citizenship, you must live in Canada for at least three years over a four-year time span. In some cases, applicants have been able to obtain Canadian Citizenship without meeting this requirement but that is not always the case. Time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident (and before the four-year period) can also count but depends on a judge, and time in prison will not count as time spent living in Canada. Children under 18 do not have to meet this requirement.
Not Have A Criminal Conviction
Canadian Citizenship applicants must not have been convicted of a criminal offense within the last three years, must not be in prison, must not be on probation or parole, and must not be facing any criminal charges. Those who have had their Canadian Citizenship taken away within the last five years cannot apply for Canadian Citizenship.
Be 18 Or Older
Persons applying for Canadian Citizenship must be over 18, although parents can apply for their children while applying for their own citizenship, a parent can apply on behalf of a child or a child can apply if they have a parent who is already a Canadian Citizen.
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President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
