Canadian Citizenship

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Canadian Citizenship may be available to those who are born in Canada (with some exceptions) and to Canadian permanent residents who apply and succeed in obtaining Canadian Citizenship. Currently, approximately 150,000 people are granted Canadian Citizenship annually.

For permanent residents seeking to become citizens, the general rule is that the person must be physically resident in Canada for a period of at least three years (1095 days) in the four years prior to applying (complete a free citizenship evaluation). In some cases, this amount may be reduced, for example if the individual had resided as a legal temporary resident in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident. Similarly, in some cases, it may be possible to gain citizenship despite absence from Canada within the specified period, if there is sufficient evidence that one’s centralized mode of living is based in Canada. In the case of any exception, a citizenship judge must determine eligibility based on careful consideration of the facts.

Benefits of citizenship include the right to vote, issuance of a Canadian passport, and an ability to maintain this status despite prolonged absence from Canada. Becoming a citizen infers carries certain Rights and Responsibilities. Permanent residents who are successful in this process of seeking Canadian citizenship must take the Canadian Citizenship Oath.

If a permanent resident seeks to become a Canadian citizen, and is already a citizen of a foreign country which allows for dual citizenship, that individual can retain the status of her existing citizenship and also become a Canadian citizen.