Become a Canadian Citizen

 

On October 11, 2017, Bill C-6 became enforced. Some changes have been made to the Citizenship Act.

  1. You must be physically present in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years with no minimum number of days per year, before applying for citizenship.
  2. Days spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident (as a temporary resident or protected person) within 5 years of applying for citizenship, count as ½ days, up to a maximum of 1 year (365 days).
  3. If you are between 18 years old and 54 years old, you must:
    1. Meet language (English or French) requirements
    2. Take the Citizenship Test
  4. You have to file Canadian income taxes (if required to do so under the Income Tax Act) for 3 out of 5 years, matching the new physical presence requirement.

Note: Time spent serving a term of imprisonment, on parole, or on probation doesn’t count as time you have lived in Canada.

 

Different requirements for applicants under 18

Minor (Under age 18) has a Canadian parent or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time Minor (Under age 18) does not have a Canadian parent or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time
Application Form CIT0003 CIT0403 & CIT0177
Application Fee $100 $100
Are a Permanent Resident Yes Yes
Meet Language Requirement No No
Physically present in Canada 3 out of the last 5 Years No Yes
Have filed income tax No Yes(If required by CRA)
Take the Oath Yes Yes

 

Submit your application

Mail your application to Case Processing Centre—Sydney Citizenship Grants.

The processing time is approximately about 1 year.

 

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