Canadian Citizenship
Canada permits dual citizenship. However, not all countries permit their citizens to hold Canadian citizenship (i.e. countries who do not permit dual citizenship) if they become a Canadian.
Applicants for Canadian citizen are required to submit an application and to write a citizenship test, although children under the age of eighteen (18) and adults over the age of sixty (60) are not required to write the test. The test requires knowledge of English or French, a general knowledge about Canada's history, geography and political system.
When to Apply
It is important to be sure that the Applicant is eligible to apply for citizenship. Applicants must acquire the requisite number of days in Canada before applying for citizenship. If the Applicant applies too early, they will not be eligible. There is no refund of the processing fee.
Eligibility to Apply
An applicant must have resided in Canada for three of the past four years immediately prior to signing the application, and after having obtained permanent residence. Applicants who were in legally in Canada immediately preceding the date of landing may also accumulate residency time up to a maximum of one (1) year, allowing an applicant to count one half day for each day prior to obtaining permanent residence.
At present, the concept of residence is not strictly physically residing in Canada, rather it is defined as the degree to which the applicant maintains or centralizes ordinary mode of living in Canada for the required three year period within the four years preceding the date of application.
Children
Children under the age of 18 years of age are not required to have met the residency requirement where they have one parent who is either a Canadian citizen, or who is applying for Canadian citizenship. In certain circumstances, children may apply as adults when there is no Canadian citizen parent or applicant parent.
For further information regarding the procedures for applying for Canadian citizenship, please contact our office.
