Citizenship
Canada welcomes newcomers every year into the country. In 2021 over 18,973 people were granted Canadian citizenship. Multiculturalism and diversity not only define Canada, but they are a source of strength.
Everyday, new Canadians contribute to communities across the country, and Canada will continue to welcome more of them as Canadians build the Canada of the future.
Canada encourages newcomers to reach their full potential by facilitating their integration and active participation in social, cultural, economic, and political life. Citizenship is an important component of Canadian society's makeup and identity.
Foreign nationals with three years of qualifying permanent resident status in the preceding five years may apply for Canadian citizenship through naturalization.
Naturalization is the legal process that transforms a permanent resident into a Canadian citizen.
Eligibility Criteria
To be naturalized you must:
- Have a permanent resident status
- Meet physical presence requirements
- Meet your income tax obligations (filing your income taxes as required)
- Be able to communicate in either English or French (if you fall between ages of 18-54)
- Pass a Canadian citizen test (if you fall between the ages of 18-54)
- Take the oath of citizenship
Minor
Minors who are permanent residents and have a parent (including adoptive parent) who is either a Canadian citizen or who will become a citizen at the same time as the minor may apply together as a family, and they do not need to take the citizenship test.
Minor born Outside to Canadian Parent(s)
A minor born outside Canada to a Canadian parent on or after 2009 is a citizen by birth if the minor is the first generation born outside Canada and the Canadian parent;
- Was born in Canada; or
- Became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident and obtaining citizenship—also known as naturalization.
Bars to Canadian Citizenship
You may be ineligible to apply for Canadian citizenship if you;
- Are under a removal order from Canada
- Have a criminal record, facing charges or under investigations in Canada
- Have been refused Canadian citizenship due to misrepresentation
- Had your citizenship invoked
- Are in prison, on parole or on probation
Dual Citizenship
Dual or multiple citizenship simply means being a citizen of two or more countries. When a Canadian citizen acquires a citizenship of another country, he or she retains Canadian citizenship.
Indeed, Canadian citizens cannot lose their citizenship unless they renounce it willingly through a complicated legal process.
Keep in mind that dual citizenship is restricted or not applicable to citizens of many countries who acquire Canadian citizenship. Some countries will revoke citizenship if a citizen of that country obtains a Canadian passport, while others may simply refuse to recognize the new citizenship.
Individual countries have their own set of laws governing dual citizenship. If you are interested in acquiring Canadian citizenship, you must consult the government of your native country or any of its agencies to learn about the implications of acquiring a Canadian citizenship.
Just like other countries, Canada has a liberal and receptive approach to dual citizenship. For Canada, dual citizenship symbolizes Canada’s diversity and acceptance of multiculturalism. In many instances, having dual citizenship is advantageous.
Citizenship may be acquired through the following situations.
- Having been born in a territory considered to be under the jurisdiction of that country.
- Having one or more citizens of that country as parents
- Having married a citizen of that country
- Having lived in that country for enough time to qualify citizenship.