Who is eligible?

Canadian citizenship can be applied by any individual of any age, regardless of Canadian parentage provided they meet the eligibility criteria. An applicant must have resided in Canada for 3 years before applying. Children under the age of 18 are not required to meet the eligibility criteria if one of their parent is either a Canadian citizen, or one who is applying to become one.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements

Applicants need to be present in Canada for at least 183 days before applying for citizenship

• 18 years old or older
• Should have met any eligibility requirement under Income Tax Act to file income taxes for up to four years before applying
• Intend to reside in Canada OR work outside Canada in or with, or accompany certain family members employed in or with:the Canadian Armed Forces or the federal public administration or the public service of a province
• Should be able to speak and understand English or French (if you are 65 years of age or older, this does not apply), and
• Should be able to demonstrate his/her knowledge about Canada, the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship either in English or French (if you are 65 years of age or older, this does not apply)
• Have adequate knowledge of Citizenship Language Requirement, if under age 64

You may be ineligible for Canadian citizenship if you

• Been refused Canadian citizenship as a result of misrepresentation
• Had your Canadian citizenship revoked

• Are under a removal order
• Hold a criminal record

Processing of Citizenship Application

All the applications are submitted to the citizenship office in Sydney, Nova Scotia where they are checked to make sure that they are complete and the 4-year residence rule has been met. Within about 12 months from submission, applicants will be called for an interview to demonstrate their knowledge about Canada in English or French.

Citizenship Language Requirement

Applicants need to demonstrate their knowledge of any one of Canada’s official languages, English or French. The minimum language abilities are described in the regulations that should be met by the applicant. He/she should be

• Able to take part in short, every-day conversations
• Understand simple instructions
• Use basic grammar, simple structures and tenses in oral communication
• Use vocabulary that is adequate for routine oral communication

Citizenship Refusal

In case your application for Canadian citizenship is refused, you can appeal the decision to the Federal Court of Canada. Make sure you fill a Notice of Application to the Federal Court within 30 days of receipt of decision from Citizenship. This timeline is very essential.