Depending on your application and its requirement, you can be a Canadian citizen in a short period of time. You can start off with working, studying, or doing business in Canada or simply migrate and you are halfway on your citizenship journey. Once you fulfill all the requirements for your pathway to Canada, you may then apply for Canadian citizenship.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Being a Canadian citizen holds certain benefits that cannot otherwise be achieved.
- You get voting rights. As a citizen, you are allowed to cast your vote in federal as well as in provincial and municipal elections. Second, you can run for public office.
- You can choose to enter politics if you want to have a direct impact on how the country/province/city is run.
- You can be called to serve jury duty. This is a great way to serve your country and help maintain order and the rule of law.
- As a citizen you won’t have a limit on the duration of your stay, should you need to live abroad for some time.
- Once you’re a citizen, you also don’t have to renew your citizenship or worry about losing your status.
- Whether born in Canada or abroad, your kids will become Canadian citizens without having to go through all the steps you went through to get yours.
Path to Citizenship
Choose your stream
If you are an overseas skilled worker, you must apply for Canada PR through FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program). For the FSW stream, you must have at least 67 points based on six selection factors, i.e., language skills, education, experience, age, adaptability and arranged employment in Canada. Once you are selected, you will be added to the Express Entry applicant pool.
The minimum IELTS score requirement for your Canada PR visa may vary across different programs. Generally, the minimum IELTS score required for your Canada PR visa through Express Entry or PNP mode is 6 bands in each module. Similarly, a minimum of 4.5 bands in each module is required under Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (Occupation in-demand stream).
Canada PR visa is valid for five years, and you’ll be required to submit your renewal application 6 months before the expiry.
ECA stands for Educational Credential Assessment, and it is required to validate your foreign degree, diploma or certificate while assessing its equivalency to the Canadian educational standards.
Some of the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) designated organisations authorised to issue an ECA report are as follows:
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Credential Evaluation Service
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- Comparative Education Service (CES), University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
The key distinction is that before becoming a citizen, a person must first become a permanent resident. Then, after meeting specific residency criteria, permanent residents can apply for citizenship.
Canadian permanent residents enjoy almost similar kinds of rights to that of a Canadian Citizen. But there are a few exceptions to those rights, such as:
- Permanent residents (PRs) can not vote or be a candidate in elections
- PRs can not apply for a Canadian passport
- PRs do not have the option to be educated in the official language of their choice
- Also, PRs do not have unqualified rights to enter, remain in or leave Canada
To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must fulfill the following:
- Be at least 18 years old or be included with the application of a parent who is over 18years old
- Be free of current criminal prohibitions
- Must have permanent resident (PR) status in Canada
- Lived in Canada for 1095 days (3years) during the five years immediately prior to the citizenship application
- Provide proof of income tax filings for 3 out of 5 years before applying
- Proof of language ability in English or French with a minimum of CLB level 4 for speaking and listening
- Passed a citizenship test, which is based on general knowledge about the country
- Spouses of Canadian citizens must meet the same requirements listed above with no exceptions
- There are additional or different requirements if you are applying for a minor (under age 18) or if you are a Canadian applying for your adopted child born outside Canada.
For more queries, schedule a free consultation here.
1. Enjoy Mobility Rights: This means that with a PR Status, you can work and live in any city or province you choose with complete freedom to move around the country.
2. Universal (FREE) Healthcare and Social Services: This means that the government ensures that most medical treatment is free and funded by the government. Canada also boasts of the best medical staff, treatments and facilities worldwide. See Canada’s global ranking here
3. Better Education Opportunities: The country ensures all young citizens have access to quality education regardless of their background. The Canadian government spends the highest on education in comparison to other countries in the world. Canada offers high-quality education at affordable rates with degrees that are recognized worldwide. See Canada’s global ranking on education here.
4. Safety: Strict gun laws ensure lesser crimes and violence, boosting Canada’s global reputation to 9.7 out of 10 for safety and security (OECD Better Life Index, 2014). Click here to see Canada’s ranking.
5. Cultural Diversity: Currently, 41 of Canada’s 338 members of parliament were born overseas. This creates greater tolerance and inclusivity towards various cultures, lifestyles and beliefs at the core of the government and its people. Ensuring a tolerant and broad-minded society.
6. More opportunities: firstly, you will be earning in dollars for which Canada has a variety of booming career options. Canada also has one of the strongest economies of the world- which means: quality of life for its residents and more income opportunities.
When a country ensures that the basic necessities of life are given to its citizens, the many perks that follow are:
- Work-Life is balanced
- Equal pay for equal work
- Sophisticated art, culinary and cultural mix
- Kind, generous, tolerant, and good-natured people
- A relaxed and peaceful retirement
- Beautiful landscapes, natural resources, and living options
There are several routes to becoming a Canadian permanent resident. See Path to Citizenship for more details. Need assistance? schedule a free consultation with us here.
