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Canadian Citizenship
 How
to Become a Canadian Citizen
The
Citizenship Ceremony
Dual
Citizenship
Rights
and Responsibilities
Proof
of Canadian Citizenship
Search
of Citizenship Records
Every year about 160,000 immigrants become new
Canadian citizens. Canadian citizenship is such a prized possession it is hard
to believe it is only five decades old. Before 1947, Canadians were British
subjects.
Canadians are proud of their citizenship and citizenship ceremonies reflect
that pride. Canadians value highly the rights attached to citizenship and
accept its responsibilities. If you have lived in Canada for at least three
years as a permanent resident, you may be ready to take on those rights and
responsibilities and become a Canadian citizen.
If you were born in Canada, you are a Canadian citizen.
If you were born outside Canada after February 15, 1977, and had one Canadian
parent, you can apply for proof of Canadian citizenship you may be Canadian if
born before that time to a Canadian parent and can apply to establish your
claim to Canadian citizenship.
How to Use Citizenship Services:
Citizenship services include the giving of Canadian citizenship, providing
proof of Canadian citizenship and searching for records of Canadian
citizenship.
How to Become a
Canadian Citizen
What are the requirements?
If you are an adult, you must:
-
Be 18 years of age or more
-
Be a permanent resident of Canada
-
Have lived in Canada for at least three of the four
years before applying
-
Be able to communicate in English or French
-
Show knowledge about Canada and the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship
A child must:
-
be a permanent resident of Canada (three year
residency requirement not necessary)
You cannot become a Canadian citizen if:
-
You are under a deportation order
-
You have been charged with or convicted of an
indictable criminal offence in the past few years
-
You are or have recently been in prison or on
probation
-
You are under investigation for war crimes
-
Your citizenship has been cancelled
Every applicant must complete an application form
(parents can complete the form for their children). Every adult between the
ages of 18 and 59 must pass a citizenship test, to demonstrate knowledge of
English or French and about Canada.
Adults and children over the age of 14 must take the Oath of Citizenship.
The
Citizenship Ceremony
The final step is the oath-taking ceremony, usually presided over by a
citizenship judge. You will swear the Oath of Citizenship and receive a
certificate of Canadian citizenship. Community groups are often involved in
hosting the ceremonies. Citizenship ceremonies take place all across the
country throughout the year.
Dual Citizenship
Can a Canadian hold dual citizenship? Since 1977, Canada has had no
restrictions on dual or multiple citizenship. Some countries may require
citizens to give up their citizenship if they acquire the citizenship of
another country.
Rights and
Responsibilities
Canadian citizenship carries both rights and responsibilities. The rights and
freedoms enjoyed by Canadians are established in the Canadian Charter of Rights
and Freedoms and provincial human rights codes.
They include:
-
Equality rights
-
Democratic rights
-
Legal rights
-
Mobility rights
-
Language rights
-
Freedom of religion
-
Freedom of expression
-
Freedom of assembly and association
Canadian citizens have the right to apply for a
Canadian passport and to return to Canada at any time after traveling or living
abroad.
Canadians are also expected to:
-
Obey Canada's laws
-
Participate in democratic processes
-
Respect the rights and freedoms of others
-
Respect Canada's linguistic duality and multicultural
heritage
Proof of Canadian
Citizenship
If you are a Canadian citizen, you may be required to prove your citizenship if
you want to vote, apply for a Canadian passport, return to Canada from abroad
or apply for certain jobs.
A citizenship certificate is a useful identification card and proof of
citizenship. It is wallet-sized, with a photograph.
Naturalized Canadians receive a certificate when granted citizenship. Canadians
born in Canada may also apply for a citizenship certificate.
Search of Citizenship
Records
There may be times when you need to search for a record of citizenship, either
for yourself or for another person. If the record search is for someone else,
you need to obtain their consent before applying for the search.
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