Canadian Citizenship: Here Is How Much Time It Takes

Last Updated On 24 June 2024, 4:57 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

Getting Canadian citizenship is a dream for many foreign nationals across the globe, as well as temporary residents inside Canada.

Canada has been known for its diversity in culture, better standard of living, and social services, which continues to make it an attractive destination for immigrants.

Have you ever wondered how easy or fast a foreign national can get Canadian citizenship?

The journey to getting the Canadian passport, which is one of the strongest in the world, involves several stages, and the time it takes varies significantly based on various factors.

In this article, we will delve into the process of becoming a Canadian citizen, the timelines involved, and the factors that can influence how quickly a foreign national can achieve this goal.

Canadian Citizenship Benefits

Before diving into the specifics of how quickly a foreign national can become a Canadian citizen, it’s essential to understand what it means to be a Canadian citizen.

Canadian citizens have the right to:

Live and work anywhere in Canada: As a citizen, you can live and work in any province or territory in Canada without any restrictions.
Vote and run for political office: Citizenship grants you the right to participate in the political process, including voting in federal, provincial, and municipal elections and running for public office.
Hold a Canadian passport: A Canadian passport allows for easier travel to many countries and provides consular protection from the Canadian government while abroad.
Receive protection under Canadian law: Citizens are protected by Canadian laws and have access to government consular services and benefits around the globe.

Canadian Citizenship requirements

1. Permanent Residency

The the path towards Canadian citizenship goes through becoming a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada.

Permanent residency grants you the right to live and work in Canada, but it doesn’t give you the right to vote or run for public office.

There are several pathways to obtain permanent residency, with the most common programs listed below:

Express Entry: This is an online system used to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers.
- It includes three main immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province and territory has its own immigration programs that target specific needs of that region.
- If you have the skills, education, and work experience that a particular province needs, you might be nominated for PR.
Family Sponsorship: If you have a close relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you to become a permanent resident.
- A common myth is that marrying a Canadian citizen automatically confers citizenship, but this is not true. Marrying a Canadian citizen can only get their partner permanent residency.
Business Immigration: Entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals can apply for permanent residency through various business immigration programs.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Individuals seeking protection due to persecution or risk of persecution in their home country can apply for permanent residency.

2. Meeting Residency Requirements

Once you obtain permanent residency, you need to meet certain residency requirements to be eligible for Canadian citizenship.

The key requirement is that you must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the five years immediately before applying for citizenship.

It’s important to note that:

Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (e.g., visitor, student, worker) before becoming a permanent resident may count towards this requirement.
- Each day spent as a temporary resident counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days.
You must file taxes for at least three years within the five-year period as required under the Income Tax Act.

3. Language Proficiency

Canada has two official languages: English and French. To become a citizen, you need to demonstrate proficiency in one of these languages.

Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must provide proof of their language skills, which can be done through:

Results from a language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Proof of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French.
Evidence of achieving Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in speaking and listening.

4. Passing the Citizenship Test

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also pass a citizenship test. The test assesses your knowledge of Canada’s:

History
Geography
Government
Laws and responsibilities of citizenship

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and you must answer at least 15 questions correctly to pass.

5. Attending the Citizenship Ceremony

If you pass the citizenship test and meet all other requirements, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony.

Currently, citizenship ceremonies are being held virtually, but one can also join the in-person special ceremonies that are held time-to-time.

During the ceremony, you will:

Take the Oath of Citizenship, pledging your loyalty to Canada.
Receive details on when you can receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
Celebrate your new status as a Canadian citizen.

Factors Influencing the Speed of Becoming a Canadian Citizen

The time it takes to become a Canadian citizen can vary widely based on several factors:

1. Processing Times

The processing times for permanent residency and citizenship applications can significantly impact the overall timeline.

As of 2024, the processing times are:

Express Entry: approximately five-six months from the date of submission.
Provincial Nominee Program: Varies by province but generally ranges from six to 19 months.
Family Sponsorship: About 10 months.
Citizenship Application: Around 8 months from the date of application submission.

These times are erratic and subject to change depending on a variety of variables, including application volume and changes in immigration laws.

2. Completeness and Accuracy of Application

Submitting a complete and accurate application is crucial for minimizing delays.

Incomplete applications or those with errors can be returned or refused, leading to significant delays.

Ensuring that all required documents are included and accurately filled out can expedite the process.

3. Background Checks and Security Clearances

All applicants undergo background checks and security clearances. Issues such as criminal records, security concerns, or incomplete background information can delay the process.

4. Medical Exams

Applicants and their dependents must undergo medical examinations to ensure they do not pose a health risk to Canadians or place an excessive demand on the Canadian health care system. Delays in scheduling or completing medical exams can impact the timeline.

5. Language Proficiency and Citizenship Test

Preparing for and passing the language proficiency test and citizenship test can also influence the overall timeline.

Delays in obtaining proof of language skills or scheduling the citizenship test can extend the process.

How Fast Can A Foreign National Get Canadian Citizenship?

Ideally, a foreign national can qualify to apply for Canadian citizenship three years after landing in Canada as a permanent resident.

If such an individual apply right on the day they become eligible for citizenship, then it can take such a person total of 4 years to become a Canadian citizen.

For a foreign national who comes to Canada as a temporary resident on work permit or study permit, it can take up to 4–4.5 years to qualify for citizenship if they are able to transition to permanent residency after first year of study or work in Canada.

In ideal conditions, it can take up to 5–5.5 years for such temporary residents to become Canadian citizen.

Real-Life Timelines: Case Studies

To provide a better understanding of the timelines involved, let’s look at some real-life case studies of individuals who have successfully become Canadian citizens.

Case Study 1: Express Entry Applicant

Background: Maria, a skilled worker from the Philippines, applied for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

General Timeline:

Express Entry Profile Submission: January 2022
Invitation to Apply (ITA): March 2022
Permanent Residency Application Submission: April 2022
Approval of Permanent Residency: October 2022
Arrival in Canada: November 2022
Residency Requirement Met: November 2025
Citizenship Application Submission: December 2025
Citizenship Test and Ceremony: December 2026

Total Time: Approximately 5 years

Case Study 2: Family Sponsorship

Background: Ahmed, a student from Egypt, married a Canadian citizen and applied for permanent residency through family sponsorship.

Timeline:

Permanent Residency Application Submission: June 2021
Approval of Permanent Residency: June 2022
Arrival in Canada: July 2022
Residency Requirement Met: July 2025
Citizenship Application Submission: August 2025
Citizenship Test and Ceremony: August 2026

Total Time: Approximately 5 years and 2 months

Case Study 3: Provincial Nominee Program

Background: The province of Ontario nominated Raj, an IT professional from India, for permanent residency.

Timeline:

Provincial Nomination Application Submission: January 2021
Approval of Nomination: July 2021
Permanent Residency Application Submission: August 2021
Approval of Permanent Residency: February 2022
Arrival in Canada: March 2022
Residency Requirement Met: March 2025
Citizenship Application Submission: April 2025
Citizenship Test and Ceremony: April 2026

Total Time: Approximately 5 years and 3 months

Synopsis

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a rewarding journey that offers numerous benefits and opportunities.

While the process can be lengthy, understanding the steps involved and the factors that influence timelines can help you navigate it more efficiently.

By planning ahead, staying informed, and preparing thoroughly, you can expedite your path to Canadian citizenship.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, a family member, or a business entrepreneur, Canada offers various pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.

Each journey is unique, and the time it takes can vary based on individual circumstances.

However, with determination and the right approach, you can achieve your goal of becoming a proud Canadian citizen.

If you are considering this path, start your journey today by exploring your eligibility for permanent residency and taking the first steps towards a new life in Canada.

The dream of Canadian citizenship is within reach, and with careful planning and perseverance, you can make it a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documents are needed to apply for Canadian citizenship?

When applying for Canadian citizenship, you will need:

Proof of permanent resident status.
Travel documents or passports to confirm your time spent in Canada.
Proof of language proficiency (if applicable).
Proof of tax filing for at least three years.
Identification documents, such as a valid passport or ID card,.
Two pieces of personal identification, one with a photo.
A copy of the receipt for your citizenship application fee payment.

How long does it take to become a Canadian citizen after applying?

Processing times for Canadian citizenship applications can vary. As of the latest IRCC processing update of 2024, it generally takes around 8 months from the date of application submission to receive a decision.

However, a variety of factors, such as application volumes and world events, can affect this timeline.

Does marrying a Canadian citizen automatically make me a Canadian citizen?

No, you do not get direct Canadian citizenship by marriage.

You must go through the standard immigration process to become a permanent resident first, and then you can apply for citizenship after meeting the residency obligation and necessary requirements.

Can time spent in Canada as a temporary resident count towards the residency requirement for citizenship?

Yes, time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (e.g., visitor, student, or worker) before becoming a permanent resident can count towards the residency requirement.

Each day spent as a temporary resident counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days.

What documents are needed to apply for Canadian citizenship?

When applying for Canadian citizenship, you will need:

What is the Canadian citizenship test and what does it cover?

The citizenship test is a written or oral test that assesses your knowledge of Canada. It covers topics such as:

Canadian history.
Canadian geography.
The political system.
The rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and you must answer at least 15 questions correctly to pass.

Do children need to take the citizenship test?

No, children under the age of 18 do not need to take the citizenship test. Only applicants aged 18 to 54 are required to take and pass the citizenship test.

How can I prepare for the Canadian citizenship test?

To prepare for the citizenship test, you can:

Study the official guide, “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.”

Take online practice tests available on the IRCC website and other educational resources.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

If you fail the citizenship test, you will be scheduled for a second test, usually within 4 to 8 weeks.

If you fail the second test, you will be invited to attend an interview with a citizenship officer, who will ask you questions orally to assess your knowledge.

Can I have dual citizenship in Canada?

Yes, Canada allows dual or multiple citizenships. This means you can be a Canadian citizen and also hold citizenship in another country, provided that the other country also permits dual citizenship.

What are the fees for applying for Canadian citizenship?

As of 2024, the fee for an adult citizenship application is $630 CAD, which includes the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee.

For children under 18, the application fee is $100 CAD.

What is the Oath of Citizenship and when is it taken?

The Oath of Citizenship is a declaration of your commitment and loyalty to Canada.

You take the oath during the citizenship ceremony, which is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen.

During the ceremony, you will take the oath, receive your citizenship certificate, and officially become a Canadian citizen.

How can I check the status of my citizenship application?

You can check the status of your citizenship application online through the IRCC website.

You will need to create an account and sign in to view your application status and any updates.

Can a person apply for Canadian citizenship if they have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record can affect your eligibility for Canadian citizenship. You may not be eligible if you:

1. Have been convicted of a crime in the four years before applying.
2. Are on parole, probation, or have been charged with an indictable offence.

Each case is unique, and it’s best to seek legal advice if you have a criminal
record.

What should I do if my Canadian citizenship application is refused?

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You have the option to request a reconsideration of the decision or reapply if you meet the requirements.

Seeking advice from an immigration lawyer or consultant can help you understand your options and improve your chances in a subsequent application.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.