| Congratulations! You have made the big move to a | | | | Language abilities: You must be able to carry on a |
| new country, and you feel that it is now time to | | | | conversation in either French or English. |
| become a citizen of Canada. | | | | Criminal history: Those with a criminal record, or |
| Fortunately, Canada is a fairly welcoming place for | | | | whose Canadian citizenship has been revoked, may |
| new arrivals; after all, it is only through immigration | | | | not apply for citizenship. |
| that the country’s population numbers are able | | | | This includes people who have been charged with an |
| to keep from falling! | | | | offence for which the courts have not yet found |
| As with any country, though, there are a few steps | | | | them innocent. |
| that you will have to take in order to become a | | | | Applying |
| Canadian citizen. After completing the steps and | | | | After determining your eligibility, you need to apply to |
| having citizenship granted, you will qualify for all of | | | | receive the citizenship package. The application |
| the benefits that come with citizenship. Here are the | | | | process includes the following: |
| things you have to do in order to get started. | | | | Obtaining an application kit. |
| Determine your eligibility | | | | Reading the guide that is included with the kit. |
| Not everyone is automatically allowed to gain | | | | Completing the form and including the required |
| citizenship in Canada. Before you apply to take the | | | | documentation, which is: proof of permanent resident |
| citizenship test, you have to make sure that you are | | | | status, two pieces of identification (one of which |
| eligible. Here are some of the criterions that you will | | | | needs to have your photo on it), two signed |
| have to double check: | | | | citizenship photos, and the receipt for your fee. |
| Age: Only people over 18 years are allowed to apply | | | | Pay the fee ($200). |
| for citizenship on their own. Any minors (those under | | | | Mail the application and all documents to the |
| 18) must apply through a parent or guardian. | | | | Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices, located in |
| Exceptions include permanent residents and children | | | | Nova Scotia. |
| who have at least one parent who is already a | | | | Once you have filled out your application, you have |
| Canadian citizen. | | | | to wait until you receive a letter stating that you are |
| Permanent Resident Status: In order to receive | | | | eligible for citizenship. Included in the letter will be a |
| citizenship, you must hold permanent resident status. | | | | booklet about Canada, and you will need to know |
| Time lived in the country: You will have to have lived | | | | many of the facts in the booklet in order to pass the |
| in Canada for at least three years before applying, | | | | citizenship test, which will be the last task in your |
| but children are exempted from this rule. | | | | journey to Canadian citizenship. |