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The first step to acquire Canadian citizenship is to acquire permanent
residence status in Canada or in other words become a landed immigrant
in the country. Then three years of physical residence is required so
that Canadian citizenship can be acquired. These three years have to
be accumulated in the previous four years. In other words, you are
allowed to go outside Canada for vacations or other reasons for a
maximum of one year in the previous four years to be able to apply for
citizenship. The minimum time period of residence in Canada used to be
five years at one time so the rules have been relaxed at present. The
time required is still less than many countries (e.g. in the U.S. it is
five years and in some European nations, it is ten years). So in many
ways, Canada's citizenship laws are quite liberal compared to so many
other countries. In fact, some countries do not permit foreign nationals
to acquire their citizenship even if they are born there and live their
all their lives (e.g. Saudi Arabia).
Once the requisite residency period has been met, an application has
to be completed and sent to the Citizenship department. After a few
months the applicant is called in to write a test based on knowledge
about Canada's geography, political set-up, etc. Once the applicant
is successful in this test, then he (she) is called back to take an
oath of allegiance and is honoured in a citizenship ceremony. This
is truly a momentous occasion for all Canadians!
Canadian citizenship allows the holder to be eligible for a Canadian
passport which is a very sought after document worldwide. Many people
even prefer a Canadian passport to a U.S. one for travel purposes as
Canadians are often more welcome in a lot of countries, due to
Canada's neutral stance in world affairs.
Canadian citizenship also allows the holder to vote in federal,
provincial and municipal elections.
Canada allows dual nationality unlike some other countries. There are
many permanent residents in Canada who have not acquired Canadian
citizenship because their country of origin or birth does not allow
dual nationality and they do not want to lose their original nationality.
Children born in Canada are automatically eligible for Canadian
citizenship even if their parents are not Canadians. Children of
Canadian parents are also eligible for citizenship even if they
have never been to Canada.
Canadian citizenship can be maintained for life even if the holder
moves to another country. Passports have to be renewed after every
five years and can be done within Canada or at Canadian embassies,
high commissions and consulates abroad.
Transam's edge:
Canadian citizenship is something that should be a goal for new immigrants
to Canada. We can assist you with reviewing the rules and regulations to
make sure that you qualify and apply at the right time and will be pleased
to take care of the application paperwork. Then we make sure that you have
the required knowledge to be successful in the citizenship test. We want
to make sure that you reach your goal of being a Canadian citizen!
In the oath taking ceremony for citizenship you will be singing the following
Canadian National Anthem.
Canadian National Anthem:
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
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