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Citizenship Requirements Refusals And More

Citizenship Requirements Refusals And More

There are two ways to become a Canadian citizen; either by birth, or through naturalization. In order to be a naturalized Canadian citizen, you must meet the following requirements:

Canadian Citizenship Requirements
  • You must reside in Canada for three years out of the last five year
  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must file income taxes for any four taxation years that are fully or partially within the six years immediately before you apply
  • You must intend to reside in Canada
  • Alternatively, you can work outside Canada (including accompany family members), if employed with the Canadian Armed Forces or the federal public administration or the public service of a province.
  • You must be able to communicate in English or French. However, if you are 65 years of age or older, this requirement does not apply.
  • You must meet the Citizenship Language Requirement if under the age of 64 years.
Citizenship If Under 18 Years

If a minor (under 18) has a parent who is applying for Canadian citizenship, they can be listed in the application as well. They do not have to complete a citizenship test.

What Can Make You Ineligible For Citizenship?
  • If you are under a removal order
  • If you have a criminal record or are currently facing charges in Canada
  • If you have been refused Canadian citizenship in the past due to misrepresentation
  • If you have had your Canadian citizenship revoked in the past
Citizenship Language Requirement

In order to meet the citizenship language requirement, the minimum language abilities to be met are described in the regulations as the capacity to:

  • Take part in short, every-day conversations
  • Understand simple instructions
  • Use basic grammar, simple structures and tenses in oral communication
  • Use vocabulary that is adequate for routine oral communication

Note that written proficiency is not necessary.

Evidence of language proficiency must include one of the following:

  • Results of an IRCC approved language test
  • Diploma/transcripts regarding secondary or post-secondary education in English or French
  • Results from a government funded language course showing CLB 4 or NCLC 4 or higher

Note that if you have completed language testing in the past (when you were applying for PR, for example), you can use past results even if they have expired.

Language tests approved by IRCC for citizenship application purposes are:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Canadian English Language-Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
  • Test d’Évaluation Française (TEF)
  • Test d’Évaluation du Français Adapté au Québec (TEFAQ)
Citizenship Refusal

If your application for Canadian citizenship is refused, this decision may be appealed to the Federal Court of Canada.

It is imperative that you contact us for legal help. The first step in the appeal process involves filing a Notice of Application to the Federal Court within 30 days of receipt of the decision from Citizenship. This is a time sensitive matter.

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