Difference between revisions of "Citizenship Grants: How to Become a Canadian Citizen (17:V)"

'''Note:''' At the time of publication, the Canadian Government has already begun the process of changing the regulations such that the period having been physically present, the age maximum and minimum for demonstrating language ability and knowledge of Canada, and the number of years of tax filings required will be altered.  Check the regulations and the IRCC website for the most current information on what is required for a grant of citizenship under section 5.

To be granted citizenship, applicants must meet the required qualifications (as set out in s 5(1) of the Citizenship Act). An applicant must:

 

b. Have, since becoming a permanent resident,

 

i. been physically present in Canada for at least 1095 days in the five(5) years immediately before the date of submission of the application for citizenship,

 

ii. file income taxes (if required by the Income Tax Act) for any three taxation years that are fully or partially within the five years before you apply.

 

iii. Applicants may count each day they were physically present in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident as a half-day toward meeting the physical presence requirement for citizenship up to a maximum credit of 365 days.

 

 

c. Submit proof that they can speak and listen at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or higher.  

 

d. Have an adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship if the person is between 18 and 54 years of age, and

 

e. Must not be under a prohibition (see C. Prohibitions).

 

 

NOTE: If the individual is between the ages of 18 and 54, they are required to send proof of their ability to speak and listen in English or French in the citizenship application. Examples of acceptable documents that satisfy this requirement are the results of IRCC-approved third-party tests; transcripts or diploma from a secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, in Canada or abroad; evidence of achieving Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)/Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) (http://www.language.ca/) level 4 or higher in certain government-funded language training programs. The full list of acceptable documents can be found on the IRCC website.

 

NOTE: If an applicant studied at a post-secondary program in English or French in or outside Canada, they do not need to write a language test; they can submit their diploma, transcript, or certificate with their citizenship application.