Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship gives you full rights in this country, and it also means you take on the duties that come with those rights. You can vote in elections, travel with a strong passport, and work without limits in most provinces. At the same time, you agree to follow Canada’s laws, pay taxes, and serve on a jury if asked.

As leading immigration experts, we can connect you to a seasoned Canadian citizenship consultant on our team, who can guide you through the best possible path toward becoming a citizen.

Ways to Get Canadian Citizenship

If you were born in Canada, you are a citizen in a typical situation. However, this may not be the case if your parents were foreign diplomats. If you were born outside Canada and your parent was a citizen when you were born, you might also be a citizen by birth. This is called citizenship by descent. However, the current law only gives this to the first group born abroad.

Most people gain citizenship by applying after living in Canada for a few years. This is called naturalization. You must be a permanent resident and meet other rules. At Estofa Law, our immigration lawyer Milton will take the time to understand your unique situation and goals, and support you through the path that best fits.

Requirements for Canadian Citizenship

If you’re applying for Canadian citizenship through naturalization, there are several key criteria you must meet:

1. You must hold valid Canadian permanent resident (PR) status when submitting your citizenship application.
2. You need to have physically lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the past five years.
3. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must prove English or French language skills using accepted testing methods.
4. Those aged 18 to 54 must pass a test about Canadian history, culture, rights, and government institutions.
5. Applicants should have filed income taxes for at least three years during the five-year eligibility period.
6. You must not have been convicted of recent crimes or serious offences under immigration or criminal laws.
7. The non-refundable processing fee must be paid in full when submitting your Canadian citizenship application.
8. You are required to complete all forms accurately and include any documents that support your application.
9. Applicants must intend to reside in Canada or demonstrate strong and lasting ties to the country.
10. A background check must show that you are of good moral character with no major legal concerns.

If you fulfill these requirements, we can move with the application with ease and help you through the process, which involves gathering documents such as identity documents, proof of permanent residency (PR), language test results, tax records, travel dates, and background info.

Applications go to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing includes screening, reviewing documents, and verifying residency. For naturalization applicants aged 18–54, you have to take a test on Canada’s civics, rights, and laws, as well as possibly an interview.

Once you are approved to become a Canadian citizen, you will attend a ceremony, take the Oath of Citizenship, and receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. This ceremony marks your official entry into the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Why Choose Our Canadian Citizenship Expert?

Applying for Canadian citizenship can be a confusing and emotional process, but our skilled immigration lawyers are here to make things easier.

At Estofa Law, we do more than help you fill out the correct forms; we also build strong cases based on your life story. As a premium law firm in Burlington, we understand that your story plays a massive role in the outcome of your citizenship application, and we make sure it is told right. Our team stays on top of every change in law, so we give advice that’s current and correct.

Start Your Citizenship Journey Today

Whether you’re applying as a long-time resident, as a child of a Canadian, or as someone facing trouble with their status, we’re ready to help. Our team will assess your eligibility, explain your options, and work with you to build a successful application. Contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step toward a fulfilling life in Canada.