The C-6 new citizenship bill, which has been delayed for nearly two years, passed the third reading in the Senate on May 3 and was sent to the House of Commons. Compared to the future C-6 bill, the current requirements for obtaining citizenship in Canada are somewhat stricter, and a citizenship test is also required. Today we will discuss the application process for Canadian citizenship.
Canadian Citizenship Application Process
I. Document Preparation
Complete the citizenship application form, which can be obtained online. Notes for filling out the citizenship application form: If a family is applying together, each person must fill out a form, including children under 18; there is a different form for children aged 18 and under.
Prepare photographs. The photograph requirements are that they must be color or black and white passport-sized photos, and two copies are needed. The photo should be taken within the last year, and the back of the photo must have the name, address of the photo studio, and the date the photo was taken. We must sign our names on the back of the photo; children under 14 must be signed by a parent, while those 14 and older must sign for themselves.
II. Payment of Fees
For adults, the fee is CAD 630, which includes a non-refundable processing fee of CAD 100 and a Right of Citizenship Fee of CAD 530. If the application is not approved, a refund of the Right of Citizenship Fee can be requested. For children's citizenship applications, only the CAD 100 processing fee is required.
Payment must be made using a specific payment form, after which the payment should be made at the bank. Upon payment, the bank will give us two receipts; one we keep, and the other we need to mail along with the citizenship application materials to the Canadian Immigration Processing Centre.
Other Required Documents for Citizenship:
1. Copies of the front and back of the Permanent Resident Card and immigration documents.
2. Two copies of identification documents that prove identity, such as a driver's license, bank card, or health card.
3. For children’s citizenship applications, include the child's immigration documents, Permanent Resident Card, birth certificate or adoption certificate (showing the child's name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of the parents or adoptive parents), two identification documents such as school records and health card or library card; if the parents are already citizens, include the parents' citizenship certificates. Children aged 14 and over must sign the citizenship application form.
III. Mail Citizenship Application Materials
Mailing address: Case Processing Centre of the Canadian Department of Citizenship and Immigration.
IV. Prepare for the Citizenship Test
If the above process goes smoothly, we will receive a confirmation letter from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration acknowledging that our materials have been received, at which point we can begin preparing for the citizenship test.
V. Attend the Citizenship Oath Ceremony for Formal Citizenship
If you pass the written test, you will be scheduled to attend the oath ceremony. If you do not pass the written test, you will be required to attend an interview, giving you another opportunity to take the citizenship test. If you fail the interview as well, your citizenship application will be denied. You may appeal or reapply. If necessary, you may be required to attend an interview for further review of your eligibility for citizenship.
