Determining Eligibility For Citizenship Canada

The Citizenship Act of 2014 simplified applications for anyone seeking citizenship in Canada. It simplified the requirements and fast tracked acquisition of this status. It opened citizenship Canada to those who served in the army, those who have resided in Canada long enough and those serving the country abroad. Foreigners recruited into the army have an easier time gaining residency.

A person must be 18 years and above to apply. For those below this age, the application can only be done by a parent who is already a citizen, one who is adopting or a legal guardian. Such a child should have acquired permanent residency. The parent making the application is required to be a citizen already or applying concurrently.

Any applicant only qualifies if he or she has acquired permanent residency. Your application or status should be unquestioned meaning that you have met all basic requirements. Persons under immigration review or facing fraud questions are however treated differently during application. Failure to fulfill PR conditions or being ordered to depart the country by an immigration official will affect your application. The PR card is always demanded but an expired one will still be accepted as long as it is clean.

There is a requirement to have lived within the country for 1460 days over the six years being considered. For reviews covering four years, physical presence for 183 days in each of the years is required. Applicants below 18 years and anyone working for a Canadian mission or crown family member abroad is exempted from this rule. The dates are calculated since the day you acquired permanent residency.

Immigration department works closely with the tax department before approving new citizens. There are tax obligations that permanent residents must meet. Before being approved as a citizen, your tax records must be clean. The records checked cover both a four year and six year partial period depending on the details provided during application.

The state demands that you make your residency intentions clear. This means that you intend to live in Canada, be a crown servant in or outside or work for the country abroad. Becoming a citizen allows you to live, work and enter or depart the country at will. You will enjoy similar rights to those enjoyed by native citizens. This explains the stringent measures taken during the process.

Language is a crucial determinant of eligibility. French and English are considered the two official languages used by Canadians. Any applicant must be tested of fluency in one of the two languages. The officials will test your ability to engage in daily conversations easily, take instructions, receive orders and answer questions. Your understanding of directions will also be tested. The officials also test your grammar, tenses and vocabulary.

There are right and responsibilities enjoyed and demanded of Canadian citizens. They relate to obeying the law and participating in elections. You will be tested in either English or French to determine your understanding of symbols, institutions, values and Canadian history. The test is either written or oral. People in prison, charged or convicted of crimes cannot apply for citizenship.