Ask A Settlement Worker

YMCA Settlement Worker Sunanda answers your questions about becoming a Canadian Citizen.

  1. When can I become a Canadian Citizen?

You have to apply to become Canadian Citizen; you do not automatically become a citizen if you marry a Canadian. If you are born to Canadian parents inside or outside Canada, you automatically become Canadian Citizen.

If you are Permanent Resident, you have to meet basic eligibility requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old to apply on your own and if you are less than 18 years of age you have to apply along with your parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian,
  • Have permanent resident status in Canada,
  • Must have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,460 days during the six years immediately before the date of your application. You must also be physically present for at least 183 days during each of four calendar years that are fully or partially within the six years immediately before the date of application.
  • These requirements do not apply to children under 18.
  • You must declare your intent to reside during the citizenship application process.
  • If you are 14 to 64 years of age, you must send documents with your citizenship application that prove you can speak and listen in English or French atCLB level 4.
  • If you are 14 to 64 years of age, when you apply for citizenship, you will need to take a citizenship test to show you have adequate knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. It is usually a written test, but it is sometimes taken verbally with a citizenship officer.
  • Time in prison or on parole does not count as time you have lived in Canada. Time on probation also does not count if you were convicted of a crime.
  1. What is the first step in becoming a citizen?

First step would be to assess on your own or meet with a settlement worker to see if you are eligible to apply for Citizenship. Make sure you are able to provide proof of language and have stayed in Canada for 1460 days in the last 6 years. Gather the required documents and have saved money to pay for processing of the application. It costs $ 630 per adult and $ 100 per child under age 18. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from giving the exam then you should have proper documentation to support that and request for accommodation.

  1. When do I write the citizenship test?

You will receive a letter from Immigration regarding your citizenship test date. These days the turn-around time is very fast, so it is advisable to start preparing for the citizenship test soon after mailing your application. In the test you will have to demonstrate that you understand the rights, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, such as voting in elections and obeying the law. You must also show, in English or French, that you understand Canada’s:history,values,institutions andsymbols. There are resources available to assist you with the preparation. You can access them on-line through Immigration website Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, or you could attend Citizenship preparation classes offered at Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA and at St. Louis Adult Learning Centre.

If you are unable to appear for the test because of a valid reason, you should inform Immigration to reschedule the date.

If you pass the test and meet all the other requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship. This document tells you the date, time and place of your citizenship ceremony.

At the ceremony, you will:

  • Take the Oath of Citizenship;
  • Sign the oath form; and
  • Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate.
  1. What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

You get an opportunity to write the test twice and if you fail both the attempts you will have an oral hearing test with the Judge. If you fail that too, then you will have to reapply for Citizenship. It is rather expensive to apply for citizenship, so it is advisable to wait and apply only when you are ready.

  1. How do I prove that I have a CLB 4 in English?

You will need to provide proof for listening and speaking only. To prove your level of English you need to provide documentation from ESL or LINC programs if you are attending these programs. If you are not able to attend the programs due to work or other commitments, then you can also give CELPIP or IELTS exams. For both these exams you have to pay fees.

  • CELPIP-G) or the CELPIP-General LS (listening and speaking), not the academic version.
  • Fees for CELPIP Listening and Speaking test is $ 175 plus tax.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS), general training, not the academic version
  • Fees for International English Language Testing System (IELTS)is $ 309 plus tax.

If you have Diploma, certificate or transcript of secondary or post-secondary education completed in English or French, then you don’t have to provide proof of language.

  1. Where can I get help with the citizenship application?

If you feel comfortable you can download the application from website and fill it yourself. It is advisable to get assistance from an organization serving newcomers as their staff members do these applications on a regular basis. They will be able to assist you with the eligibility evaluation, filling the application forms, assisting with on-line fee payment and attaching the supporting documents, before you are ready to mail the application package.

  1. Why is it important to become a Canadian citizen?

Canadians can live and work anywhere they choose in Canada, enter and leave the country freely, and apply for a passport.One of the privileges of Canadian citizenship is the right to vote. Canadians can votein a general federal or provincial election and have the right to be eligible for membership in the House of Commons or of a provincial legislative assembly.