If you’re thinking about immigrating to Canada, you might be wondering how long it takes to become a Canadian citizen. The answer isn’t always simple, as the process can vary depending on your individual situation. However, in general, it usually takes around five years to obtain Canadian citizenship. Keep reading to learn more about the requirements and steps involved in the process.
Related Read: Moving to Canada from the USA: What You Need to Know
The requirements for citizenship aren’t too strenuous; as long as you’ve been a permanent resident of Canada, are 18 years old or older, meet certain language requirements and have filed your taxes correctly, you can apply for citizenship. While waiting for approval (which can take up to 12 months) familiarize yourself with the history, culture, rights and responsibilities of living in Canada. Keep in mind that you’ll be required to take part in a citizenship test that evaluates your knowledge about Canada.
Applicants can submit their packaged application along with the applicable government filing fees to their local Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office. After all of this is taken care of, they can then look forward to an interview with a CIC official who will assess whether the applicant is qualified to become a citizen of Canada.
Processing times for Canadian citizenship can vary, so it’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time to get an idea of how long it might take for you to receive a decision on your application so that you can plan accordingly. Different factors such as the type of application you have submitted and the volume at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) at any given time may also play a part in the processing time for your application, so it’s wise to be aware of the maximum amount of time CIC states that it will take them to process applications.
Securing Canadian citizenship can be a tricky business, requiring patience and attention to detail. Fortunately, there are some useful tips that can help you speed up the process:
When gathering documents for an application, make sure every page is accounted for and in the correct order. This alone can save valuable time.
Know which forms you need to fill out and double check them for accuracy before submitting.
Upload any documents requested as early as possible, since missing documents may result in delays from the start.
Follow up on your application regularly and don’t be afraid to inquire about the status of your application when needed. A polite reminder or two could aid the process significantly.
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Originally published February 17, 2023, updated September 7, 2023
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