How To Become a Citizen of Canada

As part Citizenship Week 2009 celebration, Canada will welcome hundreds of new Canadian citizens during the citizenship ceremonies across the country. Hundreds of Canadians are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to Canada during Citizenship Week 2009.

Here's the basic requirements to become a Canadian Citizen-

To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, you must meet the requirements in all of the following areas:

Age
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for Canadian citizenship

Permanent resident status
You must have permanent resident status in Canada, and that status must not be in doubt.

Time lived in Canada
To become Canadian citizens, adults must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years before applying. Children do not need to meet this requirement.

Language abilities
You must know enough English or French to understand other people and for them to understand you.

Criminal history (prohibitions)
You cannot become a citizen if you:

have been convicted of an indictable (criminal) offence or an offence under the Citizenship Act in the three years before you apply

are currently charged with an indictable offence or an offence under the Citizenship Act

are in prison, on parole or on probation

are under a removal order (have been ordered by Canadian officials to leave Canada)

are under investigation for, are charged with, or have been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity or

have had your Canadian citizenship taken away in the past five years.

Knowledge of Canada
To become a citizen, you must know the rights and responsibilities of citizens, such as the right and responsibility to vote. You must also know some things about Canada’s history and geography, and about its political system.

For more information on how to apply for Canadian Citizenship, click here.



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