Requirements for Moving to Canada
Canada is a popular destination for immigration, and is one of the only countries in the world that has a permanent immigration program. Around 170,000 people become citizens each year in Canada. Many U.S. political refugees have moved to Canada over the years, and almost 20 percent of Canada's population is foreign-born, compared with 11.5 percent of the U.S. population.
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Steps to Citizenship
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The first step to becoming a Canadian citizen is to determine your eligibility. Once you're sure you are eligible, you must apply for citizenship. You must be at least 18 to apply for citizenship, and if you are between 18 and 54, you must take the citizenship test. After passing the citizenship test, persons age 14 and older must attend a citizenship ceremony.
Eligibility and Citizenship Applicaiton
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Eligibility for citizenship starts with becoming a permanent resident. You must get a visa at the Canadian Visa Office and then fill out the application for permanent residence, available from the Consulate General. It usually takes about 25 months to process an application for permanent residence. U.S. citizens applying for a visa need a passport, proof they have enough money to live on for six months, and lists of all items being brought with them, both at the time of moving and those items being shipped later.
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Permanent Residency
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To apply for citizenship, permanent residents must have lived in Canada for three of the past four years (this applies to adults--children are not required to meet this condition). Time before official permanent residence status might count toward this requirement as long as it falls within the four years leading up to the application. Residents whose permanent status is the subject of an investigation, inquiry or removal order cannot become citizens.
Restrictions
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Adults cannot apply for citizenship if they have been convicted of a criminal offense in the three years before the application, or if they are currently charged with a criminal offense. You are also restricted from applying if you are in prison, on parole, on probation or under a removal order (have been ordered to leave Canada). Not surprisingly, investigation, trial or conviction of war crimes or crimes against humanity bar you from applying for citizenship, as does having lost your Canadian citizenship at some point within the last five years.
Other Requirements
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Citizenship applicants must know the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship. They must be able to speak at least one of Canada's two official languages (French and English) well enough to communicate successfully. Knowledge of Canada's history, geography and political system are also expected of those applying to be citizens.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit jeltovski: morgueFile.com
