Citizenship and Immigration to Canada

Gaining Canadian Citizenship: How easy?

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), a Canadian citizen is a person born in, or outside, Canada to a Canadian parent. However, neither of the two parents' should hold a diplomatic status in Canada at the time of the child's birth. For those born outside Canada the first generation limit to citizenship by descent rule applies.

First Generation Limit to Citizenship by Descent Rule

According to CIC, after April 16, 2009, citizenship by descent is limited to the first generation born or adopted outside Canada. Therefore, if you were born out of Canada to a Canadian parent on or after April 17, 2009 you will be considered a citizen by birth only if one of your parents' was born in Canada or became a citizen through naturalization.

Becoming a Canadian Citizen by Naturalization

To become a Canadian citizen you have to be at least 18-years-old and a permanent resident who has lived in Canada for at least three out of the four years preceding the application date. You must also have knowledge of Canada and be able to communicate in English or French.

Applying for Canadian Citizenship

To apply for citizenship you will require a completed application for Canadian citizenship form, a receipt of payment of fees and all necessary documents. People between the ages of 18 and 54 inclusively have to take a test based on the content of CIC's "Discover Canada" booklet, sent free of cost with the acknowledgment of your application.

Immigration to Canada

The CIC states you can immigrate to Canada in at least six different categories.

If you want to work and settle in Canada outside of Quebec, you must apply to the skilled workers and professionals category or you can choose the Canadian experience class if you have graduated and recently worked in Canada. The investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people's category is for those interested in business. A permanent resident can sponsor her family by applying to the sponsoring your family category. The provincial nominees category is for those who are nominated by one of Canada's provinces or territories.

According to CIC, the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration allows Quebec to maintain its own immigration requirements. Therefore, to immigrate to Quebec, you should fulfill all prerequisites mentioned on the Quebec Immigration website.

How to Apply

You must choose a category you want to apply to and request an information package particular to that category.

References

• Citizenship and immigration Canada: Immigrating to Canada

Resources

• Quebec-Immigration