Obtaining Canadian Citizenship Made Easier with New Proposals

Are you planning to become a citizen of Canada?

The Canadian government has made some changes in the country’s citizenship act that will make it easier and faster for immigrants to obtain citizenship. With the new proposal, non-permanent resident time will now be counted under the three year visible presence requirement easing one of the citizenship requirements.

The age range of applicants who must pass language and knowledge requirements has also been changed. Those under 18 and over 54 are now exempted from taking the language and knowledge testing.

PHOTO CREDIT: Global Link Visas

PHOTO CREDIT: Global Link Visas

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Meg Salvador, a permanent resident of Canada, said she’s looking forward to the proposed changes.

“I’m looking forward to the proposed changes because you see we came here on a temporary worker’s visa and for now with the proposed changes our first year here will be counted. We’re excited for that,” Salvador revealed.

While many Filipino permanent residents in Canada are in favor of the proposed changes, Canadian citizen Cesar Cunana fears that the proposed changes may compromise national security.

Under the proposal which repeals Bill C-24, the government can’t revoke citizenship in certain cases.

Watch the report below.

Applying for Canadian Citizenship

If you’re an adult ( at least 18 years of age) and a permanent resident of Canada, you must meet the following requirements in order to become a citizen of Canada.

According to the official website of the government of Canada, you must be:

  • at least 18 years old when you apply
  • have a permanent resident status in Canada
  • must be physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,460 days during the six years prior to the date of your application.
  • have met your obligation in filing your personal income tax in four taxation years six years prior to  the date of your application
  • must declare your intent to reside during the application process
  • must have adequate knowledge of either one of Canada’s two official languages- French and English
  • must understand the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizenship
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