Canadian Citizenship Application Lawyers
Achieving Canadian citizenship is a significant milestone, but like the immigration process that precedes it, the journey can be complex and daunting. Understanding the legal requirements and navigating the paperwork is crucial to ensure a smooth application process. At Alder Law, our experienced immigration lawyers specialize in guiding clients through every step of their citizenship application.
We provide legal support to help you meet all the eligibility criteria, avoid common pitfalls, and address any challenges that may arise along the way. With our assistance, you can confidently move forward toward obtaining your Canadian citizenship.
Our Citizen Application Services
An immigration lawyer can be instrumental in helping you navigate the Canadian citizenship process. At Alder Law, we ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and compliant with all legal requirements. Our guidance can help avoid unnecessary delays or complications, giving you confidence throughout the application process.
The following are some of the Canadian citizenship services the team at Alder Law can provide:
- Assessing your eligibility for Canadian citizenship
- Reviewing and organizing all required documents and forms
- Offering guidance on residency requirements and calculating your time spent in Canada
- Assisting with language proficiency requirements and providing resources for language tests
- Direct you to the available resources in preparation for your citizenship test
- Representing you in case of any appeals or application refusals
- Supporting you with family members’ citizenship applications through descent or sponsorship
- Provide you with support in preparation for citizenship interviews or additional hearings
- Addressing complex issues such as criminal convictions or past residency discrepancies
- Submitting your complete citizenship application and ensuring it meets all deadlines
- Following up with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on your behalf
Pathways to Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizenship offers individuals a range of rights, freedoms, and opportunities, including the ability to live and work in Canada without restrictions, participate in democratic processes, and hold one of the world’s most respected passports.
To obtain Canadian citizenship, you must:
- Be a permanent resident
- Have lived in Canada for at least 3 of the last 5 years
- Have filed your taxes, if required
- Demonstrate your language proficiency
- Pass a citizenship test
- Take the oath of citizenship
There are several pathways through which a person can become a Canadian citizen, depending on their circumstances, which we explore in more detail below. While many applicants must meet specific requirements above, not all pathways require these obligations. We can help you understand what is required.
Citizenship Through Permanent Residency
If you are applying to become a Canadian citizen, you must have your permanent resident (PR) status. This means your PR status must not be under review for immigration fraud, and you must not be the subject of a removal order. Additionally, you need to have fulfilled all the conditions attached to your PR status, if any were imposed at the time it was granted. It’s important to note that you do not need a valid PR card at the time of your citizenship application, but your status itself must be valid and in good standing.
Citizenship from a Spouse
Being married to a Canadian citizen does not automatically make you a citizen. You still need to meet the standard requirements, such as holding permanent resident status, proving your language ability, passing the citizenship test, and fulfilling the physical presence requirement.
Citizenship from Parents
If you were born outside of Canada and at least one of your legal or biological parents was born in Canada or became a naturalized Canadian citizen before your birth, you are likely already a Canadian citizen. In this case, you may still want to get proof of citizenship. Our team of lawyers can help you apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate, which serves as official confirmation of your status. This document is often required for obtaining a Canadian passport or accessing government services, and we can guide you through the application process to ensure everything is completed accurately and efficiently.
Citizenship by Birth
In Canada, citizenship by birth is automatically granted to individuals born on Canadian soil, regardless of the nationality or immigration status of their parents, with a few exceptions such as children of foreign diplomats. This means that if you are born in Canada, you are considered a Canadian citizen from birth and are entitled to all the rights and privileges of citizenship. If you were born in Canada, your Canadian birth certificate is sufficient proof of citizenship.
Canadian Citizenship Application FAQs
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How long can I stay out of Canada with citizenship?
A Canadian citizen can reside outside of Canada for an indefinite period without forfeiting their citizenship, as there are no residency obligations to retain it.
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Can I leave Canada while my citizenship application is in process?
Yes. You can leave Canada after you’ve applied for citizenship. However, it’s important to note that permanent residency (PR) status does come with residency requirements, and failure to meet them can result in losing PR status.
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How long does it take to get your citizenship in Canada?
The processing time for a Canadian citizenship application can vary, but currently, it takes about 8 months for the processing of a complete application. This includes the time it takes to review your application, the citizenship test, interview, and ceremony.
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