How Canada PR visa holders become eligible for Canadian citizenship

Here’s a guide to the eligibility criteria for obtaining Canadian citizenship. The next step for Canada PR visa holders to settle in the country is to become citizens of the country. If you are a Canadian permanent resident preparing to become a Canadian citizen, the following information about eligibility will be useful for you.

Eligibility criteria for a Canada PR to become a Canadian citizen

In order to become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a Canada PR visa holder. Even while you meet this criterion, you must satisfy these conditions too:
  • You mustn’t have been asked to leave Canada by Canadian officials.
  • You mustn’t be under review for immigration owing to instances of fraud.
  • You mustn’t have any conditions related to your permanent resident status pending. E.g., medical screening.
• You must have resided and have been physically present in Canada for at least 3 out of the 5 years (1,095 days) preceding the date of applyication for citizenship. Any extra days you have spent outside Canada owing to the COVID-19 pandemic won’t be counted as days you have lived in Canada.
• You may have to file taxes in Canada for a minimum of 3 years in the 5 years leading to the date of application.
• You must prove your language skills in English or French. Your skills will be measured by:
  • Noting how you communicate with a citizenship official during the process
  • Reviewing the proof that you attached with your application
  • If necessary, assessing your level of language at the time you participated in a hearing with a citizenship official
• You must pass a citizenship test. Your age must be between 18 to 54 years on the date of applying for citizenship. In the citizenship test, you will have to answer the questions about the rights and responsibilities of Canadians. You will also have to answer questions about Canada’s:
  • Laws
  • Symbols
  • Geography
  • History
  • Economy
  • Government

Why could you be prohibited?

You may be prohibited from becoming a Canadian citizen if you have committed a crime in or outside Canada. In such a case you may be barred from becoming a Canadian citizen for a certain period of time. Also, when determining the time period you lived in Canada, the time you spent serving a term of imprisonment, probation, or parole won’t be considered.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest, or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 immigration & visa company.

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