Revised Rules for Canadian Citizenship

Canada’s revised citizenship rules have come into force with effect from 11 June 2015. Valid from that date, new application forms are to be used for becoming the citizen of the country. Some of the Canadian immigration rules have become easier, and few ambiguous matters have been resolved for good. Effectively, the process will now become easier and faster.

What are the New Requirements?

Salient features of this new CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) are-

• The increase in the age limit group. Earlier the permitted age group was from 18 to 54 years. Now, Canadian immigration authorities will allow applications for citizenship from persons who are in the age group of 14 to 64.
• Change in residency rules. Previous rules required the person to physically reside in the country for at least 3 years out of four years. Now, the person should physically reside for 4 years out of six years to qualify for citizenship. However, for this purpose, the person should be physically resident in the country for at least 183 days in every one of the six years prior to the date of application, irrespective of the year being full or half year.
• Applicant’s declaration that they intend to reside in Canada and make the country their permanent home is now essential.
• Applicants should be conversant in either English or French to qualify.
• Applicants should be agreeable to pay taxes in Canada.

Clarifications on issue of descent and Canadian citizenship

There was some ambiguity on this matter which has been removed now. Consequently,

1. Persons of Canadian origin who went outside the country for whatever reasons and were outside Canada when the 1947 rules of Canadian citizenship became applicable are now considered as Canadian citizens.
2. First-generation children of these “lost” Canadian citizens will also be deemed as Canadians by descent.
3. Also, children of parents, one of whom was a citizen of Canada when the child was born, are also considered as Canadians by descent.
4. Children of Canadian expatriates, who have been working abroad for several years in government jobs or in any Canadian armed forces stationed outside the country too will be deemed as Canadians by descent.
5. However, such citizenship will not be conferred to second generation of Canadian citizens mentioned in category (b), (c), and (d) unless individuals from this generation apply for the country’s citizenship.
6. For those whose spouses are already residing in Canada either as citizens or as expatriates, there are provisions that offer them permanent resident cards which can eventually help them get citizenship if they desire to become Canadian citizens.

Other noteworthy provisions of these new citizenship and immigration rules in Canada include stiff penalties for false statements, fake documents, and/or misrepresentation.

Implications of Canadian Citizenship

There are several advantages of such citizenship such as eligibility for Canadian Health Care. But the country welcomes immigrants. Canadian embassy can provide necessary information such as the possibility of finding a Canada job, and relevant work permit requirements. This office also provides details about Canada visa and cost of living in the country so that the person keen on migrating to this country becomes aware of conditions there.

Conclusion

For many Canadians who have lived in foreign countries, these rules will come as a great respite. The immigration authorities will also be able to move their work faster because issues of Canadian descent have been clarified. Effectively, others planning immigration to Canada would find that their applications are also moving faster now. More details can be collected from Canada Immigration Office or Canadian embassy.

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