Am I a Canadian Citizen?

Canadian citizenship is a highly regarded and sought after status in the world. The nation of Canada is a well-developed country which maintains a very affluent economy. People from all over the world come here to work and find themselves warmly welcomed by the country’s policies of multiculturalism which recognize and cherish cultural differences.

If you are looking to become a citizen of Canada you should first examine your status as the government may see it. With this insight you will be better able to focus on the pathway to Canadian citizenship.

Are one of your parents citizens?

If one or both of your parents are a citizen that means that you are automatically a citizen of Canada! You could have been born within Canada or in another country, it doesn’t really matter.

All you will have to do is to file for your citizenship certificate to make it official. During this process you will need to prove to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (also known as the CIC, the regulating body of Canadian immigration) that one or both of your parents is a citizen. You can generally accomplish this through your birth certificate and one of your parents’ citizenship certificates.

Were you born in Canada?

If you were born in Canada and have a Canadian birth certificate you are automatically a citizen and can apply for your citizenship certificate on the strength of your birth certificate.

Are you a Permanent Resident?

Permanent Residents who live in Canada may are not automatically eligible to become citizens, however, foreign citizens must become Permanent Residents to become Canadian citizens. This means that if you want to become a citizen and you are already a Permanent Resident you are already almost there.

Permanent Residents must meet a set of requirements to become citizens:

• Residency requirements. They must live in Canada for a specific amount of time continuously.
• Competence in and official language. Citizens are supposed to be able to speak either French or English fluently.
• Knowledge of Canada. A test examining new citizens’ knowledge of Canadian culture, history and government will be administered.
• The oath of Citizenship. A short oath must be said to become a Canadian citizen, unless one’s religion forbids it.