As per statistics provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for 2023, over 354,000 individuals acquired Canadian citizenship through participation in more than 3,000 citizenship ceremonies held nationwide.
In contrast, 2022 witnessed a significant spike in Canada’s naturalization trend. With 375,413 people becoming Canadian citizens, marking a notable increase compared to the figures of the preceding two years.
To provide context, the number of individuals granted Canadian citizenship stood at 250,513 in 2019. Followed by 110,989 in 2020 and 137,133 in 2021. The surge in citizenship acquisitions reflects a dynamic shift over these four years.
What is the Process for Transitioning from Permanent Residency to Canadian Citizenship?
Upon residing in Canada, individuals seeking Canadian citizenship must fulfill specific criteria before initiating the application process.
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To qualify for Canadian citizenship as a permanent resident, the following conditions must be met:
- Permanent Residency: The applicant must hold permanent resident status in Canada.
- Tax Filing: Compliance with tax filing requirements is mandatory, if applicable.
- Citizenship Test: Individuals aged 18 to 54 are required to pass a Canadian citizenship test.
- Language Skills: Those aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate proficiency in language skills.
- Lastly, physical Presence Requirements: Meeting Canada’s physical presence requirements is essential.
In addition, IRCC stipulates that a permanent resident can apply for Canadian citizenship only after physically residing in Canada for three out of the preceding five years, totaling 1,095 days.
Key considerations within these five years include:
- Every day spent in Canada as a permanent resident is considered an entire day.
- Days spent in Canada before obtaining permanent residency as a temporary resident. Or protected person count as a half-day, with a maximum credit of 365 days.
- For those who became permanent residents less than five years ago, the calculation period commences on the date of obtaining permanent residency.
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It’s important to note that time spent serving a sentence in Canada, such as in prison, penitentiary, jail, reformatory, or on probation/parole, does not contribute to meeting the physical presence requirement.
Upon obtaining Canadian citizenship, individuals benefit from no residency obligations. Distinguishing them from permanent residents. Canadian citizens also gain access to Canadian passports and the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. Canadian citizenship is secure unless obtained through material misrepresentation.
How is IRCC Addressing the Citizenship Application Backlog?
IRCC has been diligently working towards processing 80% of citizenship applications within specified service standards. In January 2022, the citizenship application backlog stood at approximately 46%. By November 2023, IRCC reduced the backlog to 20%, aligning with its targeted goal.
IRCC’s efforts to diminish the backlog include:
- Introduction of Online Citizenship Test Platform: Launching a new platform enabling applicants to complete the citizenship test online.
- Online Citizenship Application Tracker: Creation of an online tracker to allow applicants to monitor the status of their citizenship application and receive updates on required next steps.
- Increased Workforce: IRCC has expanded its workforce by hiring additional employees to enhance processing efficiency across various business lines.
- Virtual Citizenship Ceremonies: Implementation of virtual citizenship ceremonies to streamline the process.
- Lastly, online Application Processes: Introduction of online application processes for most clients seeking citizenship, obtaining proof of citizenship, or accessing citizenship records.
Furthermore, these measures collectively contribute to IRCC’s commitment to address and reduce the citizenship application backlog efficiently.