Changes to citizenship rules and requirements

The Canadian Government has changed the rules and conditions at different time. Though the general statements were the same for each of the cases. Here are some discussions about the changes made by Canadian Immigration authorities.

Changes Made in 2017

The citizenship rules and regulations have changed on 11 October 2017. The amendments are given below

Physical Presence

In 2017, the new law introduced that, to apply for Canadian citizens, you have to stay for at least three years before applying within the last five years.

But In the past, the restriction was, you need to stay for at least four years within the last six years before applying. Again, you must have to keep for at least 183 days in each four years.

Permanent Residency

According to corrected law in 2017, if you live in Canada as a temporary resident within the last 5years of application for PR. Those days will be counted as half days. However, you have to live in Canada for at least 1year without residency to count it as half days.

On the other hand, the rule before 2017 did not count the temporary resident as half days.

Language and Knowledge Test

According to the 2017’s amendment, if you are aged between 18 to 54, then you must have to take the language test as well as Citizenship test.

However, before 2017, the age range was between 14 to 64.

Take Part in our Citizenship Program

After getting the approval as a Canadian Citizen, you may join in an extensive range of programs. For example, Citizenship Ceremony, Canada Day, Citizenship Week, etc.

Income Tax

In 2017, the rule stated that became a Canadian Citizen; you have to pay income tax for at least three years within the last five years of application date.

However, before the amendment, the year restriction was four years within the last 6years of application.

Changes made in 2015

In 2015, the Canadian government amended the citizenship rules. The rules to be a Canadian Citizen is-

If you had born in Canada before January 1, 1947. But for Newfoundland and Labrador, the date is April 1, 1949.
If you are a British Subject living in Canada before January 1, 1947, but for Newfoundland and Labrador, the date is April 1, 1949.
People who were born in Canada and but living outside, but he has any of the parents in Canada before January 1, 1947. But for Newfoundland and Labrador, the date is April 1, 1949.

People who were born outside Canada, but he has at least one of the parents from Canada before January 1, 1947. But for Newfoundland and Labrador, the date is April 1, 1949.
They are adopted by any Canadian on or before January 1, 1947. But for Newfoundland and Labrador, the date is April 1, 1949.

However, the below-mentioned people can not be a Canadian Citizen under those conditions

If he has revoked his British status.
People who have renounced the British Status
People who born outside Canada after the first generation

Apply for citizenship

Recently Canada has been allowing applying in Canada. They are offering permanent residency. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) controls all the processes. However, to become a permanent citizen of Canada, you might have to follow some basic ...

Changes made in 2009

There were some changes made by the Canadian Government on April 17, 2009. The Changes were as follows.

You will gain your citizenship again if you have lost your Citizenship

Have lost your citizenship before January 1, 1947
Have naturalized in Canada before January 1, 1947
If a Canadian Parents have adapted you before or on January 1, 1947

People were born outside Canada in the first generation on or before January 1, 1947.

You can not be a citizen if

You were not a citizen on January 1, 1947
A Canadain Citizen adopted you, but none of your parents were Canadian citizens on January 1, 1947.

Born in Canada, but your parents were in the Diplomate service in Canada, who is not a Canadian Citizen.

However, the first generation limit can be relaxed under the particular condition

If your parents were outside Canada to a job under Canadian Federal Department, Armed Forces, or Public Service.

If your grandparents were outside Canada in any to do any

Federal Services for Canada
Armed Forces or

Public Service.

If you are unable to apply for the Citizenship due to the first generation limit, you would better apply for Permanent Residency in Canada.

Citizenship test and interview

Generally, before getting the approval for citizenship for Canada, you might need to face a test as well as an interview. Here you will find some basic things you should know before meeting the trail and viva. Generally, the citizenship test held upon some knowledge about Canada.