BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING SERVICES Changes to the Canadian Citizenship Act AAISA’s 8 th...

BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT& TRAINING SERVICES

Changes to the Canadian Citizenship

ActAAISA’s 8th Biennial Settlement ConferencePolicy and Shifting Paradigms: Impacts and Responses October 22, 2015

Fariborz BirjandianCEO - Calgary Catholic Immigration Society


The Former Citizenship Requirements Changes to the Citizenship ActNow in Effect

The old residency requirements require you to be: Living in Canada for 3 out of 4 years (1,095 days) for citizenship eligibility;

No requirement that you be physically present.

In addition, you:

Can count time spent as a non-permanent resident (non-PR) toward residence for citizenship;

Do not need to prove that you “intend to reside” in Canada.

The new residency requirements require you to be: Living in Canada for 4 years (1,460 days) out of 6 years for citizenship eligibility;

Physically present in Canada for 183 days (minimum) per year in 4 out of 6 years.

In addition, you: Cannot count time spent as a non-permanent resident (non-PR) toward residence for citizenship;

Must prove that you “intend to reside” in Canada.



Citizenship applicants ages 18–54:

Must meet language requirements and pass knowledge test; upper age limit of 54 currently established by policy, not in legislation;

May use an interpreter to meet the knowledge requirement.

Citizenship applicants ages 14-64

Must meet language requirements, and pass the citizenship test;

Must meet knowledge requirement in English or French (cannot use an interpreter).

“Lost Canadians” are people who were not granted citizenship due to changes in the law. If you are a Lost Canadian, you may or may not have had your citizenship restored in 2009.

If you are a Lost Canadian born before 1947, you and your 1st generation children born abroad will be granted Canadian citizenship.



The Governor in Council (GIC) makes the final decision to grant citizenship on a discretionary basis.

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Minister can decide to grant citizenship on a discretionary basis.

The Act does not define what a complete citizenship application is.

The amended Act defines what a complete citizenship application is what evidence you must provide when applying.

You are not required to file Canadian income taxes to be eligible for citizenship.

You must file Canadian income taxes to be eligible for citizenship.

If you have domestic criminal charges and convictions, you cannot get Canadian citizenship.

If you have domestic and/or foreign criminal charges and convictions you cannot get Canadian citizenship.



You cannot have your citizenship revoked for acts against Canada’s national interest.

Your citizenship can be revoked or denied it you are:

A dual citizen, or a PR in Canada; AND,

A member of an armed force or an organized armed group engaged in armed conflict with Canada; AND/OR,

Convicted of terrorism, high treason, treason, or spying offences, depending on the sentence received.


Thank you

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