How to get Canadian citizenship
You can become a Canadian citizen after only 3 years of living in the country.
In this article you will learn the following information:
- benefits of obtaining Canadian citizenship;
- criteria for citizenship;
- how to apply for citizenship;
- the procedure of obtaining citizenship;
- getting a Canadian passport.
Benefits of Canadian citizenship
It is recommended that you apply for Canadian citizenship as soon as you become eligible. There are many benefits of having a passport from this country:
1. Visa-free travel. Canada leads the passport rankings every year because most visa-free destinations are available to its citizens: Canadians can travel visa-free to more than 180 countries.
2. Permanent status. Once you become a Canadian citizen, you can no longer be deported, and you can travel abroad without fear of exceeding your visa, unlike permanent residents, who are not citizens.
3. More employment opportunities. As a citizen, you will be able to apply for jobs that require a high level of security, as well as federal jobs that are open only to citizens.
4. Participating in Canadian political life. As a Canadian citizen, you can vote and be elected in municipal, provincial or federal elections.
5. Canadian citizenship for your children. Your children will automatically become Canadian citizens without having to go through all the steps to obtain citizenship. By comparison, if you are a permanent resident, your child will only be a Canadian citizen if they were born in Canada.
6. Multiple citizenships. Canadian law allows you to have two or more citizenships, and you do not have to refuse your first passport to become Canadian.
Keep in mind that if you have dual or multiple citizenships, you may still have obligations to the other country even if you become a Canadian citizen. For example, you may have to serve in that country's military or pay taxes.
As a Canadian citizen, you will also retain most of the benefits you enjoyed as a permanent resident. This includes access to free health care, education in public schools, and social services.
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