More Changes to Canada’s Citizenship Act
It is now easier for permanent residents of Canada to apply to Canadian citizenship. New regulations from Bill C-6—which was initially passed in June 2017—have now come into effect.
Previously, applicants for citizenship were required to have 1,469 days (four years) of permanent residence in Canada within a six-year period before applying for citizenship. But with the changes, applicants are only required to have a total of 1,095 days (three years) of residence in Canada over a five-year period before becoming eligible for citizenship.
Additionally, applicants are no longer required to be physically present in Canada for 183 days or more in four out of six years preceding their application as was the case before the most recent changes came into effect.
While these are the two most significant changes, there were also several others that came into effect on October 11 including:
Applicants must file Canadian income taxes (if eligible) for three out of five years instead of four out of six years, which is in line with the new physical presence requirements.
Applicants are now able to count each day they were physically present in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident as a half-day toward meeting the physical requirement for citizenship (up to a maximum of 365 days).
The age range for language and knowledge requirements for citizenship has shifted from 14-64 to 18-54.
The changes make it easier for those eligible to gain full Canadian citizenship.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Canadian citizen, contact us for a complimentary consultation.
