Who qualifies for Canadian Citizenship?

Canada offers citizenship through naturalization and by birth in Canada.

Under current law, to qualify for citizenship through naturalization, candidates must have three years of qualifying permanent resident status during the preceding five years.

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Applicants must also:

• Meet the Citizenship Language Requirement, if between the ages of 18 and 54;
• Not be under a removal order;
• Not have a criminal prohibition;
• Pay processing fees.

Applications are submitted to the citizenship office in Sydney, Nova Scotia where they are pre-screened to ensure the application is complete and the 3-year residence rule has been met. Within about 12 months from submission, applicants will be required to attend an interview to demonstrate their knowledge of Canada in one of Canada’s official languages.