Citizenship Changes: What Does It Mean?

As you may have heard, there have been many recent changes to the Canadian citizenship application requirements, released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in February 2014. Because of the amount of changes being implemented, many people feel confused or overwhelmed and need clarification.

Below is a brief explanation of how the new changes affect the average immigrant wishing to apply for Canadian citizenship: 

• The current application decision wait-time is 36 months, however by 2015-2016, the wait-time will be reduced to less than 12 months. 

• Applicants now have to wait longer before submitting a valid application. Now, applicants must be in Canada for 183 days each year for 4 out of 6 years before applying for citizenship.

• Applicants could have to make a declaration stating their "intent to reside" in Canada. 

• Proof of language and the successful completion of the Canadian knowledge test has expanded to applicants ages 14-64 rather than those aged 18-54 (previously).

• Fees for the application have increased to accommodate increased processing fees. The application cost for adults has already increased from $100 to $300. However, there is also the $100 Right of Citizenship fee which remains the same, making the total amount for the adult application = $400. 

• Rather than a 3-step approval process, applications will now have to go through a 1-step approval process where they will be approved or denied by an immigration officer only, instead of both an immigration officer and a citizenship judge. Citizenship judges will continue to conduct ceremonies. 

Some of the above changes have already been implemented,  with others coming along in the near future.

We hope that this clearly outlines the amendments to Citizenship Applications. 

What do you think about these changes? Leave a comment below. 

NCP Settlement Department