How do I apply for Canadian citizenship as an American?
Published on September 11, 2023
Updated on December 02, 2024
by Deborshi Choudhury, EA
Deborshi Choudhury, an IRS Enrolled Agent with 17 years of expat tax experience, specializes in U.S. tax preparation, tax planning, and tax advice for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders living and working in the UAE and Canada.
Table of Contents
You need to be eligible and have lived in Canada for at least three years within the last five years. If approved, you can submit your application with all the required documents and fees, complete a citizenship test, and attend a ceremony.
Why do Americans want to become Canadian citizens?
Here are common reasons why Americans pursue a Canadian citizenship:
- Job opportunities: For technology, healthcare, government, and engineering sectors. Citizenship provides access to a broader range of job opportunities.
- Family ties: This allows for easier reunification, especially for those who want to live closer to family members. It also gives the right to sponsor family members to come to Canada as permanent residents.
- Healthcare: For an affordable healthcare system with universal coverage. Citizens benefit from a high standard of medical care with little to no direct costs.
- Education benefits: To benefit from the significantly lower domestic tuition rates at Canadian institutions for themselves or their children, compared to the higher international rates.
- Full legal rights and protections: To be fully protected under Canadian law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, unlike permanent residents, who can be deported for committing serious offenses.
Am I eligible for Canadian citizenship?
Here are some of the key eligibility requirements for you:
- Permanent resident status: You should be in good standing and not under a removal order.
- Residency requirements: You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the last five years.
- Language skills: you must be proficient in either English or French between 18 and 54. You’ll need to prove you have strong listening and speaking skills in English or French.
- Knowledge of Canada: You need a general understanding of Canadian social protocols, history, symbols, and governance. If you’re 18 to 54, be prepared to take a test on Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols.
- Filing income tax: You may need to file taxes in Canada for at least 3 years during the five years right before the date you apply.
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Should I renew my expired Permanent Resident card before applying for Canadian citizenship?
You don’t need a valid Permanent Resident (PR) card to apply for citizenship. You can apply with an expired PR card.
However, regardless of age, you must hold permanent resident (PR) status in Canada to apply for citizenship.
What’s the application process for Canadian citizenship?
You can now apply online or mail your paper application. Here’s a set-by-step guide on applying for Canadian citizenship:
- Prepare the application: Provide an overview of the application form (CIT 0002 – Adult) and necessary documents.
- Pay the fees: Citizenship fees are CAD $630 (CAD $100 for minors). This includes a processing fee and the right of citizenship fee. You can pay via credit card, debit card, or even through a certified Canadian bank.
- Submit the application: You can submit it online or mail it to the Case Processing Centre – Sydney Citizenship Grants (P.O. Box 7000 Sydney, NS B1P 6V6).
- Wait for confirmation: You can expect to receive an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) confirming that your application has been received. It will typically take 12 to 24 months to receive this, depending on your location and case complexity.
- Take the Canadian citizenship test: If you are between 18 and 54, you will be invited to take the test after submitting your application.
- Attend an interview: Certain applicants might need to interview with a citizenship officer, who will assess their language skills (if applicable) and verify their application details.
- Wait for the decision: If you pass the test and meet all requirements, you’ll receive a Notice to Appear at a citizenship ceremony.
- Take the oath of citizenship: You’ll recite the oath and receive the certificate of Canadian citizenship, which is legal proof of your status.
Do I become Canadian when I marry a Canadian?
You don’t automatically become a citizen when you marry a Canadian. If you’re the spouse of a Canadian citizen, you must meet the same process and requirements listed above.
Will I lose my American citizenship if I become Canadian?
The good news is that both the US and Canada allow dual citizenship, so you will not lose your American citizenship. You can be both a proud American and a Canadian.
What areas does the Canadian citizenship test cover?
The test will ask questions about
- The rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens
- Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols
To help applicants prepare for the test, study material titled “Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship” is provided.
Can minors apply for Canadian citizenship?
Yes, but there may be different requirements for minors. The child must be below 18 years old to be considered a minor.
A minor with a Canadian parent or a parent applying for citizenship at the same time may have fewer requirements than a minor without a Canadian parent or does not have a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time.
What happens next if my application for Canadian citizenship is denied?
You can appeal the decision within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter. The appeal process involves presenting your case before the Federal Court of Canada.
It’s a rigorous process, and you’ll need to arm yourself with compelling evidence to overturn the initial decision. At this point, legal representation is highly recommended.
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