While obtaining Canadian citizenship is an exciting milestone, you might wonder if it can be taken away. The answer to the question: “can Canadian citizenship be revoked?” is a yes. But this is rare and happens only for specific reasons. Let’s discuss these reasons and what you can do if your citizenship is at risk of being revoked.
Misrepresentation
One reason that could lead to the revocation of Canadian citizenship is misrepresentation. This includes lying, hiding relevant facts, or committing fraud during the citizenship process. For example, if you lied about your presence in Canada to meet the residency requirement, the government could revoke your citizenship.
Convicted of Terrorism, High Treason, or Spying Offenses
Canadian citizenship can also be revoked if you are convicted of certain severe crimes. These crimes include terrorism, high treason, spying offenses, or serving in a non-Canadian military force or an organized armed group engaged in a conflict with Canada.
How Are You Notified?
If the government is considering revoking your citizenship, you will receive a letter. This letter will state the reasons for revocation and provide you with options on how to respond.
What Are Your Options?
Upon receiving the notice, you have several options:
- Request for a Hearing: If you believe the government’s decision is not correct, you can request a hearing to present your side of the story. At the hearing, you can provide evidence and argue your case.
- Leave Canada Voluntarily: If you do not want to request a hearing or if you lose at the hearing, you can leave Canada voluntarily.
- Appeal the Decision: If the decision after the hearing is not in your favor, you can appeal it in Federal Court.
What Happens If Your Citizenship Is Revoked?
If your Canadian citizenship is revoked, you revert to your previous immigration status. This could be a permanent resident or a foreign national. If you were a foreign national, you could be asked to leave Canada.
How Can You Prevent It?
The best way to prevent the revocation of your Canadian citizenship is by being honest throughout your citizenship process. Avoid hiding any details or providing false information. Moreover, it’s essential to obey Canadian laws and respect the rights and freedoms of others. Being convicted of severe crimes, as mentioned earlier, could put your citizenship at risk.
Possibility of Re-Application
If your Canadian citizenship gets revoked, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can never become a citizen again. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you might be able to re-apply for citizenship in the future. For example, if your citizenship was revoked due to misrepresentation, you could become eligible to apply again after some years have passed. However, you need to show that you meet all the requirements for citizenship, including not misrepresenting any facts in your application. Do not lose the chance to work or study in Canada any longer when this happens.
Seeking Legal Help
If you find yourself in a situation where your Canadian citizenship is at risk of revocation, getting legal help should be your first step. Immigration lawyers are knowledgeable about Canadian citizenship laws and can provide guidance on how best to respond to a revocation notice. They can also help prepare your case if you choose to request a hearing or appeal a decision.
Staying informed about your rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen is also crucial to preventing revocation. Understand the laws, respect them, and participate actively in Canadian society. Ensure you stay updated on any changes to the citizenship laws. You may be interested to know more about answers to your most Canadian citizenship frequently asked questions too.
