So, you’re planning to become a Canadian citizen. You’re probably wondering how long it might take to achieve your goal. The process can vary in length depending on several factors. Let’s break down the timeline so you can better understand what to expect when you’re wondering how long does it take to get Canadian citizenship.
Time Required to Become a Permanent Resident
The first step towards Canadian citizenship is becoming a permanent resident. This process can take between 6 months to 2 years or more, depending on the Canadian immigration program you’re applying through and the current processing times. Remember, you need to be a permanent resident before you can apply for citizenship.
Residency Obligation
As a permanent resident, you must live in Canada for at least 3 years (1095 days) out of the last 5 years before you can apply for citizenship. You can count each day you spent in Canada since you became a permanent resident.
Preparing your Application
Once you meet the residency obligation, you can start preparing your citizenship application. This might take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how quickly you gather all the necessary documents.
Processing Time for your Application
After submitting your application, the processing time begins. As of writing, the average processing time for citizenship applications is about 12 months. This period can vary depending on the volume of applications the government is handling.
Citizenship Test
After your application is processed, you’ll be invited to take the citizenship test if you’re between 18 and 54 years old. The test includes questions about Canadian values, history, and government. You might need to wait a few weeks to a couple of months to get your test date.
Citizenship Interview
If you pass the test, you might need to attend an interview with a citizenship officer. The officer will review your application and your test results.
The Oath Ceremony
Once you pass the citizenship test and interview, the last step is the citizenship ceremony. Here, you’ll take the Oath of Citizenship and officially become a Canadian citizen. The waiting time for the ceremony can be a few weeks to a few months after your interview.
Things to Take into Account
While the journey to Canadian citizenship might seem lengthy, remember that the process involves thorough checks to ensure the safety and security of Canada and its residents. Be patient, keep track of your application, and stay informed about the latest updates from the government.
- Speeding Up the Process: There are few ways to potentially speed up your citizenship process. Ensuring that your application is complete and accurate when you submit it can prevent delays. Use the checklist provided by the government to ensure you’ve included all the necessary documents. Furthermore, preparing well for the citizenship test will help you pass on your first try, preventing any delays.
- What If Your Application Is Delayed? Sometimes, applications can be delayed due to reasons beyond your control. If your application takes significantly longer than the average processing time, you can check its status online or contact the government’s immigration department.
So, How Long does it Take to Get Canadian Citizenship?
It varies from person to person, but on average, you can expect the entire process, from becoming a permanent resident to taking the Oath of Citizenship, to take about 5 to 6 years. Remember, each case is unique and processing times can change. It’s always a good idea to check the official Government of Canada website for the most current information. Learn about several programs available to you – whether Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, and others – so you can start becoming a permanent resident.
