Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly sped up the processing of proof of citizenship applications, now handling them in as little as three months. This is a notable improvement compared to pre-pandemic times. Foreign nationals with at least one biological or legal Canadian parent can now expect quicker decisions on their citizenship applications.
Understanding Proof of Citizenship
Under the Citizenship Act, children born abroad to Canadian parents do not automatically receive Canadian citizenship. They must apply for proof of citizenship and, if successful, receive a Canadian citizenship certificate. This certificate, along with a Canadian birth certificate, are the only documents recognized by Passport Canada as proof of citizenship, making them essential for passport applications. This process can be initiated at any time, regardless of whether the Canadian parent is alive or deceased. Note that adopted children who were adopted after birth do not qualify for this process and must pursue other pathways to citizenship.
Changes to Citizenship Law
On December 19, 2023, Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice declared the second-generation citizenship cut-off law unconstitutional. This law prevented Canadians born abroad from automatically passing their citizenship to their children if they too were born abroad. The court found this law created an unfair distinction between Canadians born in the country and those born abroad. The federal government was given six months to amend the Citizenship Act and chose not to appeal the decision. The impact of this ruling on future applicants seeking citizenship by descent remains to be seen, and updates will follow as the situation develops.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizenship offers numerous benefits, including protected rights, permanent legal status, access to social benefits such as healthcare and education at reduced costs, voting rights, and the ability to hold political office. Canadian citizens also enjoy the advantages of a highly recognized passport, the ability to sponsor family members to visit or settle in Canada, and the potential to pass on their citizenship to their children. Additionally, Canadian citizens can hold dual citizenship with countries that allow it.
Also read- Canada welcomed 393,500 new Canadian citizens in F.Y. 2023-2024
Canada Welcomed 393,500 new Canadian citizens
Recently, Canadian Immigration Minister affirmed that in the year starting on April 1st, 2023, until March 31st, 2024, Canada welcomed 393,500 new Canadian citizens, with IRCC now expediting the processing of most new citizenship applications.
Pathway to Citizenship via Permanent Residency
Obtaining Canadian permanent residency (PR) is often the first step towards citizenship. This is an opportune time to apply for PR, as Canada is inviting candidates with lower scores for high-demand occupations. This increases the chances for more applicants to start their journey towards becoming Canadian citizens. Permanent residents enjoy many of the same rights as citizens and can eventually apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Also read-
Canada Express Entry Invites 9,275 Candidates in April 2024
India has become the FIRST country to receive over $100 billion in remittances
Australia has Revised Financial Capacity Requirements for Student & Student Guardian Visas
