In recent years, more and more people have and are still choosing Canada as their destination when migrating. The reason is not far fetched, Canada is a hospitable country, home to people of diverse cultures and origins. The various modes of entry for many migrants include applying under different Visa categories like the Work, Investors, Tourist, Student Visas respectively.

However, the focus is shifting from merely gaining entry into Canada as a resident, there is a yearning to be a beneficiary of all the good of Canada. People are now seeking to be citizens of Canada, going a step further than just permanent citizens.

For those that fall into this category of migrants, here is how to go about the process of becoming a citizen of Canada.

FIRST THINGS FIRST; WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CITIZENSHIP AND PERMANENT RESIDENCY?

It is very important to know what the difference is between being a permanent resident and being a citizen. As a permanent resident, you can reside in Canada. You can freely work and even study. The citizen also enjoys similar privileges but has some edge over just a permanent resident. Only citizens are allowed to take part in electoral activities, they only can vie for political offices and many government employments are exclusive to Citizens.

BASIC QUALIFICATION FOR CITIZENSHIP

To become a citizen of Canada, you must have proof of permanent residence. Without being a permanent resident of Canada, the government will not grant your citizenship application. Besides, you must have obtained your permanent residency over a duration of time. Then you can apply for a change of your status to a full Citizen.

REQUIREMENTS TO CHANGE A PERMANENT RESIDENCY TO FULL CITIZENSHIP

With the 2017 Amendments of the Canadian CItizenship Act Section C sub-section 6, An individual can only apply for citizenship after he/she has resided permanently in Canada for a minimum of three years. Once this is met, you can present your application for citizenship bearing in mind that you’ll need a verification of your permanent residency status as well as documents like your tax, health records over the years you’ve spent in Canada.