Canadian citizenship rules have undergone significant changes including with respect to international adoptions (direct applications for citizenship and facilitated early travel for adopted children is now possible), new rules regarding resumption of citizenship, and new limits on the ability of non resident naturalized Canadian citizens to pass on derivative citizenship to future generations.

Currently Canada offers Canadian citizenship to permanent residents who have resided at least 3 years (1095 days) in Canada within the previous 5 years. 1/2 a day credit may be given for periods of residence in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident - if in Canada in legal study permit or work permit status. Applicants for naturalization must pass a citizenship test and may be required to complete a language test. Canada is among the most generous citizenship regimes in the world, and actively encourages permanent residents to apply for citizenship as soon as they are eligible.

It should be noted for Canadian citizenship that each individual is treated separately. It is possible for a spouse and children to achieve citizenship before a family member who may have travel obligations and cannot accumulate the required residence in Canada as quickly.

The processing time currently runs approximately one year, or longer depending on the circumstances.

For more information and to arrange a consultation, please visit our Getting Started page to register and complete our free on-line questionnaire.