Many Canadian permanent residents who have weathered the immigration process look forward to being granted citizenship, and are eager for the day they can be sworn in as an official Canadian citizen. Before that day comes, there are a few final steps that need to be addressed before Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approves their Canadian citizenship application.

As Canada recognizes dual citizenship, you will not be required to relinquish your natural citizenship once your application has been approved by IRCC.

Once a permanent resident has been granted Canadian citizenship, they are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities of a natural Canadian citizen. Though permanent residents share many of the same rights as that of a citizen, the most notable differences would be the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal Canadian elections, and the elimination of residency obligations.

Requirements

To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, you must:

• Be a permanent resident
• Must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before the date you sign your application.
• Have filed your taxes, if you need to, for at least 3 years during the 5 years right before the date you apply.
• To become a citizen, you need to meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 or higher.
• Pass a citizenship test