Four Tips When Applying for Canadian Citizenship

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…”

Surely he wasn’t talking about applying for Canadian citizenship, however for those who have taken on this challenging task truer words have never been spoken. The entire immigration process can be exhausting, and it all starts with jumping into the application.

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If you or a relative are on the verge of applying for Canadian citizenship, here are four important tips to remember:

1. The application: When filling out the application, answer every question. If answers on your application are considered incomplete by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), your application may be returned or denied. If you do not have an answer to a question, and there are no instructions for it on the form, write “not applicable” (N/A) in the space provided. If your answer to a question will not fit in the space on the form, add your full answer on a separate sheet of paper. Note on the area of your question ‘refer to letter of explanation.  Also important to note, refrain from exaggerating on the application. CIC is quite diligent in their review process, and any applicant that may not be 100 per cent truthful will get denied immediately.
2. English and French: As Canada’s two official languages, it is more important than ever to be proficient in one or both. Brush up on your English and French; make sure to have supporting documentation on any classes you take.
3. Citizenship test: Take your citizenship test seriously. Approved applicants need at the very least 15 out of the 20 questions right. Study hard, and don’t leave it until the last minute.
4. Documentation: Ensure all your documents (employment, property, marital certificates, etc.) are in order, accurate and readily available. Supporting documentation that is organized and presented nicely will only add value to your application and make the review process easier for the CIC.

As of February of this year, the federal government introduced a series of sweeping reforms to the Citizenship Act that are designed to reduce processing times, tighten residency requirements and crack down on fraud: measures that will make it tougher for many to become Canadian. Ensuring that you have all your ducks lined up in a row, will only separate you from the rest you who may get declined or refused.