Janice Lozano
Canada is a popular destination for international students, and many choose to settle in the country after completing their studies. To become a Canadian citizen, an international student must first obtain permanent residency. This can be done through various pathways, including work, study, or investment. International students can work full-time during their studies without affecting their eligibility for post-graduation work authorizations. Once a student has obtained permanent residency, they must live in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the past five years before applying for citizenship. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English or French and pass a citizenship test. The entire process can take five to six years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time spent in Canada before applying for citizenship | 1,095 days (3 years) out of the past 5 years |
| Cost | $630 CAD per adult and $100 CAD per child |
| Language requirements | Minimum level of French or English |
| Citizenship test | Required for applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 |
| Time to obtain citizenship | Minimum of 5-6 years after graduating from a Canadian university |
| Work experience | Required for at least 1 year after graduation to be eligible for PR |
| Study permit | Required for international students to study in Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Permanent residency requirements
To become a Canadian citizen, you must first immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident. Permanent residency requirements for international students are as follows:
Firstly, to be eligible for permanent residency, you must have a study permit. To qualify for a Canadian study permit, your academic program must be longer than six months and at a qualifying institution such as a university or accredited college. International students can now study remotely for up to 50% of their courses, and they can also work full-time during their studies without affecting their eligibility for post-graduation work authorizations.
Secondly, you must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the past five years before applying for permanent residency. Each day spent in Canada as a student counts for half a day, and applicants may use up to 365 days to count toward the 1,095-day requirement.
Thirdly, you must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English or French. This can be demonstrated through third-party test results from organisations such as the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Test d'Evaluation de Français (TEF).
Lastly, you must be proactive about applying for permanent residency as soon as you are eligible. The processing time for a permanent residency application may vary, and the Canadian government is currently testing an online platform for applications.
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Language proficiency tests
To obtain Canadian citizenship, international students must demonstrate proficiency in one of Canada's two official languages: English or French. This requirement applies to individuals aged 18 to 54, and the language proficiency tests assess an individual's ability to listen, speak, read, and write in their chosen language.
For English language proficiency, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a commonly accepted test. The IELTS exam measures an individual's English language skills across four key areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It is recognised by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is widely accepted by educational institutions, employers, and government organisations.
Another option for demonstrating English proficiency is the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). The CELPIP-General test evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, while the CELPIP-General LS assesses listening and speaking abilities. Both versions are officially designated by IRCC for citizenship applications.
For French language proficiency, the Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada is recognised by IRCC and the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration (MIFI) for immigration to the province of Québec. The TCF Canada assesses general French language skills, including listening comprehension and the ability to express oneself verbally in French. It is composed of four mandatory tests that evaluate six levels of French knowledge.
It is important to note that the specific language requirements may vary depending on the province. For example, in Manitoba, a "progress report" indicating speaking and listening skills at Canada Language Benchmark level 5 or higher is required. Meanwhile, in Quebec, a bulletin from the Ministère de l'immigration et des Communautés culturelles Québec (MICC) with an "interaction orale" assessment at NCLC level 4 or higher is necessary.
When submitting citizenship applications, individuals must include proof of their language proficiency test results. This proof can be in the form of a copy of the test results or a language proficiency certificate. Without this proof, the application will not be processed, and the entire application will be returned.
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Citizenship application process
To become a Canadian citizen, an international student must first immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident. An international student can start with a study permit, which requires an academic programme that is more than six months in length at a qualifying learning institution. After graduation, the student can work full-time to gain work experience, which will help them gain permanent residency.
To be eligible for permanent residency, applicants must have lived in Canada for at least 730 days (not continuous) in the past five years. Each day in Canada as a student counts as half a day towards residency, up to 365 days. Applicants must also provide proof of proficiency in English or French.
Once permanent residency has been granted, the individual can apply for citizenship. To be eligible, applicants must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the past five years before applying. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must take a citizenship test, and may be asked to undergo an interview before a citizenship judge. The citizenship application costs $630 CAD per adult and $100 CAD per child.
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Citizenship test and interview
To become a Canadian citizen, applicants must first immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident. As an international student, you can apply for a study permit, which is the most common pathway to permanent residency. You can also gain permanent residency through work or investment.
Once you have permanent residency, you must meet a specific set of requirements to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must take a citizenship test and may be asked to undergo an interview before a citizenship judge. The citizenship test assesses your knowledge of your rights and responsibilities as a Canadian. To pass, you must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English or French.
To prepare for the citizenship test, you can review the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens. This includes understanding the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, as well as residency obligations. You can also familiarize yourself with the official languages of Canada, English and French, and ensure you have sufficient proficiency in one of them.
During the citizenship interview, a citizenship judge will assess your knowledge and understanding of Canada, including its history, values, and culture. They may ask questions about your reasons for applying for citizenship and your integration into Canadian society. The interview is a chance for the judge to evaluate your genuine interest and commitment to becoming a Canadian citizen.
If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding the citizenship test and interview, you can seek guidance from official sources or consult an immigration professional.
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Citizenship approval and swearing-in
To become a Canadian citizen, applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in either English or French. They must also have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the past five years before applying for citizenship. Each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident (student, visitor, or worker) or protected person counts as half a day, and applicants may use up to 365 days to count toward the 1,095-day requirement.
Once an applicant has been granted permanent resident status, they must meet additional minimum requirements before they are eligible to apply for citizenship. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must take a citizenship test to demonstrate their knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as a Canadian. The Canadian government is currently testing an online platform for citizenship applications, but it is only available to certain applicants. Those who are not eligible to apply online must apply on paper. Eligible applicants may also be asked to undergo an interview before a citizenship judge if requested by IRCC.
After an applicant has passed the citizenship test and any other requirements, their application will be reviewed and approved by Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once IRCC approves an applicant's Canadian citizenship application, they can be sworn in as official Canadian citizens. The oath of citizenship can be taken with accommodations, such as sign language interpretation. In some cases, a waiver may be requested if a mental disability prevents an applicant from understanding the oath. If the waiver is approved, the applicant does not need to take the oath of citizenship.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to obtain permanent residency status in Canada.
You must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the past 5 years before applying for citizenship. Each day spent in Canada as a student counts for half a day, up to 365 days.
Yes, applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must take a citizenship test to demonstrate their knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as a Canadian. Applicants must also demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English or French.
The cost for a single applicant is $630 CAD per adult and $100 CAD per child.
It typically takes a minimum of 5 to 6 years after graduation. This includes working for 1 year after graduation to become eligible for permanent residency, obtaining permanent residency, and then applying for citizenship.
