The state in North America belongs to the popular immigration route. Every fourth resident is a native of another country. The government is interested in the influx of foreigners and creates conditions for this.
Methods to obtain citizenship
Canadian immigration has changed in recent years. Previously, the law was aimed at family reunification, but in a globalized economy, the focus has shifted to labor immigrants. The legal system is based on the IRPA law, the UN Convention. Citizenship rules are governed by the RSC Act, 1985.
Together, the rules and regulations provide a legal ground for the implementation of various projects for foreigners. They are efficient for economy and demographic growth. The list is constantly updated with pilot programs for provinces and even individual cities where there is a shortage of specialists.
Naturalization
Residence in the country for 3 years allows a person to obtain citizenship through Temporary resident permit and Permanent resident permit.
Reasons for registration of a temporary resident permit:
- studies;
- official employment;
- business activities;
- desire to participate in a regional project.
Administrative districts, except Nunavut, have launched programs for entrepreneurs, startups, self-employed and technical personnel. One of the popular ones is Atlantic Immigration. It was started in 2017 by the federal government together with 4 provinces to attract immigrants to small regions. Secondary education, language skills at CLB level 4 are sufficient for participation.
On its basis, Rural and Northern, a pilot version of Agri-Food Immigration until 2025, were created in 2020. They differ little from the Atlantic version and are aimed at the development of the agro-industrial complex.
Quebec QSWP is open to those who wish to live in the Francophone province. This is an option for those who are fluent in French and are interested in cultural experiences. Processing of applications takes 1-3 years depending on the program. A training permit is issued for 1.5 months, for work 18-20.
Repatriation
In 2015, the authorities returned the right to restore legal status. Candidates are required to prove their belonging to the country, to live for a year on a temporary residence permit. After submitting the tax return, a permanent residence permit is issued. The law can be used by foreigners who have served in the Armed Forces. A simplified procedure is provided for them, the requirement for naturalization is canceled.
The consideration of the petition takes more than a year. Under the repatriation law, people born/ naturalized in the territory before 1947, as well as Labrador and Newfoundland before 1949, but who lost British citizenship for various reasons, fall under the repatriation law. The deadline for registration is not regulated by law.
Family reunion and marriage
After registration of relations with local residents, foreigners are not granted citizenship. According to the law, first it is necessary to obtain a permanent residence permit through family reunification or participation in the national Family Sponsorship. The project involves family and sponsorship of relatives of the first and second generations, adopted / orphaned children. Sponsors after signing Undertaking are eligible residents and citizens.
Applicants for Canadian marriage cards are required to live 1,095 days in the territory. In the case of children, the term is increased to 10 years. According to the obligation, children support their parents for 20 years. The petition for the restoration of family ties is considered up to 3 years.
Business Immigration
There are alternative immigration programs for wealthy people. Registration from the date of submission for nomination to obtaining permanent residence permit takes a year.
Types of business visas in Canada:
- Start-up Visa is designed for entrepreneurs. It is in demand among expats engaged in communication technologies, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnologies.
- Intra-company translation (ICT) is designed for foreign business owners wishing to enter the Canadian market. Top managers and employees with professional experience can benefit from it.
- C11 Entrepreneur Visa is suitable for entrepreneurs, starting or developing an existing business.
- Nominee programs for provinces are created for the purpose of subsidizing individual industries. They differ in flexible conditions and requirements for candidates.
Pros of citizenship
Canada is a multicultural country for immigrants with a developed economy and a strong passport. The Henley Passport Index is ranked 8th. Owners have the right to freely cross 118 borders, in 47 jurisdictions to receive entry paper arrival visas, and in another 7 to cross by electronic means.
According to the index of peacefulness, Canada is on the top list of safe states. According to the corruption index, which is a measurement scale, where 1 is the maximum and 100 is the minimum, it ranks on the 76th place.
Other preferences:
- Dual citizenship at the legislative level.
- The right to participate in the political life of the country, to apply for public office.
- A chance to find work in the Commonwealth states – an alliance of 56 countries.
- Start a business focused on the North American market.
- Access to quality medicine. Each province has an insurance system to provide free medical care.
- The opportunity to get education at universities that are rated among "25 best universities in the world".
- Transfer citizenship to children born in the country and abroad.
- Participate in social programs, receive monthly payments in case of low income.
The government has approved a percentage of income tax, but in each province it is changed by local authorities. In 2024, it did not change, but the tax classes were adjusted. The incomes of working people are now subject to different rates. They increase in proportion to earnings, are indexed annually due to an increase in consumer prices.
Dual Citizenship
The law allows dual and multiple citizenship. Immigrants can hold two or more passports if the country of birth recognizes them as citizens. Those who plan to obtain the status must first study the laws in order not to lose the rights acquired by birthright.
Citizenship by Investment
The desire to adopt world experience and develop the country's macroeconomics has led to the creation of conditions for opening and relocating businesses and attracting experienced management personnel. Investment programs are designed for entrepreneurs and their families, unmarried couples.
First, they must attract 2 million CAD (Canadian dollars) from foreign companies or 80,000 CAD from private investors for 5 years, control 25% of the company's shares with a capital of 100,000 CAD or more.
Recent reforms of the citizenship program
At the request of the Ontario Supreme Court, the government amended the Citizenship Act. The government declared it unconstitutional, due to the violation of rights. Final amendments are planned to be adopted in the autumn of 2024. Bill C-71 repeals the 2009 FGL provision. It limited first-generation descent status, as well as foreign-born children adopted by Canadian couples.
Now the descendants of ethnic parents automatically inherit statuses according to the hierarchy.
Under the new law, Canadians who have lost their legal right for various reasons can restore it. After the law goes into effect, the family must collectively reside in Canada for 1,095 days before the child is born or adopted. Interim measures have been in effect since May 30.
From January 2055, a new project for English-speaking Canada FSWP will start. It is designed for skilled professionals with work experience. Candidates will undergo a diploma evaluation, an IELTS/ TEF language test, and registration with the Ministry of Immigration.
Application process
After 1-2 years of naturalization, expats can apply for Permanent Residence. Long-term resident status is obtained on the basis of a temporary residence permit. Permanent residency equates basic rights with those of local residents. First, the program type is selected. To do this, we created the Express Entry platform.
Applicants can also register on the IRCC government website and fill out an application. After approval of the file, immigration specialists offer to undergo medical control, pass the biometrics for the card.
Documents collection
The legal process differs depending on the chosen program. Documents are accepted subject to naturalization and holder of the permanent residence. Arriving business visa specialists must have managerial experience in a company with a turnover of 50,000 CAD. Investors are required to confirm the source of income, assets of 2 million CAD, taking into account the amount of deposits, securities and other assets.
List
The application begins with the completion of the application with personal information and work information for 4 years, specifying the specialization.
Attached to it are:
- translated copies of passports, family members, children's metrics, notarized marriage certificate;
- photos and scans of the resident's card;
- a receipt for payment of the fee;
- certificate of linguistic testing;
- bank statement.
At the discretion of the migration officers, additional documents are collected in addition to the main list. To issue citizenship by naturalization, a diploma, a certificate from work or a letter from the employer are required. Documents are sent to the Passport Office or to the website of the Government of Canada, where the account is opened.
| Services | Cost, in $ |
| Permanent resident card | $530 |
| Restoration of citizenship | $530 |
| Passport | $120 |
| Fee for the right to obtain citizenship | $100 |
| Passport application | $130 – $160 |
| Duty | $160 |
Examination and decision
When processing at the consulate in the country of residence, the collected package is sent by the applicant to the Comparative Registration Office in Montreal. After payment of the fee in the amount of 15,235 CAD, a visa and a temporary residence permit are issued. After naturalization, the applicant receives citizenship. The procedure takes from one to three years.
After the adoption of the file, applicants from 18 to 54 years old pass tests of 20 questions for knowledge of history, culture, and laws. For a positive result, it is enough to answer 15. After examination of the documents, they are invited to an interview to check their language skills and clarify individual questions. Six months later, a notice of oath is sent to applicants 14 +. During the ceremony, new citizens perform the anthem, sign the form on obtaining the status.
To obtain a passport for 10 years, Canadians apply to a service center or passport office. Normally, the document is ready in 10-20 days, urgently – in 2 days. One needs to take a travel document, 2 photos, a completed form, 2 adult witnesses to confirm identity. From 2023, passports are extended online within 10 days. The cost for an adult is $120, for a child - $75.
Cons of Canadian citizenship
Before moving, it is important to compare income and expenses. Only wealthy foreigners can allow immigration to Canada. The country has a high cost of rental housing, products, and services. Property prices in Toronto, Vancouver are available to a few. It takes 7-9 months to find a high-paying job.
Local employers spend a long time studying the file, conducting interviews and taking their time with the choice of employees. Immigrants should not rely on social programs. Most of them are limited in terms of income, the number of benefits, and the duration of residence in the country.