Going from Federal Skilled Worker to Canadian Citizen
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone for many immigrants who have made Canada their home. If you are a Federal Skilled Worker in Canada and want to become a Canadian citizen, here’s everything you need to know:
Meet the eligibility criteria to convert from PR to Canadian Citizenship
To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years as a permanent resident. You must also be able to communicate in English or French, have knowledge of Canada’s history, geography and government and have no recent criminal record.
Apply for permanent residency in Canada
Before you can apply for Canadian citizenship, you must first become a permanent resident of Canada. As a Federal Skilled Worker, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, which is one of the immigration programs managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Meet the Canada residency requirements
As a permanent resident, you must meet the residency requirements to be eligible for Canadian citizenship. You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years before you apply for citizenship.
Gather all the necessary documents
When you apply for Canadian citizenship, you will need to provide documents including your permanent resident card, passport, language test results, tax returns and other supporting documents.
Fill out Form CIT 0002
The exact form used to apply for Canadian citizenship is called the “Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults” form (Form CIT 0002). This form can be found here. The form asks for personal information, background details and information about your residence in Canada.
Filling out the Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults” form (Form CIT 0002) can be a complex process, so it is important to take your time and ensure that you are providing accurate and complete information. Here are some steps to help you fill out the form:
- Read the instructions carefully: The instructions for the form can be found on the IRCC website. Make sure to read through them carefully before you begin filling out the form to ensure that you understand what is required.
- Gather all required documents: Make sure you have all of the necessary documents, such as your permanent resident card, language test results and any other supporting documents required for your specific situation.
- Complete the personal information section: The first section of the form asks for personal information such as your name, date of birth and contact information. Ensure that you enter all of the information correctly and clearly.
- Provide details about your residence in Canada: The next section of the form asks for information about your residence in Canada, including your dates of entry and exit, your current and previous addresses and the dates you were physically present in Canada.
- Complete the background information section: This section asks for information about your education, employment, and any previous criminal or immigration-related issues.
- Sign and date the form: Once you have completed the form, sign and date it in the appropriate places.
- Submit the form and required documents: You can submit the form and required documents online or by mail to the IRCC office responsible for your area. Make sure to include all of the required documents and fees.
Pay the Canada Citizenship Fee
As of February 2023 the application fee for adult citizenship applicants is $630 CAD per person, which includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 right of citizenship fee. If you are applying for citizenship for a minor child then the fee is $100 CAD per child, which only includes the right of citizenship fee.
Additional fees may apply if you need to provide biometric information or if you need to reschedule your citizenship test. Payment can be made online or by mail and you should ensure that you submit the correct fee with your application to avoid delays or rejection of your application. Fee waivers may be available for those who are experiencing financial hardship.
Pass the citizenship exam
As part of the citizenship application process you will be required to take a citizenship exam to demonstrate your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography and government.
Example questions of the Canadian citizenship exam
The Canadian citizenship exam consists of two parts: a written paper and an interview. The written test is a multiple choice quiz that assesses your knowledge of Canada’s history and government. Here are some example questions that may be included in the Canadian citizenship quiz:
- What is the name of Canada’s national anthem?
- Who are the Indigenous peoples of Canada?
- What is the significance of July 1st in Canadian history?
- Who is the head of state in Canada?
- What are the three levels of government in Canada?
- What is the significance of the maple leaf in Canadian culture?
- What are the official languages of Canada?
- Who is the Prime Minister of Canada?
- What is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
- What are the responsibilities of Canadian citizenship?
Attend a citizenship ceremony
If your citizenship application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your certificate of Canadian citizenship.
Enjoy the rights and privileges of being a Canadian citizen
As a Canadian citizen, you will have the right to vote, run for public office, apply for a Canadian passport and enjoy other benefits and privileges of being a Canadian citizen.
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant achievement and the process of going from Federal Skilled Worker to Canadian Citizen can take several months or even years.
