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Difference between revisions of "How to Apply for a Citizenship Grant (17:VI)"
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How to Apply for a Citizenship Grant (17:VI) (view source)
Revision as of 19:59, 10 August 2022
, 19:59, 10 August 2022no edit summary
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{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= | {{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= July 4, 2022}} | ||
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = citizenship}} | {{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = citizenship}} | ||
== A. The Process == | == A. The Process == | ||
=== 1. | === 1. Apply Online, If You Can === | ||
Some applicants can now apply online to become Canadian citizens. IRCC is working to make sure that more people can apply online. Check if you can apply online at the [https://citapply-citdemande.apps.cic.gc.ca/en/landing IRCC website]. | |||
=== 2. Apply on Paper === | |||
If you apply on paper, your citizenship application must be mailed in using the proper forms provided by IRCC. The new forms are easy to understand and to complete. To order a citizenship application, consult the IRCC website '''(see [[Governing Legislation and Resources on Citizenship (17:II)#B. Resources | Section II.B: Resources]])'''. In-person application assistance is not available from IRCC. | |||
The IRCC publishes ''Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship'', a book that gives general information regarding the right to vote in elections and run for elected office, voting procedures, and chief characteristics of Canadian physical and political geography. It will help the applicant answer questions in the written test he or she must take to become a citizen. This book is mailed to the applicant after the application for a citizenship grant has been received at the case processing centre. Alternatively, Discover Canada is available on IRCC’s website and a link to it is provided in a letter from IRCC. | The IRCC publishes ''Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship'', a book that gives general information regarding the right to vote in elections and run for elected office, voting procedures, and chief characteristics of Canadian physical and political geography. It will help the applicant answer questions in the written test he or she must take to become a citizen. This book is mailed to the applicant after the application for a citizenship grant has been received at the case processing centre. Alternatively, Discover Canada is available on [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada.html IRCC’s website] and a link to it is provided in a letter from IRCC. | ||
An application should be completed as fully as possible. Only the full legal names of the person seeking citizenship will appear on the certificate of citizenship. The name on the permanent resident document will appear on the certificate of citizenship unless legal name change documents have been submitted. | An application should be completed as fully as possible. Only the full legal names of the person seeking citizenship will appear on the certificate of citizenship. The name on the permanent resident document will appear on the certificate of citizenship unless legal name change documents have been submitted. | ||
=== | === 3. Materials Required with Application === | ||
'''Individuals should carefully fill in all the forms they receive in the mail or from the website. Those forms will be the most current and can be found at:''' http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp. | '''Individuals should carefully fill in all the forms they receive in the mail or from the website. Those forms will be the most current and can be found at:''' http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp. | ||
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:e) Crown means the top of the head or (if obscured by hair or a head covering) where the top of the head or skull would be if it could be seen. | :e) Crown means the top of the head or (if obscured by hair or a head covering) where the top of the head or skull would be if it could be seen. | ||
=== | === 4. Fees === | ||
The fee is $630 for an adult grant. This amount includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 Right of Citizenship fee. The fee for children under 18 is only the $100 processing fee. The processing fee is not refundable unless the applicant withdraws his or her application before processing begins. The Right of Citizenship fee is refundable if the applicant is not approved for citizenship. Fees change regularly. The most recent information about applicable fees may be obtained from the IRCC website (see '''Section II.B: Resources'''); see also the ''Citizenship Regulations'', SOR/93-246 in which the fees are proscribed. | The fee is $630 for an adult grant. This amount includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 Right of Citizenship fee. The fee for children under 18 is only the $100 processing fee. The processing fee is not refundable unless the applicant withdraws his or her application before processing begins. The Right of Citizenship fee is refundable if the applicant is not approved for citizenship. Fees change regularly. The most recent information about applicable fees may be obtained from the IRCC website (see '''Section II.B: Resources'''); see also the ''Citizenship Regulations'', SOR/93-246 in which the fees are proscribed. | ||
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If you go to the [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp IRCC website], there is a useful fee list, which may be used to determine the applicable fees for all applicants. | If you go to the [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp IRCC website], there is a useful fee list, which may be used to determine the applicable fees for all applicants. | ||
Payment must be made online at [ | Payment must be made online at [https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/pay.asp ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/pay.asp]. | ||
'''NOTE:''' In January 2019, a Federal Court in Ottawa (''Tammy Lynn Mayes and Justice for Children and Youth v The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration'') ruled that a Minister may exercise discretion and waive the applicable processing fees to alleviate cases of statelessness or of special and unusual hardship or to reward services of an exceptional value to Canada. | '''NOTE:''' In January 2019, a Federal Court in Ottawa (''Tammy Lynn Mayes and Justice for Children and Youth v The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration'') ruled that a Minister may exercise discretion and waive the applicable processing fees to alleviate cases of statelessness or of special and unusual hardship or to reward services of an exceptional value to Canada. | ||
=== | === 5. Filing === | ||
After the application form is correctly completed and the client collects all the required materials (documents and photographs), the form, all documents, and fee receipt should be sent to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. If a family wishes to be processed together, all applications should be submitted in the same envelope. Starting from June 3, 2013, all family members who apply together on one citizenship application will no longer be approved at the same time. Applicants who pass the test will now be processed independent of other family members. | After the application form is correctly completed and the client collects all the required materials (documents and photographs), the form, all documents, and fee receipt should be sent to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. If a family wishes to be processed together, all applications should be submitted in the same envelope. Starting from June 3, 2013, all family members who apply together on one citizenship application will no longer be approved at the same time. Applicants who pass the test will now be processed independent of other family members. | ||
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[http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-how.asp www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-how.asp] | [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-how.asp www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-how.asp] | ||
=== | === 6. After Filing the Application === | ||
'''NOTE:''' It is anticipated that the minimum and maximum age requirements will change soon. Users of this service are advised to seek current information from the [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp IRCC website] on the age requirements. | '''NOTE:''' It is anticipated that the minimum and maximum age requirements will change soon. Users of this service are advised to seek current information from the [http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp IRCC website] on the age requirements. | ||
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Where an applicant has failed to provide all materials relating to the application, the Registrar will give notice to the applicant to provide the appropriate materials. If the applicant fails to comply with this notice, the Registrar will send a second notice. Failure to comply with the second notice will result in the abandonment of the application, and the applicant will have to file a new application. | Where an applicant has failed to provide all materials relating to the application, the Registrar will give notice to the applicant to provide the appropriate materials. If the applicant fails to comply with this notice, the Registrar will send a second notice. Failure to comply with the second notice will result in the abandonment of the application, and the applicant will have to file a new application. | ||
=== | === 7. Processing Time === | ||
According to the IRCC website, the total processing time for a routine application for citizenship varies (Please refer to the IRCC website to see current processing times). An application is considered routine if: | According to the IRCC website, the total processing time for a routine application for citizenship varies (Please refer to the IRCC website to see current processing times). An application is considered routine if: | ||
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=== 1. Interview and Test === | === 1. Interview and Test === | ||
'''NOTE:''' Due to COVID-19, citizenship tests and interviews are now conducted online. More information can be found on the [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/citizenship.html#tests-interviews IRCC website]. | |||
All adult applicants and some minor applicants will be scheduled for a meeting with a citizenship officer, which is generally referred to as an “interview”. This interview happens the same day that the citizenship test is scheduled, and is conducted at the test location. IRCC is now moving towards online citizenship tests, rather than in-person ones. In that case, your interview may be conducted at a later date. | All adult applicants and some minor applicants will be scheduled for a meeting with a citizenship officer, which is generally referred to as an “interview”. This interview happens the same day that the citizenship test is scheduled, and is conducted at the test location. IRCC is now moving towards online citizenship tests, rather than in-person ones. In that case, your interview may be conducted at a later date. | ||
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The test takes place in a relatively informal environment where the applicants are required to write the exam on their laps. The majority of people find the 30 minutes provided to be sufficient to finish the exam. However, people who lack adequate knowledge of English or French could experience difficulties with passing the test. | The test takes place in a relatively informal environment where the applicants are required to write the exam on their laps. The majority of people find the 30 minutes provided to be sufficient to finish the exam. However, people who lack adequate knowledge of English or French could experience difficulties with passing the test. | ||
'''NOTE:''' A local non-profit organization, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, publishes ''The Citizenship Handbook'', a free guide intended to help introduce new Canadians to the country’s political process. The handbook is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Call (604) 687-2919 for more information. | '''NOTE:''' A local non-profit organization, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, publishes ''The Citizenship Handbook'', a free guide intended to help introduce new Canadians to the country’s political process. The handbook is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Punjabi. Call (604) 687-2919 for more information. | ||
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== C. The Oath of Citizenship and the Citizenship Ceremony == | == C. The Oath of Citizenship and the Citizenship Ceremony == | ||
'''NOTE:''' Due to COVID-19, all in-person citizenship ceremonies are cancelled. IRCC is inviting applications to video oath ceremonies instead. More information can be found at the [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/citizenship.html#oath IRCC website]. | |||
If an application is approved, successful applicants are notified in writing to attend a formal ceremony to receive their citizenship certificates. Most ceremonies are held at the citizenship office. Successful applicants must bring their original (or certified) Immigration Record of Landing (not a photocopy or reproduction) or Permanent Resident card and the Records of any minor children who are becoming citizens with them. Immediately before taking the Oath of Citizenship, the Record of Landing will be stamped, updating the applicant’s status from permanent resident to Canadian citizen. | If an application is approved, successful applicants are notified in writing to attend a formal ceremony to receive their citizenship certificates. Most ceremonies are held at the citizenship office. Successful applicants must bring their original (or certified) Immigration Record of Landing (not a photocopy or reproduction) or Permanent Resident card and the Records of any minor children who are becoming citizens with them. Immediately before taking the Oath of Citizenship, the Record of Landing will be stamped, updating the applicant’s status from permanent resident to Canadian citizen. | ||
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:OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF CITIZENSHIP | :OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF CITIZENSHIP | ||
:“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian Citizen.” | :“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian Citizen.” | ||
== D. Judicial Reviews == | == D. Judicial Reviews == | ||