As a general rule, individuals with three years of permanent resident status during the preceding four years can qualify for Canadian citizenship.
Applications are submitted at the local citizenship office in the area of an applicant's residence. Applications may likewise be submitted directly to the citizenship office in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Applications submitted through a local citizenship office are pre screened to ensure that that the three year residence rule has been met. Applicants are thereafter scheduled for an informal interview with a citizenship officer to review the merits of the submissions in support of the application.
Within about 12 - 15 months from submission, applicants may be required to appear before a Citizenship Judge to provide evidence of their knowledge of one of Canada' Official languages as well as an understanding of the overall Canadian political structure.
Applicants admitted to Canada on temporary status, can receive credit for one-half day to a maximum of one year, for each day of such temporary status in Canada.
Generally, actual physical residence is required. However in a number of instances, non physical residence has been acceptable. The issue of physical and non physical residence has given rise to substantial litigation and accordingly merits further consideration by prospective applicants.
For a more thorough discussion on this issue, kindly refer to our publication - "CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP AND THE THREE YEAR RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT".
Under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, citizens of Canada who fall within a particular professional designation, can qualify for a U.S. non-immigrant employment visa. This type of visa can be issued at a border INS office without the need to obtain prior approval from the local Department of Labor authorities. As well this type of one year renewable visa can ultimately lead to U.S. Green Card status.
There were approximately 215,000 permanent residents who were granted Canadian citizenship in 1995.
