Canadian Citizenship
Becoming a Canadian Citizen marks a significant milestone, offering rights and privileges beyond those granted to permanent residents. This provides the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, run for public office, and obtain a Canadian passport, enabling visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to many countries. Citizenship also affords greater security and full protection of Canadian law, regardless of where one resides or travels.
In addition to these legal benefits, Canadian citizenship symbolizes a commitment to a stable and prosperous nation, opening new opportunities for individuals and their families. Our dedicated team guides clients through the entire citizenship application process. We assist in determining eligibility for citizenship by descent or naturalization, ensuring compliance with residency and language proficiency requirements, and addressing any unique circumstances that may arise during the process.
It is important to note that while Canada permits dual citizenship, not all countries do. If your current nationality prohibits dual citizenship, it may be necessary to surrender your foreign citizenship upon becoming a Canadian citizen.
Information on Citizenship :
- Application Process
- Eligibility to Apply
- Children
- Revocation of Citizenship
Citizenship by Descent
Individuals born outside Canada can obtain citizenship if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen, either by birth or naturalization. This benefit currently extends only to the first generation born abroad. A proposed Act aims to amend this limitation and extend eligibility for citizenship by descent to second and subsequent generations born outside Canada; however, this legislation has not yet been enacted.
Recent amendments to Canadian citizenship law have retroactively restored citizenship to certain individuals who previously lost it, such as those who acquired another citizenship before dual nationality was permitted.
Citizenship by Naturalization
The process of acquiring Canadian citizenship through naturalization is available to permanent residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must have resided in Canada for a designated period, fulfill language and knowledge requirements (which vary by age), file taxes, and comply with all applicable legal obligations.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least three years of physical residency in Canada within the preceding five years. In some instances, time spent as a valid temporary resident may count towards this requirement, while time spent under removal or criminal proceedings will not. Unlike permanent resident card renewal criteria, only time physically spent in Canada qualifies, with limited exceptions.
Children may apply for citizenship through naturalization alongside a parent or independently if they have a Canadian citizen parent, without the need to meet residency requirements.
Citizenship in Cases of Adoption or Surrogacy
Canadian citizenship can be conferred to children born outside Canada through adoption or surrogacy provided at least one legal parent is a Canadian citizen. The application process varies based on factors like birthplace, adoption location, and legal recognition of the parents at the time of the child’s birth. Children born abroad through surrogacy may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if at least one legal parent holds Canadian citizenship.
Achieving Canadian citizenship is a profound accomplishment that confers essential rights and protections, as well as a sense of belonging within Canadian society. At BARTLAW LLP, we are dedicated to making this journey as clear and seamless as possible. Whether pursuing citizenship through descent, naturalization, adoption, or surrogacy, our experienced team provides trusted guidance at every step, helping clients achieve Canadian citizenship and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Revocation of Citizenship
Under current citizenship laws, a person’s Canadian citizenship may be revoked if citizenship was obtained, retained, resumed, or renounced by:
- False representation;
- Fraud; or
- Knowingly concealing material circumstances.
The federal government has proposed changes to the Citizenship Act which will come into effect throughout 2017 and 2018. Please contact us for additional details and to determine how these changes may affect you.
“Jacqueline Bart is an excellent immigration lawyer in Canada. Jacqueline is a specialist in immigration law certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada. She is a frequent writer and speaker on immigration law; and more importantly, I can personally attest her awesome client service.”
“Jacqueline Bart, an immigration attorney in Canada who founded the firm BartLaw has impressed me. While her substantive knowledge is superb and would in and of itself be enough to put her in the ranks of impressive, her professionalism, charisma and business intelligence place her in a higher league. I met Jacqueline at an annual conference of the American Immigration Law Association, where she was a speaker and organizer for the Global Migration portion of the event. Again, her substantive knowledge was notable, but I was even more taken by her ability to translate that knowledge to business needs.”
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“Jacqueline is a brilliant strategist and keeps our human resources’ immigration goals on track. She has obtained permanent residence for a number of our employees in 4 months!”
“I know Jacqueline for many years and she has worked for me and my clients on immigration assignments. Jacqueline is an accomplished expert on immigration matters and her service and results are outstanding. I recommend her services with no hesitation.”
“I have worked with many attorneys on 4 continents in my career but Jacqueline tops them all! Her in-depth knowledge, her predictions and her consistent result orientation always delivered a ‘smooth’ path even on rough terrain. Her personal involvement, reliability and trustworthiness are ingredients that make her the perfect ‘partner’ for a client. Jacqueline stays focused on your issues with a high degree of personal responsibility for the outcome providing the highest degree of comfort. I am honoured to have met Jacqueline and every cent spent on her services was well spent and worthwhile.”
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“Jacqueline Bart at BartLAW is our most highly regarded Canadian Corporate Immigration Lawyer this year [2016]. She provides ‘detailed advice’ and is a ‘real pleasure to work with’ according to our sources.”
When Canada introduced the eTA for entry to Canada, I knew I would be barred future entry due to a 30-year old criminal conviction. I decided to seek legal advice and, by sheer luck, found Jacqueline Bart of immigration law firm, BARTLAW. Jacqueline recommended I apply for rehabilitation from the Canadian government. Her associate lawyer, Annsley Kesten, presented a strong and thorough application on my behalf, vetting all testimonials and suggesting areas and documentary proof that would strengthen my case. Not only did Jacqueline and Annsley support me during the whole process, they also gave strong encouragement not to give up. After two years my rehabilitation was approved, something that I believe would never have happened without their professional insight and robust efforts. I am truly grateful to them both.