Changes to Citizenship Act come into effect during Citizenship Week

On October 11, 2017, during Citizenship Week, changes to the Citizenship Act come into effect.  These changes include: reducing the time permanent residents must be physically present in Canada before applying for citizenship; amending the age range for applicants who must meet the language and knowledge requirements; and counting the days applicants spend in Canada as temporary residents or protected persons as half days toward their physical presence requirements, up to 365 days.

“One of the strongest pillars for successful integration into Canadian life is achieving Canadian citizenship and becoming part of the Canadian family,” says Ahmed Hussen, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship. “The government encourages all immigrants to take the path toward citizenship and take advantage of everything that being a Canadian has to offer.”

New citizenship application forms and guides will be available on October 11.

More changes to the Citizenship Act are expected to take effect later this year and in early 2018.

2017 marks the 70th anniversary of Canadian citizenship. So far in 2017, 70,000 people have become Canadian citizens. This year during Citizenship Week, more than 4,000 people will become Canadian citizens at 49 ceremonies across Canada.

-CanadianImmigrant