Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Applying for Canadian Citizenship is a momentous occasion and our clients are often anxious about the process. Once we submit a Citizenship application, the first question we receive is: What happens next?
What happens after I send my citizenship application?
To process an application for Canadian citizenship, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will generally proceed through the following steps:
Review your application to ensure it’s complete.
Deposit your fees and send you an acknowledgement of receipt letter.
Review your application to make sure that you meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship.
Schedule you for a Canadian citizenship test (if you’re between 14 and 64 years of age).
Schedule an interview. You will need to have an interview with an IRCC official.
Give you a decision on your application (approval or refusal).
If your application was approved, you will be scheduled to take the oath of citizenship at a citizenship ceremony.
Now, you’re on the fast track to becoming a Canadian citizen!
How long does it take to get Canadian citizenship after applying?
The time between submitting your application for Canadian citizenship and being approved is different for everyone. Applications can take longer to process depending on a number of factors, such as the length of the application (the larger the application, the longer it will take to review), the applicant’s history, whether the application was complete (it will take longer if IRCC has to request more documents), and more.
The Government of Canada has a processing time calculator, which you can use to check the current estimated processing time for your application.
We find that citizenship applications typically require at least 12 months of processing time.
Why was my citizenship application denied?
There are many reasons why your Canadian citizenship application may be refused. Some of the reasons your application may be refused include:
You did not provide all the documents required
You have not paid the full amount of fees
Your application is incomplete and information is missing
Your application is not truthful or correct and/or your leave out required information (this is called misrepresentation)
You have a removal order that says you must leave Canada
You have not filed income tax returns
The IRCC officer reviewing your application may refuse to approve your application for any of the reasons listed above among others.
If your application is refused, you can apply again. Your new application must include all the required forms and documents and you must pay a new application fee. You should only reapply, however, if you meet all the requirements for Canadian citizenship.
When can I apply for a Canadian passport after citizenship?
You can begin applying for your first Canadian passport two days after your oath of citizenship ceremony. You must wait a couple of days before applying for services as a Canadian citizen, including services obtained through the passport office.
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Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
