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Online Canada Citizenship Oath Among Proposed IRCC Amendments

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Citizenship

Online Canada Citizenship Oath Among Proposed IRCC Amendments

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The Canadian Citizenship Oath could be taken online if the latest a the latest amendments proposed by the government are passed. The department proposed changes to the Citizenship Regulations that would be more flexible for newcomers. In addition, proposed changes would allow the new Canadian citizens would be able to swear online without the presence of any citizenship judge and make minor changes to the Regulations about the citizenship certificates to help modernize the process and introduce efficiencies. The proposed amendments were made public on February 25, 2023 and are available for public comment for 30 days, through March 27. If passed, online Citizenship Oaths could begin in June 2023.

Canadian citizenship gives you additional rights, benefits and protections that are not available to Canada Permanent Residents, including the right to vote and the right to hold public office. Citizens are no longer required to meet residency and other requirements of Permanent Residents.

During the pandemic, the government began conducting online Citizenship Oath ceremonies as a public safety measure. Improving efficiencies through the use of technology is one of Canada's immigration goals. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched digital and online initiatives to modernize the immigration program, reduce the backlog of applications and improve wait times and client services. Despite the current processing backlog, IRCC is on track to process a record 300,000 new citizenship applications during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, a 34% from the 2021-2022 fiscal year.



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FAQs About Canada Citizenship

Here are some frequently asked questions about Canada Citizenship

What are the eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship?

  • In order to be eligible for Canadian Citizenship, you must have physically lived in Canada as a Permanent Resident for 3 of the 5 years prior to the date you submit your application.
  • You need to speak one of Canada's two official languages, English or French if you are aged 18 - 24. You will have to provide proof
    • that you attended an accepted educational program in English or French OR
    • Proof of langue test results that show you have achieved the acceptable standard on a IRCC-approved language test in either English or French.

How do I apply for citizenship?

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you need to:

  • submit all required documentation
  • complete the application forms
  • pass the citizenship test, if required

What kinds of questions are on the citizenship test?

The Canadian Citizenship Test mandatory for all citizenship applicants aged of 18 to 54. The exam that tests your knowledge of Canada, its customs, values and history.

It is 20 questions long and is usually administered as a written test but it can be administered as an oral exam under certain circumstances.

    How much does it cost to become a Canadian citizen?

    • It costs CAD$630 for an adult to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
    • It costs CAD$100 for a minor who submits an application when they are under the age of 18.

    If your application is refused, $100 of the adult fee is refundable.

    Who has to take the oath?

    Adults and children aged 14 or over must go to the citizenship ceremony and take the oath.

    Parents will get certificates of citizenship for their children under age 14. Children under age 14 don’t have to go but are welcome to.

    Get your citizenship ceremony date

    In most cases, the ceremony takes place 4 to 6 months after you pass the citizenship test.

    What happens at the ceremony?

    During your ceremony, you will:

    • take the Canada Oath of Citizenship
    • get your citizenship certificate
    • sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form
    • sing the national anthem, O Canada

    Learn More About How To Become A Canadian Citizen:

    BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

    Are You Ready To Become A Canadian Citizen?

    Applying for Canadian citizenship for your or your family members can be confusing and overwhelming. A simple paperwork mistake, missed deadline or a forgotten document can cost you time, money and stress. An experienced immigration lawyer can guide your journey to Canadian citizenship and help

    With offices in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, contact the immigration professionals at Ackah Business Immigration Law today at (403) 452‑9515 or email us at contact@ackahlaw.com.





    Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

    Founder/Managing Lawyer

    Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

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