Acquiring Canadian Citizenship is a dream for many. If you also cherish this dream, there are certain things you should to know to achieve success. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is the federal department which manages citizenship of the country for both — those who apply for citizenship and the current citizens of the nation.

Canadian Citizenship Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must obtain Canadian Permanent Residency and should have been living in the country for a minimum period of 3 years, out of last 4 years, prior to the submission of their application.

• Children under the age of 18 years must have the status for Permanent Residency. However, the 3 years requirement is not necessary here.

• Applicants should be of a minimum 18 years.

• Should have the knowledge of both — French and English language, or one of the Canadian official languages.

• Applicants shouldn’t have any criminal background, considering restrictions put on issuing the Canadian citizenship by the CIC.

• They must be aware of the rights and duties of a Canadian citizen, with basic knowledge of the country’s history, geography and political system.

• Submit a proper application to the CIC along with a government processing fee and citizenship fee.

Eligible applicants can apply for citizenship of the country, via the CIC. Besides, the successful candidates have to be present at the citizenship ceremony where they will be provided with a Canadian citizenship certificate and officially made the new citizens of the county.

There were about 260,000 people, who became Canadian citizens in 2006, which was 85% of eligible immigrants to the country. These new citizens have taken the oaths of loyalty pledging their commitment to the rights and duties of Canadian citizenship.