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In the first three months of 2023 (January to March), a sizable number of immigrants acquired new Canadian citizenship in Canada. According to the most recent data, which was updated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in May 2023, 84,720 people from 212 different countries have become citizens of Canada. Even though this figure represents a 12% decrease from the first quarter of the previous year, it still exceeds pre-pandemic levels. This page contains details on eligibility, processing timelines, costs, and the oath of citizenship for new Canadian citizens while highlighting significant observations about them.
In 2022, Canada had an extraordinary flood of 373,000 people who were granted citizenship, creating a spectacular record for the country.
New Citizens by Nationality
India makes up the greatest percentage of the varied group of new Canadian citizens, accounting for almost 19% of the total. In addition, 54% of the new Canadian citizens come from the Philippines, Nigeria, Syria, Pakistan, Iran, China, the USA, and the UK combined.
Processing Time for Applications for Citizenship
According to the latest processing update from IRCC, the average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications over the past six months was approximately 21 months. This timeframe indicates the duration it took to process a majority (80%) of the applications.
Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizenship
To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, the candidate must be a permanent resident (PR) who has resided in Canada for at least three out of the last five years, amounting to a minimum of 1,095 days. Additionally, filing taxes is also a requirement for eligibility.
Canadian Citizenship Oath Updates
As of 2023, a pledge of devotion to His Majesty, King Charles, as the country’s third monarch, is a part of the citizenship oath for Canadians. The acknowledgment and confirmation of the treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples are also included in the oath, demonstrating Canada’s dedication to inclusivity and reconciliation.
Multiculturalism in Canada
There are about 33.1 million Canadian citizens living in Canada, according to the most recent official census, which was taken in 2021. Significantly, more than 3.7 million people have dual citizenship, demonstrating the nation’s multiculturalism.
Processing Time and Fee for Canadian Citizenship
The average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications, as reported by IRCC, stands at 21 months for the majority (80%) of applications. Regarding the application fee, adults aged 18 and above are required to pay $630, while minors under the age of 18 have a fee of $100 for their citizenship application.
Final Thoughts
The significant number of new Canadian citizens in the first quarter of 2023 showcases Canada’s continued attraction as a preferred destination for immigrants. The applicants who become citizens come from different origins, which strengthens Canada’s multicultural fabric. It’s critical to be aware of the requirements, timelines, and costs related to obtaining Canadian citizenship so that future applicants are well-informed. The revised citizenship oath demonstrates Canada’s dedication to upholding Indigenous peoples’ rights and embracing a new era with King Charles as its third monarch.