From Sea to Sea to Sea: A Beginner's Guide to Canada

1 CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP (p. 1)

“Membership has its privileges.” That phrase is used by a popular credit card company that advertises the benefits of using their card. Canada could also use that phrase when attracting immigrants. Each year Canada is listed amongst the top 10 best countries in the world in which to live. Clearly, membership in Canada has its privileges. However, to become a “member” of Canada you must be officially declared a Canadian citizen. What does it take for a newcomer to become a Canadian citizen? Of course, you must apply to receive your Canadian citizenship. There are certain requirements you must meet before you can apply.

For example, you must be at least 18 years of age. You must have lived as a permanent resident of Canada for at least three years. You must be able to speak either French or English. You must not have been charged or convicted of any criminal offences while living in Canada. You must also be legally allowed to be in Canada. Having your Canadian citizenship gives you certain rights. These rights are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

They include the right to vote in an election, the right to be a candidate for a political office, the right to freely enter and leave Canada, and the right to live in whichever province or territory you choose. There are also certain responsibilities to being a citizen. Canadian citizens are expected to obey Canadian laws, to vote, to respect public property and to work together to help make the country prosper. It is a membership that is valued by anyone lucky enough to be considered a citizen of Canada!

2 APPLYING FOR CITIZENSHIP

You have overcome incredible odds. You have left your homeland and much of your extended family behind. You have made the long journey to Canada, studied hard to learn a new language, started a new career and made a new life. Now, you only have one step left to completing your dream: applying to become an official citizen of Canada! Applying for citizenship is one of the final steps to becoming a Canadian citizen.

Before you do apply, there are certain procedures that have to be followed. First, government officials must check your documents. They do this to confirm your immigration status and to make sure you do not have a criminal record. They will also make sure that you meet all the requirements of citizenship in Canada. To become a citizen, you must be at least 18 years of age or older. You must also be a permanent resident of Canada, and have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years before you make your application. You must speak either English or French well enough to communicate, you must know Canada's history and geography, and understand your rights and responsibilities. Once you meet these qualifications, you are ready for your citizenship test.