New rules to apply for Canadian Citizenship

What I was afraid to happen really happened, the rules explained at the previous post Applying for Canadian Citizenship changed.  Ohhhh noooooo!!!!!

 Now please, please use the CIC online tool to find out if you have lived in Canada long enough to apply to become a citizen.

• You must have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,460 days during the six years immediately before the date of your application. You must also be physically present for at least 183 days during each of four calendar years that are fully or partially within the six years immediately before the date of application.
• These requirements do not apply to children under 18.
• Buaaaa!!!!!!  and the 1/2 day time counted before you receive your PR is no longer valid (you can only count time spent after you became a permanent resident of Canada).

So what  does the new rule mean? For example, my fiancée arrived in 2006, received his PR in 2012, traveled a little bit outside of Canada, and under the older rules he would had applied for his Canadian Citizenship in Nov 2015, by the new rules it will happen in Jan 2017.

 

Applying for Canadian Citizenship

Source:http://canadaimmigrationlawyers.ca/news

Applying for Canadian Citizenship

When I did my Canadian Citizenship application (5 years ago or so), I was very excited even though I was not very keen to gather all the documentation required, some of my documentation was in Brazil and I could not remember well the exact dates. Now is my fiancé time, voilá!  :0)

1. Read very careful  documentation checklist and procedures on how to apply. Note that application fee increased quite significantly.
2. Only submit your documentation if it is complete and if you have lived in Canada long enough to be eligible for citizenship, better do not risk to have the process delayed for missing documentation.
1. To be safe I submitted my application with registered parcel that required signature upon arrival at the immigration office ( it was my way to ensure that the my documentation was received, best money spent!)
3. You must be a permanent resident (PR) for at least two years before you can apply.
4. You must live in Canada for at least three of the four years before you apply (there is a rumor that this time will increase).
1. You can use  residence calculator to check if you comply:
1. In my case, I requested my travel history to aeroplan of the last 4 years, it was free, not sure if they are still providing it.  I also had e-tickets at my email, and of course the stamps in my passport.  
2. You may count ½ day time before you become PR and 1 full day after receive your PR
5. You need to proof that your skills to speak English or French.
1. I submitted my transcript of the  Canadian University and all Certificates received since I arrive in Canada.
2. Please check item 1 for required documentation
6. You must do the Canadian Citizenship Test

Important Things to do before and after you come to Canada

Source:www.gic.gc.ca

If you are thinking about coming to Canada, it is best to be as prepared as possible.

Every newcomer's situation is different, so the lists we put here will  provide only an indication of what you may need to do at different stages.

Some of these documents may not be required immediately, but it is better to bring all your official documents with you in case you need them in the future. It is usually more difficult to obtain them after you have left your country.

BEFORE you arrive in Canada:

1. Collect and bring to Canada all official documents belonging to you and the family members who are immigrating with you.

Source: www.qc.cuny.edu

You should prepare:

• birth certificate
• passport
• marriage or divorce certificate, death certificate for a deceased spouse
• adoption records for adopted children
• educational diplomas and Certificates. Transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain a degree or certificate. 
• official vaccination records
• medical records (test results, x-rays, allergies, prescriptions... ) and dental records
• driver's licence and/or International Driving Permit 

If the original documents are not in English or Frech, (Canada's official languages) you will need to obtain Certified translations. Here in Atlantic Canada, even if it is a bilingual province, it is most useful to translate the documents into English.

When presenting your documents to Canadian Officials, always provide the original, the certified translation and the name and contact information of the translation agency.

2. Make an effort to improve your English or French. Communicaton skills may be the most important tool you can possess to setle successfully in Canada and find a good job .

3. Plan where you will stay during your first days in Canada. 

4. Prepare yourself to find employment in Canada. Obtain letters of reference from your past  employers, learn how to search and apply for jobs in Canada.

Find out if your occupation is regulated or unregulated. You may need to get your credentials recognized to find work: (http://credentials.gc.ca/recognition/why/licensing-requirements-regulated.asp)

5. Learn about the education system in Canada. Take note of the deadlines for applying and registering at schools, colleges and Universities.

6. Learn more about the province and the city where you will settle. Choose the city where you will live and understand how  much it cost to live there (http://www.cig.ca/english/newcomers/before-cost.asp)

7 .Find out if you need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp)

8. Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring to Canada. (http//www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-goods-what,asp)

AFTER arriving:

Source: http://galleryhip.com

In your first few weeks you will need to:

• Learn the sources of information to help you meet your needs:You can find contact information for inmigrant-serving organizations across Canada at:  www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/map/services.asp                   

          (We  recommend you :Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Resource Centre Inc.)

• Exchange your money for Canadian currency and  open a Canadian Bank Account.
• Find temporary accommodation
• Have some identification (ID) with you
• Apply for a government health insurance card 
• Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You can not work in Canada without a SIN . And it is needed to receive goverment benefits.
• Register your children in school
• Get a telephone card or a contract with a phone company
• Get a map of the area and find out about transportation in your area
• Memorize the national emergency telephone number: 911. If you experience a medical or other type of emergency, do not hesitate to call for help. 

In your first few months:

• search for a home to rent or buy.
• get a family doctor or health centre where you can go for your medical needs. 
• have your children inmunized
• look for a job
• try to make friends
• know where the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) assessment centre is in your community and register for language classes
• apply for Canada Child Tax Benefits (call 1-800-387-1193)
• know if you can apply for the GST/HST Credit ( call 1-800-959-1953 for more information)

In your first year:

• get a valid driver's licence if you plan to drive in Canada
• if your first language is not English or French, practice and improve your language skills
• register for adult continuing education classes
• participate in community activities
• understand your rights and responsibilities under Canadian law
• know that you can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada several years

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website can be found at www.cic.gc.ca and it provides general information about immigration and citizenship programs and services, information about your application, information kits easy to download and help with fee calculations.

You can also call them: 1-888-242-2100