Who
qualifies for Canadian Citizenship?
As
a general rule, individuals with three years of permanent resident status
during the preceding four years can qualify for Canadian citizenship.
Applications
are submitted at the local citizenship office in the area of an applicant's
residence. Applications may likewise be submitted directly to the citizenship
office in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Applications
submitted through a local citizenship office are pre screened to ensure
that that the three year residence rule has been met. Applicants are
thereafter scheduled for an informal interview with a citizenship officer
to review the merits of the submissions in support of the application.
Within
about 12 - 15 months from submission, applicants may be required to
appear before a Citizenship Judge to provide evidence of their knowledge
of one of Canada' Official languages as well as an understanding of
the overall Canadian political structure.
Applicants
admitted to Canada on temporary status, can receive credit for one-half
day to a maximum of one year, for each day of such temporary status
in Canada.
Generally,
actual physical residence is required. However in a number of instances,
non physical residence has been acceptable. The issue of physical and
non physical residence has given rise to substantial litigation and
accordingly merits further consideration by prospective applicants.
Under
the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, citizens
of Canada who fall within a particular professional designation, can
qualify for a U.S. non-immigrantemployment visa. This type of visa can
be issued at a border INS office without the need to obtain prior approval
from the local Department of Labor authorities. As well this type of
one year renewable visa can ultimately lead to U.S. Green Card status.