Canadian Citizenship
Every year, about 380,000 people receive Canadian citizenship.
It is important to know that Canadian citizens do not lose their citizenship simply because they live overseas for many years. Furthermore, a Canadian citizen can become a citizen of another country without losing their Canadian citizenship, as Canada fully allows holding dual citizenship.
Pathways to Obtaining Canadian Citizenship
The following pathways are available for obtaining Canadian citizenship: (i) Fulfilling the residency requirements of being a Permanent Resident. (ii) Being a spouse, common-law spouse, interdependent partner, widow, or widower of a Canadian citizen. (iii) Citizenship by Descent (children and grandchildren of a Canadian citizen). (iv) Adopted children.
i. Fulfilling the Residency Requirements of Being a Permanent Resident
To become eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must have lived in Canada for at least three years out of the five years preceding your application.
It is important to note that you cannot meet the residency requirements for citizenship without a minimum of 2 years as a Permanent Resident. For the purpose of calculating the eligibility period, every day lived in Canada before becoming a permanent resident counts as a half day, whereas every day lived in Canada after becoming a permanent resident counts as a full day.
ii. Spouse, Common-Law Spouse, Interdependent Partner, Widow, or Widower of a Canadian Citizen
Currently, a spouse, common-law spouse, interdependent partner, widow, or widower of a Canadian citizen does not have an automatic right to Canadian citizenship. However, they are able to apply for permanent residency and citizenship on the basis of their relationship with the Canadian citizen, following the standard residency guidelines outlined above.
iii. Citizenship by Descent – Children and Grandchildren of a Canadian Citizen
Canadian citizenship by right is granted to any person born outside of Canada to a parent who is a Canadian citizen.
If you were born before 15/12/2025 and you are the second generation born outside Canada (meaning one of your grandparents was a Canadian citizen before you were born), you are entitled by right to Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport.
iv. Adopted Children
Adopted children may apply for Canadian citizenship if the adoption was finalized outside Canada in accordance with the Hague Convention on Adoption.
To qualify, at least one of the adoptive parents must be a Canadian citizen, the legal relationship between the adopted child and their biological parents must be officially terminated, and valid proof of the adoption must be provided. If the adopted child is under the age of 16 at the time of submission, the application must be filed on behalf of the child by a responsible parent or legal guardian.
Contact Us
You may be eligible for one of the pathways to Canadian citizenship. It is always best to seek professional advice in advance in order to file the correct application and avoid delays.
Kangaroo Migration Services has extensive experience over many years handling Canadian immigration and citizenship matters. Please feel free to contact us to discuss the options available to you with our representative, or fill out our questionnaire to get started.