Citizenship Week 2024 in Canada | Highlights Unity and Support

Citizenship Week in Canada is in 2024, and IRCC commemorates this important occasion. Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of this occasion as an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on their sense of national identity. This week, May 13–19, provides a venue for commemorating the fundamentals of Canadian citizenship.

Minister Marc Miller will participate in a variety of citizenship-related events and ceremonies during Citizenship Week. He will also pay visits to community organizations that help immigrants by providing basic services like as job opportunities and instruction in the official language.

Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, Canada welcomed 393,500 new citizens, topping the previous year’s arrivals of nearly 364,000. This increase illustrates Canada’s ongoing commitment to valuing diversity and establishing a welcoming environment for those applying for citizenship.

On May 1st, Toronto conducts a visitor-specific event. It falls on May 23rd and is known as Newcomer Day. Today is dedicated to helping recent immigrants settle into their new homes. Nathan Phillips Square will have a variety of tools for newcomers, such as job placement aid and knowledge about Canadian history and culture.

The citizenship ceremony is the highlight of Newcomer Day. Many people formally become Canadian citizens around this period. It’s an opportunity to recognize the different backgrounds and accomplishments of recent arrivals. It also reflects Canada’s friendly and devoted approach to supporting newcomers in establishing prosperous lives.

Why Does Becoming a Canadian Citizen Matter?

Obtaining Canadian citizenship provides access to a wide range of liberties and rights within a multicultural and inclusive community that values equality and tolerance for all people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.

One of the primary benefits of becoming a Canadian citizen is the ability to obtain one of the strongest passports in the world. Canadian citizens can travel freely without the need for visas or permits to enter or exit the nation by using their passport to enter over 100 countries across the world.

Citizens in Canada have the fundamental right to vote in local, provincial, and national elections as part of their democratic involvement. This empowers people to influence how their areas and the country as a whole grow in the future.

Furthermore, Canadian citizens who receive a provincial health card are guaranteed free healthcare, among other government perks and services. This ensures that citizens do not experience financial barriers when seeking vital medical care.

Furthermore, citizenship provides significant financial benefits, particularly in terms of education. Post-secondary education in Canada is significantly less expensive for Canadians than it is for international students, allowing them to pursue higher education without worrying about high tuition.

Becoming a Canadian Citizen: Steps to Citizenship

There are several steps required in becoming a Canadian citizen. The first step is to get permanent residence in Canada through one of the more than 100 available immigration methods.

Candidates must meet the physical residence criteria. These qualifications demand living in Canada for at least three of the previous five years. This totals 1,095 days after gaining permanent residence status. However, this term may also encompass time spent as a protected person or temporary resident. Each day counts half toward the criterion, up to 365 days.

In addition, candidates must often demonstrate that they have filed taxes in Canada for three of the previous five years, especially if they have worked there as temporary or permanent residents. People who fail to file their taxes are ineligible for government credits, benefits, or refunds. A minimum CLB score of four is also necessary, as is proficiency in either of Canada’s two official languages, French or English. Academic credentials and certificates from reputable third parties can attest to this proficiency. Proof of completing specified government language programs also proves proficiency.

Candidates who meet these qualifications must also be able to pass IRCC’s citizenship exam. The test takes 20 to 30 minutes. It assesses candidates’ understanding of Canadian politics, geography, history, and citizenship rights and obligations. A passing grade requires at least 15 correct answers out of 20 questions.

Celebrating Citizenship: Ceremonies for New Canadians

Once an application has been approved for Canadian citizenship, they must attend a citizenship ceremony. During the event, candidates will:

• Recite the Oath of Citizenship;
• Receive their citizenship certificate;
• Sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form; and
• Sing the national anthem.

The ceremony can take place in front of a judge or electronically via a video link for those who are unable to attend in person.

Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

Canadian permanent residents have many of the same resources as citizens. Can live and work anywhere in Canada, have access to publicly financed schools and healthcare, and have your civil liberties guaranteed by law and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. What are the benefits of exchanging permanent residence for Canadian citizenship?

1. Vote

Parliamentary democracy governs Canada. Every federal election, all Canadians over 18 can vote for our Prime Minister. Regular provincial and municipal elections are held alongside federal elections.

Vote on who runs your country, province, territory, and town. A key benefit and obligation of Canadian citizenship.

2. Run for office.

Canadian citizens can run for office. Interested? Run in local, provincial, or federal elections.

Canada has multiple significant parties. Join a youth wing or run as an independent to get involved in politics.

3. You can travel freely

You can receive a Canadian passport as a citizen. Unlike PR cards, passports only need renewal every 5–10 years.

Worldwide, the Canadian passport is among the best. Canadian passport holders can visit several countries without visas. Reentering Canada is easier with a Canadian passport than a permanent resident card.

4. Your kids will be Canadians

A Canadian citizen’s kid, whether born in Canada or not, is automatically a Canadian citizen. This allows them to benefit from your status without applying for Canadian citizenship.

Your permanent resident child will only be a Canadian citizen if born in Canada. Your foreign-born child must be sponsored.

5. You can live wherever

You can live anywhere in the world as a Canadian citizen without losing your citizenship. Canadian citizens have no residency requirements, unlike permanent residents. The only restriction is that Canadians abroad for more than five years can’t vote in federal elections.

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