Canadian Citizenship Act Undergoes New Legislative Changes
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Significant Amendments to the Citizenship Act
On October 4, 2017, in Ottawa, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced pivotal updates to the Citizenship Act with the implementation of Bill C-6. These changes aim to offer greater flexibility for those pursuing Canadian citizenship by altering the requirements for physical presence and language proficiency.
Effective October 11, 2017, applicants will experience eased requirements concerning age and language proficiency. This allows both younger and older immigrants a smoother path to citizenship, especially for those already contributing to Canadian society. The updated guidelines and application forms will become available on this date.
Further modifications to the Citizenship Act are slated for later in 2017 and early 2018. For a comprehensive overview of these changes, including past and future amendments, consult the Bill C-6 Backgrounder.
Insightful Remarks from Minister Hussen
“Achieving Canadian citizenship and integrating into the Canadian family is one of the strongest pillars for successful integration. The Government encourages all immigrants to pursue citizenship and enjoy the benefits of being Canadian.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Facts About the Amendments
- Bill C-6, which amended the Citizenship Act, received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017.
- From October 11, 2017, applicants must meet the requirement to file Canadian income taxes for three out of five years, aligning with the changes to physical presence requirements.
- Some changes, effective immediately upon Royal Assent, include the repeal of provisions allowing citizenship revocation for dual citizens convicted of national interest crimes, and easing pathways for minors to apply for citizenship.
- Future changes will enhance the citizenship revocation process, granting the Federal Court decision-making authority in most cases and empowering officers to seize fraudulent documents.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
For Media Inquiries
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
