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Changes to Canadian citizenship process coming next week

Starting next week, newcomers to Canada will go through a more streamlined citizenship process thanks to a repeal of Bill C-24.

"One of the strongest pillars for successful integration into Canadian life is achieving Canadian citizenship and becoming part of the Canadian family," said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

"The Government encourages all immigrants to take the path towards citizenship and take advantage of everything that being a Canadian has to offer.”

<who>File photo</who>

Effective Wednesday, October 11th, some changes will be coming to the Citizenship Act as a result of Bill C-6 coming into effect.

The changes included a reduced amount of time that a person applying for citizenship has to physically be in the country. Under Bill C-6, applicants must only be present in Canada for three out of five years. Previously, they had to be in the country for four out of six years before applying.

Other changes to the citizenship process include the return of the age for the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship to 18 to 54 years old, and a change to a number of years applicants have to file Canadian income taxes to match the physical presence requirement.

Also, previously, the time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident did not count towards the physical presence requirement for citizenship.

Under the new bill, days spent in the country before becoming a permanent resident within five years of applying count as half days up to a maximum of one year.

A full outline of the changes coming into effect with the introduction of Bill C-6 are available here.



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