Canada offers individuals the opportunity to either resume or renounce their citizenship under certain circumstances. Whether you’re seeking to regain Canadian citizenship after losing it or considering giving up your Canadian citizenship, this process involves specific procedures and requirements. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps involved in resuming or renouncing Canadian citizenship.
Resuming Canadian Citizenship
For individuals who once held Canadian citizenship but lost it, Canada allows for the possibility of resuming citizenship. This typically applies to people who voluntarily renounced their citizenship in the past or lost it due to specific circumstances. Here’s how to resume your Canadian citizenship:
1. Understand the Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply to resume your citizenship, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Typically, individuals who lost their Canadian citizenship after renouncing it are eligible to resume their citizenship. However, the rules may vary depending on when the loss occurred and other factors. The general eligibility includes:
- Previous Canadian Citizenship: You must have been a Canadian citizen at some point in the past. If you were born in Canada or were a naturalized Canadian citizen, this applies.
- Renounced Citizenship: If you voluntarily renounced your Canadian citizenship, you may be eligible to resume it, as long as you meet the current requirements.
- No Disqualifying Circumstances: Certain criminal convictions or other legal issues may disqualify you from resuming citizenship.
2. Complete the Application Form
To resume Canadian citizenship, you must submit a formal application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The form you need to complete depends on your specific situation, but generally, you will use the Application for a Grant of Canadian Citizenship form.
- Ensure that all personal information is accurate.
- Provide supporting documents, including proof of your previous Canadian citizenship and any other necessary identification or legal documents.
- Pay the required application fee.
3. Submit Your Application
Once you have completed the necessary forms and gathered all required documents, you can submit your application to IRCC. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by IRCC and submit the application via the correct channels (online or by mail).
4. Wait for Processing
The processing time for resuming Canadian citizenship can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. Generally, you should expect the process to take several months. During this time, you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.
5. Take the Oath of Citizenship
Once your application is approved, you may be required to take the Oath of Citizenship, especially if you have not held Canadian citizenship for a significant period of time. The Oath of Citizenship is a formal ceremony where you swear allegiance to Canada and its values. After taking the oath, you will officially resume your Canadian citizenship.
Renouncing Canadian Citizenship
Renouncing Canadian citizenship is a personal decision that can be made for various reasons, such as acquiring citizenship in another country that does not allow dual nationality, personal preference, or other circumstances. Here’s how you can renounce your Canadian citizenship:
1. Understand the Eligibility Requirements
Before deciding to renounce your Canadian citizenship, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for renunciation. To be eligible to renounce Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following conditions:
- Hold Another Citizenship: You must already hold citizenship in another country. Canada does not allow individuals to renounce citizenship if they would become stateless (i.e., without nationality).
- Legal Capacity: You must be at least 18 years of age and legally capable of making the decision.
If you do not meet these requirements, you cannot renounce your Canadian citizenship.
2. Complete the Renunciation Application
To renounce your Canadian citizenship, you must complete the Application for Renunciation of Canadian Citizenship form. This form is available through IRCC. You will be asked to provide:
- Proof of citizenship in another country (passport, national ID card, etc.).
- Your Canadian citizenship documentation (such as your birth certificate or naturalization certificate).
- Other identification documents as requested by IRCC.
3. Submit Your Application
Once you have completed the renunciation application and gathered the necessary documents, submit your application to IRCC. You must include all the required paperwork and pay any applicable fees.
4. Wait for Processing
The processing time for renouncing Canadian citizenship can vary. IRCC will review your application to ensure that all eligibility requirements are met and that you are not at risk of becoming stateless. Processing times may take several months, so it is important to be patient.
5. Receive Confirmation
If your application is approved, IRCC will issue a Certificate of Renunciation of Canadian Citizenship. Once you receive this certificate, your Canadian citizenship is officially renounced, and you will no longer be a Canadian citizen. This decision is permanent, and you cannot regain Canadian citizenship through renunciation once it is finalized, unless you apply to resume citizenship at a later time (if eligible).
Important Considerations
- Dual Citizenship: Canada permits dual citizenship, which means you can hold Canadian citizenship while also being a citizen of another country. However, some countries do not recognize dual citizenship, and renouncing Canadian citizenship may be necessary to comply with the laws of the other country.
- Impact on Family: Renouncing Canadian citizenship typically only affects the individual making the decision. However, if you are the parent of children who hold Canadian citizenship, their citizenship status is generally unaffected by your renunciation. If they also wish to renounce their citizenship, they must apply separately.
- Loss of Rights: Renouncing Canadian citizenship means you lose the rights and privileges associated with being a Canadian citizen, such as access to healthcare, social services, and the ability to live and work in Canada freely. Consider the implications carefully before making this decision.