June 20, 2017- Yesterday, substantive changes to the Citizenship Act were announced. These changes will reduce the barriers to citizenship, reduce differential treatment of dual citizens and increase the number of individuals eligible for Canadian citizenship.

Some of the major changes to the Citizenship Act are listed below. Please note that not all changes will come into effect immediately.

Changes that came into effect on June 19, 2017

Citizenship Revocation

  • Dual citizens who are convicted of crimes against the nation, will no longer be subject to citizenship revocation. They, like other Canadians, will be subject to the Canadian criminal justice system.

Citizenship Requirements

  • Intention to reside in Canada will no longer need to be demonstrated.
  • There is no longer a minimum age for citizenship eligibility. Therefore, minors can apply for citizenship without a Canadian parent.
  • Time spent serving a conditional sentence cannot be counted towards days physically present in Canada

Specific Considerations

  • Statelessness alone can be reason for a discretionary grant of citizenship.
  • Reasonable measures to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities must be considered.
  • Citizenship will not be granted to individuals serving conditional sentences

Changes that are estimated to come into force in fall 2017

Citizenship Requirements

  • Required physical presence in Canada will be reduced to 3 out of 5 years with no annual specifications. During this period, if applicable, Canadian income taxes must be filed.
  • Each day of physical presence in Canada, prior to becoming a permanent resident, may be counted as a half day (for a maximum of 365 days).
  • Language and knowledge requirements only apply to individuals aged 18-54. Those younger or older are exempt.

Changes that are estimated to come into force in early 2018

Citizenship Revocation

  • Citizenship will be revoked by a decision from the Federal Court, unless a decision from the Minister is requested by the Applicant
  • Citizenship Officers may seize fraudulent or suspected fraudulent documents

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.