Applying for Canadian Citizenship is one of the last major steps in what was likely a long and stressful process. Recently the government of Canada changed the rules for permanent residents applying for citizenship. These changes make it especially important to be meticulous about your application. Here are 5 important things you should do as a permanent resident to prepare for an eventual citizenship application:
- Track your arrivals and departures from Canada: Make sure that you document every time you leave and enter Canada while you are a permanent resident. There is a threshold of 183 days that you must be physically in Canada in at least 4 of the previous 6 years before your application for citizenship, so every day you spend in your home country visiting family or travelling for fun must be subtracted from the time you became a permanent resident. Applying for citizenship before you reach the threshold can lead to significant delays in your application.
- Make sure your name is on your utility bills: If you rent an apartment with your spouse, make sure both your names are on the lease. Same goes for utilities. Your electricity bill, gas bill, phone and internet bill, should all have your name so it is easy to demonstrate that you have maintained ties to Canada and have been living here while under permanent resident status.
- File your taxes every year: Even if you don't make any income in a given year, you should always file your taxes with the Canada Revenue Agency. You can do this easily online with programs like Turbo Tax. This is a great way to demonstrate to the government that you are serious about living in Canada and contributing to Canadian society.
- Open up a bank account: Having a bank account establishes your residency in Canada. There are a number of low cost banking options that you can explore even if your income is minimal. Joint accounts are a good way to ensure both you and your spouse establish your residency and for reducing fees.
- Keep all your files in one place: The more evidence you have of your time living as a permanent resident in Canada the better. Documents such as hospital records, school records, utility bills, tax papers, airline boarding passes and copies of stamps in your passport, even photos of you and your family in Canada are important for a strong application. Make sure you collect and store these documents in a safe place.
The above steps are particularly important if you are called for an interview with a citizenship judge or your application for citizenship is deemed non-routine for whatever reason. Of course every application for citizenship is unique and should be considered carefully. Citizen and Immigration Canada's website provides many more details on the process and what is required. But preparing in advance by taking these steps will help make the process easier when it comes time to submit your application. Do you have experience with applying for citizenship in Canada? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.