Immigration is critical to Canada’s economic growth. With an aging population and lower childbirth rate, Canada is relying more on immigrants to help fill labour and talent shortages in communities across the country. Studies from Canada and around the world have found that immigration in Canada had positive effect on Canada both socially and economically
Citizenship acquisitions increased by 40%
By the end of October 2018, an estimated 152,000 people will have obtained Canadian citizenship since the Bill C6 changes came into effect, an increase of 40%, compared to the 108,000 people who obtained citizenship in the same period the year before, according to IRCC Canada.
Permanent resident applications have doubled
Bill C 6 has also allowed more permanent residents to apply for citizenship. In the 9 month period from October 2017 to June 2018, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received 242,680 applications, more than double the 102,261 applications that were received in the same period the year before. Despite the increase in applications, processing times for routine citizenship applications remain under 12 months.
Bill C-6 changes to Citizenship Act
Bill C 6 came into effect on October 11, 2017, and provided those wanting to become Canadian citizens with greater flexibility to meet the requirements. The changes reduced the time permanent residents must be physically present in Canada before applying for citizenship from 4 out of 6 years to just 3 out of 5 years.
On October 11, 2017, some changes to the Citizenship Act as a result of Bill C-6 become LAW. Here are some of the changes that you need to know about before applying for your citizenship.
- Physically spend time in Canada for 3 OUT OF THE LAST 5 YEARS with no minimum number of days per year, before applying for citizenship.
- DAYS SPENT IN CANADA BEFORE BECOMING A PERMANENT RESIDENT (as a temporary resident or protected person) within 5 years of applying for citizenship, COUNT AS ½ DAYS, up to a maximum of 1 year (365 days).
- Language Knowledge: Must Meet language (English or French) requirements Take the Citizenship Test
- File CANADIAN INCOME TAXES (if required to do so under the Income Tax Act) for 3 OUT OF 5 YEARS, matching the new physical presence requirement
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada said..
“The Government made important changes to the Citizenship Act, under Bill C‑6, to provide those wanting to become Canadian citizens with greater flexibility to meet the requirements. One year later, we can see the difference these changes are making.
Canada also announced new changes to Quebec immigrant investor program (QIIP) increasing the investment to CAD $1.2 million and net assets of at least CAD $2,000,000 with 1900 application cap. The scheme runs from September 10, 2018 to March 15, 2019
