You are allowed to apply for Canadian Citizenship after you have
been physically resident in Canada for three years (1095 days) out
of the four years immediately preceding your application.
13.2 Do I have to apply for Canadian Citizenship as soon as I am
eligible?
No.
13.3 What are some of the advantages of obtaining Canadian
Citizenship?
Unlike permanent residents, Canadian citizens are allowed to be
absent from Canada for extended periods of time without any risk of
losing their status. Except in rare cases, Canadian citizens cannot
be deported from Canada.
Canadian citizens also receive Canadian passports and are
entitled to vote in federal elections.
13.5 Will time spent away from Canada be counted towards my
Citizenship application?
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, time spent outside of
Canada (other than for short vacations) will not be counted towards
the calculation of the 1095 days required to qualify for Canadian
Citizenship.
13.6 Will Canadian Citizenship make me eligible to work in the
USA, Mexico, or Chile?
Under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) and the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, qualified
Canadian citizens can benefit from facilitated admission into the
USA, Mexico and Chile for business and work-related purposes.
13.7 As a Canadian citizen, am I required to obtain a Returning
Resident Permit for absences from Canada?
No.
13.8 Can I have dual Citizenship?
Since 1977, Canada has permitted its citizens to hold dual or
multi Citizenship. As a result, Canadian citizens will not lose
their Canadian Citizenship if they retain their former nationality
or become citizens of another country. You can have dual citizenship
if your country of origin allows dual citizenship.
India, however doe not allow dual citizenship and you would loose
your Indian Citizenship if you acquire Canadian citizenship.
13.9 As a Canadian citizen, must I pay Canadian income tax on my
worldwide income?
Not in all cases. As a general rule you are only required to pay
Canadian income tax on worldwide income if you reside in Canada. It
is always best to consult with a specialist in Canadian taxation for
specific advice regarding any and all Canadian taxation matters.
Bridge2Canda will help you get expert advice.
