The Canadian government has tabled proposed amendments to Citizenship Act which focuses on “strengthen the value of Canadian Citizenship.” The main changes for applicants include:
1. Increase in the amount of time required for permanent residents to live in Canada (physical presence) – 4 out of 6 years to qualify
2. Proof of language proficiency in English or French will be required for all applicants who are 14 to 64 years of age
3. Effective immediately, increase in the application fee to $300 plus a Right of Citizenship Fee of $100 for applicants over the age of 18 and $100 for applicants 18 and under
Processing times are anticipated to be reduced significantly by 2015 as a result of the amendments.
For further details on all of the proposed changes see Strengthening and Modernizing the Citizenship Act.
