Canada to soon hold online citizenship ceremonies

Alexandra Miekus
Published: June 5, 2020

Newcomers to Canada who were about to officially become Canadian citizens and whose ceremonies have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic may soon be able to take the oath of citizenship virtually.

In a statement sent to CBC News, Canada’s federal government said it will start “to implement virtual citizenship ceremonies […] as quickly as possible.”

The first online ceremonies will be available to those who “have a pressing need for Canadian citizenship” as well as those who had previously been scheduled to take the oath in person and whose events were cancelled due to special measures that were implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) temporarily cancelled all citizenship ceremonies and tests more than two months ago as part of a myriad of special measures introduced in response to the global pandemic. At that time, the government stated that these events would be rescheduled “in the near future” and did not provide a date for their reoccurrence. It also stated that those affected by the cancellations would be given a new date and time in the coming weeks.

This announcement by IRCC is yet another positive development for prospective immigrants as well those already in Canada and whose lives have been in limbo since mid-March.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

IRCC said in the statement the virtual citizenship events would be designed to “protect the integrity of the legal process and reflect the importance of the occasion” and would soon be scheduled. No further details have been made public yet and no timetable has been set.

Benefits of Canadian citizenship

A person usually takes the solemn oath before a judge or citizenship official, often in the company of other immigrants who also become Canadian citizens. Taking the oath of citizenship is the final legal requirement for applicants over the age of 14 who wish to become Canadian citizens.

Becoming a citizen is a life-changing event for immigrants to Canada. It marks the end of their journey as newcomers and the beginning of their journey as Canadians with the same rights as Canadian-born citizens. These rights include being able to vote, run for office, to get preferential treatment when applying for public service jobs, the right to travel on a Canadian passport, among others.

To become Canadian citizens—a process called “naturalization,”—newcomers must first become permanent residents in Canada. A permanent resident of Canada can apply for citizenship after being physically present in the country for at least three years in the last five years and completing Canadian income tax returns. Those who wish to become Canadian citizens must also pass a test on their rights and responsibilities and prove that they speak and write in one of Canada’s official languages.

Citizenship fee set to be waived

An application fee of $530 and a “Right of Citizenship Fee” of $100 are also required as part of the application process.

However, the Liberal Party of Canada—currently in power—has promised to ensure that permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship free of charge.

The promise by the Liberal government to waive citizenship fees is one of many recent policy shifts that could improve naturalization rates even further over the coming years.

Citizenship acquisition is high in Canada—some 85 per cent of immigrants become Canadians.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Manitoba announces new pilot pathway to permanent residency
Useful Information for Newcomers: Renting vs Buying in Canada
How the Canadian government supports newcomers with Canada Connects
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
How the Canadian government supports newcomers with Canada Connects
A multicultural group of youths sit on the steps of a building in Toronto, laughing and socializing.
IRCC to update application fees on December 1
A couple looks to their laptop, credit card in hand, anticipating the online payment of their IRCC fees.
International students in Canada can work 24 hours a week off-campus
A young woman walks while carrying a laptop
IRCC’s backlog continues to grow as department looks to reduce immigration in 2025
A pile on paperwork
Link copied to clipboard