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A step-by-step guide for moving to Canada and becoming a citizen there
A step-by-step guide for moving to Canada and becoming a citizen there
Marguerite Ward,Sarah Al-Arshani,Dan LatuNov 6, 2024, 05:53 IST
<p class="ingestion featured-caption">If you become a permanent resident of Canada you can't run for office.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Some Americans are talking about <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-millennial-moved-canada-from-texas-healthcare-weather-housing-culture-2024-4">moving to Canada</a>.</li><li>The Canadian government has a tool that helps you figure out if you're eligible for citizenship.</li></ul><p>If the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/election-civil-unrest-risk-kamala-harris-donald-trump-2024-11">US presidential election</a> has you thinking about making a move to the US's northern neighbor, it is theoretically possible — but certainly not easy.</p><p><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/justin-trudeau-champion-immigration-overdid-it-economy-housing-population-canada2024-10">Gaining Canadian citizenship</a> is tough. First, you need to become a permanent resident and have lived in Canada for three out of the last five years, among other requirements.</p><p>For those who want to head up north, here's how you become a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-us-student-visa-work-microsoft-green-card-2024-9">permanent resident</a> and citizen of Canada.</p>
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Preface: Make sure you're not already a Canadian citizen.
Canadian Mounties are Canada's national police force.Shaun Best/Reuters
Be at least 18 years old.
Rules for minors are more stringent.ljubaphoto / Getty Images
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Become a permanent resident.
If you want to live in Québec permanently, you can apply through a permanent selection application to one of the Québec immigration programs for skilled workers.GuilhelmeMesquita/Shutterstock
If you're a skilled worker, consider Canada's Express Entry system.
Medical professionals are some of the skilled workers who may qualify for Canada's Express Entry.Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images
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Declare your intent to reside.
Someone who resides in Canada temporarily, like a student or foreign worker, is not a permanent resident.Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Spend enough time physically present in Canada.
Mount Robson, located in Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia, is one of the many beautiful sights worth seeing in Canada.benedek/Getty Images
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Provide your income tax filing.
Tax returns can show you're a contributing member of Canadian society.FOTOGRAFIA INC./Getty Images
Speak English or French.
You don't need to be fluent in English to become a Canadian citizen.Godong/Getty Images
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Know a thing or two about Canada.
If you want to be a Canadian citizen, you should probably know what this national dish is called.LauriPatterson/Getty Images
Know why your application might get denied.
A criminal background reduced your chances of a Canadian citiznnship.txking/Getty Images
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Invest in durable clothes for your local climate.
Summer in Toronto can be enjoyed in just pants and a shirt. No layers required.A&J Fotos/Getty Images
Take advantage of the customs of your new life.
Tim Hortons is a Canadian favorite.Jeff Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images