Rule changes speed path to citizenship for new arrivals to Canada
A reduction in the time newcomers must wait before applying for citizenship and other changes will make it easier for immigrants to feel part of Canada, federal Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi said.
Under amendments to the Citizenship Act that took effect this week, people only need to be present in Canada for three years instead of four out of the last five years.
As well, each day spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident within five years of applying for citizenship counts as a half-day toward the physical presence requirements, and only people aged 18 to 54 (instead of 14 to 64) will have to take knowledge and language tests.
“The government encourages all newcomers to take the path toward citizenship,” Sohi said Friday, adding the Liberals have reversed Conservative government policies that boosted the wait for citizenship to four years. “Adding another year we felt was unnecessary and … denied (people) the right to Canadian citizenship longer.”
But he insisted the new rules won’t make it too easy to become a citizen.
“We’re restoring what had existed for decades before the changes brought in by the (Stephen) Harper government … We have no reason to doubt the commitment of those people and that they have become outstanding citizens.”
Attracting more new Canadians will also help the economy grow, Sohi said.
“Our economic success is dependent on a very robust immigration policy, and once people become Canadian citizens they feel more proud of their country and more proud of their community. That definitely enhances their economic productivity and also promotes social cohesion.”