Liberals Announce New Canadian Citizenship Requirements

Canada's liberal government has introduced substantial changes to the Citizenship Act that would make it easier to become a Canadian citizen. The new requirements substantially shift the citizenship pendulum and would give effect to the government's election platform by repealing controversial modifications brought under the previous Conservative government.

Lowering qualifying requirements

Among the most important changes affecting new Canadians, the proposed bill reduces the time immigrants must spend in Canada to qualify for citizenship. Currently, an individual must physically reside in Canada for four of six years before applying for citizenship with a minimum of 183 days in each of the four years. The new bill would reduce the qualifying period to three in five years and eliminate the 183 day requirement.