It will become easier for some categories of foreigners to obtain Canadian citizenship
Now, to obtain Canadian citizenship, one must have lived in Canada for a total of 1,095 days (three full years) out of the last five years as a permanent resident. Previously, under the law passed in 2014, one needed to have lived 1,460 days (4 years) out of the last six years to apply for citizenship.
As noted by "Russian Toronto," under the new law, time spent in Canada without permanent resident status while studying or working will be partially counted toward citizenship (up to 365 days).
For example, foreigners who came to Canada to study at colleges or universities, studied and worked for several years, then obtained permanent resident status, do not need to wait three years after obtaining permanent resident status to apply for citizenship. For them, this period is reduced to two years, as they will be credited with 365 days of residence in Canada without permanent resident status.
The new law also repealed provisions of the previous version of the document that had drawn objections from human rights groups—for example, the revocation of Canadian citizenship from dual citizens if they pose a threat to Canada's security. It also restored the possibility of appealing the revocation of citizenship if it was obtained fraudulently, etc.
Key changes that effectively repeal the amendments introduced by the previous Conservative government and take effect immediately:
• Persons holding citizenship of two states can no longer be stripped of Canadian citizenship even if they commit the most heinous crimes.
• Those acquiring citizenship are no longer required to prove their intention to reside in Canada in the future.
• Minors have the right to apply for citizenship without having Canadian parents. For a minor, a court-appointed guardian or custodian may now submit a written application.
• Persons serving probation cannot acquire citizenship, take the citizenship oath, or have the time of probation counted toward their total period of residence in Canada (this provision was not previously in the law).
• Stateless persons may be considered as candidates for Canadian citizenship as an act of mercy (grant).
• When applying for citizenship, the needs of persons with various disorders should be taken into account as much as possible.
• The conditions that citizenship applicants must meet now also apply to those who applied before June 11, 2015.
Changes expected to take effect in fall 2017:
• Applicants must be physically present in Canada for three out of the five years prior to applying.
• Applicants must file Canadian tax returns if required by law (Income Tax Act) for a period of three to five years (in accordance with the provision determining their physical presence in Canada).
• The previously introduced amendment requiring presence in Canada for 183 days in each of four out of the six years prior to applying is repealed.
• From now on, each day of an applicant's physical presence in Canada (including as a temporary resident or asylum seeker before obtaining resident status) is counted, but as half of the physical presence time for the application (maximum credit of 365 days).
• Applicants aged 18 to 54 (previously 14 to 64) must meet minimum requirements in knowledge of one of the two official languages.
Changes expected to take effect in early 2018:
• Not the minister, as before, but the Federal Court determines whether to revoke citizenship in cases where the applicant intentionally provided false or deceptive information when obtaining it.
• The law for the first time defines conditions for the revocation or deprivation of citizenship in cases of document substitution or forgery.
The original document can be viewed on the official website of the Government of Canada.