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Canada - Access to nationality

Canada and BE have the most favourable eligibility rules for naturalisation (see box). Applicants do not meet the conditions if they have committed repeat or serious offences, or if they fail the language and citizenship tests. The tests are normally written and demand a simple knowledge of French or English, citizenship rights and responsibilities, history, politics, and geography. Applicants can prepare with a free government study guide. The circumstances of naturalised Canadians are taken into account before a decision is made to withdraw nationality. In case of a negative decision, avenues for appeal exist. Yet they have a slightly unfavourable security under the law, since they can lose their citizenship after any number of
years, even if they would be left stateless. However, migrants can hold dual nationality under policies that meet best practice (see box).

Best Practice on eligibility for nationality
Migrants and the spouses/partners of Canadians can naturalise after living in Canada for just three of the last four years, if they are adult permanent residents. Canada is the only MIPEX country to reach best practice for second generation immigrants (the children of migrants). All children born in Canada are automatically citizens. In October 2005, the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration considered a new requirement of ‘attachment to Canada,' based on discussions of Ireland's citizenship referendum. The Committee shelved the idea in the absence of statistical evidence.

Best practice on dual nationality
Since 1977, the Canadian-born children of migrants and naturalising migrants can choose to retain their foreign nationality. Indeed, political leaders and even a Prime Minister have retained dual citizenship throughout their office. BE, FR, IE, PT, and the UK are the only other MIPEX countries to achieve best practice on the two dual nationality indicators that apply to Canada.

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Canada - Overview
Canada - Labour market access
Canada - Family reunion
Canada - Long-term residence
Canada - Political participation
Canada - Access to nationality
Canada - Anti-discrimination
Canada - Public perceptions