Top Myths About Canadian Citizenship—Debunked

Top myths about Canadian citizenship often trip up hopeful applicants, turning dreams of a new life into a maze of confusion and setbacks. Misinformation can lead to wasted time, rejected applications, or even emotional stress when expectations don’t match reality. Whether you’re planning to move to Canada or already living here, knowing the truth behind these myths can save you from costly mistakes and help you navigate the process with confidence.

Myth 1: Marrying A Canadian Automatically Makes You A Citizen

One of the biggest misconceptions is that tying the knot with a Canadian grants you instant citizenship. It’s a romantic idea, but far from the truth. Marriage to a Canadian can open the door to a spousal sponsorship for permanent residency, which is a crucial step before applying for citizenship. However, you still need to meet strict requirements, like living in Canada for at least three years as a permanent resident, proving your relationship is genuine, and passing background checks. The process is thorough to prevent fraudulent applications, and it often takes several years from marriage to citizenship. Expect to provide detailed proof, like shared bills or photos, to show your relationship is real.

Myth 2: You Have To Give Up Your Original Citizenship

Many people worry that becoming a Canadian citizen means cutting ties with their home country’s citizenship. This fear can make the decision feel overwhelming, especially for those with strong connections to their roots. The good news? Canada allows dual citizenship for most applicants. You can hold a Canadian passport alongside your original one, as long as your home country also permits dual citizenship. This flexibility lets you enjoy the benefits of being Canadian—like voting or accessing healthcare—while maintaining ties to your birth nation. Always check your home country’s laws, as some don’t allow dual status, which could complicate things.

Myth 3: You Need To Speak Both English And French Fluently

Another common myth is that you need to be fluent in both of Canada’s official languages, English and French, to become a citizen. This can intimidate applicants who aren’t bilingual. In reality, you only need basic proficiency in one of these languages—enough to handle everyday conversations, like ordering food or chatting with a neighbor. If you’re aged 18 to 54, you’ll need to prove this through a language test or documents like school records showing you studied in English or French. Those under 18 or over 54 are exempt from this requirement, making the process more accessible than many think.

Myth 4: Graduating from A Canadian School Guarantees Citizenship

Some believe that earning a degree or diploma from a Canadian college or university is a golden ticket to citizenship. While studying in Canada can boost your chances of permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class, it’s not a direct path to citizenship. After graduation, you might qualify for a post-graduate work permit, which lets you gain Canadian work experience. But you still need to secure permanent resident status and live in Canada for at least three years within a five-year period before applying for citizenship. Education is a great step, but it’s just one part of a longer journey.

Myth 5: The Process Is Quick And Easy

It’s easy to assume that once you’re in Canada, citizenship is a quick formality. Unfortunately, the process is neither fast nor simple. First, you need permanent resident status, which can take months or even years depending on your immigration stream. After that, you must live in Canada for at least 1,095 days—roughly three years—within a five-year period. You’ll also need to file taxes, pass a citizenship test on Canada’s history and values, and attend an oath-taking ceremony. Paperwork errors, background checks, or high application volumes can stretch the timeline to several years. Patience and careful preparation are essential to avoid delays.

Myth 6: You Can Lose Citizenship If You Leave Canada For Too Long

A persistent worry is that moving abroad after becoming a Canadian citizen could cost you your status. This myth can make new citizens hesitant to travel or work overseas. The truth is, Canadian citizenship is permanent once granted. You won’t lose it just for living abroad, whether for a year or a decade. Only rare cases, like lying on your application or committing serious crimes, could lead to revocation. This stability means you can explore the world or visit family without fear of losing your Canadian status.

Myth 7: You Don’t Need To File Taxes To Become A Citizen

Some applicants think tax filing is optional or unrelated to citizenship. In fact, it’s a key requirement. As a permanent resident applying for citizenship, you must show you’ve filed income taxes in Canada for at least three years within the five years before your application. This proves you’re contributing to the country and meeting legal obligations. Skipping this step or filing incorrectly can lead to rejection, so it’s critical to stay on top of your tax responsibilities from the moment you become a permanent resident.

Myth 8: Children Born Outside Canada To Canadian Parents Aren’t Citizens

There’s a misconception that if Canadian parents have a child abroad, the child won’t automatically be a Canadian citizen. In most cases, children born outside Canada to at least one Canadian citizen parent are citizens by descent, as long as the parent was born in Canada or became a citizen before the child’s birth. You’ll need to register the birth with Canadian authorities and apply for a citizenship certificate, but the process is straightforward. This rule ensures families can pass on citizenship even when living or traveling abroad.

Why Busting These Myths Matters

Clearing up these myths helps you approach Canadian citizenship with realistic expectations and a solid plan. Misinformation can lead to wasted time, money, or emotional energy, especially if you’re navigating the process alone. By understanding the real requirements—like the time needed, language rules, or dual citizenship options—you can avoid common pitfalls. The journey to citizenship is a big commitment, but it’s achievable with the right knowledge.

If you’re considering applying, start by checking your eligibility on official government websites or consulting an immigration expert. They can guide you through the steps, from permanent residency to the final oath. Knowing the facts upfront empowers you to make informed choices and move closer to calling Canada your permanent home.