CITIZENSHIP THROUGH PERMANENT RESIDENCY BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To become a Canadian citizen through permanent residency, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age (or 14 years or older with parent);
• Must possess Canadian permanent resident status;
• Must meet the residency requirements for time lived in Canada;
• Must possess a working knowledge of one of Canada's official languages (English/French);
• Must not pose a security threat or possess a criminal history;
• Must undergo a knowledge test to confirm the applicant's knowledge of some basic facts about Canada and Canadian citizenship.

Certain exemptions apply to the above requirements for applicants below 18 and above 54 years of age.

CITIZENSHIP THROUGH PERMANENT RESIDENCY ENTITLEMENTS

An applicant who is granted citizenship through permanent residency will be entitled to rights and freedoms including legal rights, equality rights, mobility rights, aboriginal peoples' rights, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to peaceful assembly. They will also have to obey Canada's laws, express their opinions freely while respecting the rights and freedoms of others, help others in the community, care for and protect our heritage and environment, and eliminate discrimination and injustice. Another privilege is the right to vote and to have a say in the political leadership of Canada.