Mr. Alexander unveiled what Ottawa bills as “the first comprehensive reform to the Citizenship Act in more than a generation” on Thursday with revisions that are intended both to speed up applications and demand more of those who are accepted. The changes raise the bar for those hoping to become citizens, increasing the time they must spend in the country and the commitment they must show to their new home. Applicants will have to have been physically present in Canada for four of the previous six years, instead of three out of four; will have to sign a declaration attesting that they plan to live here; will not be able to count time spent in the country before acquiring permanent resident status; and will have to file Canadian income taxes during the residence period. Fees for applicants will be tripled, though Canada still charges much less than Britain or the U.S. The government is also extending language and knowledge requirements to everyone aged 14 to 65, in place of the present ages 18 to 54. That would mean both elderly relatives and younger family members have to bone up on either French or English and study Canadian customs and culture, to gain acceptance. Penalties for fraud will be sharply increased and permanent residents serving in the armed forces will get a break, qualifying a year faster than other applicants.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:39:42 +0000
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