Why Canadian Citizenship Applications Are Denied and How to Avoid Them

Canada is a top destination for many because of the benefits that come with being a citizen, like the ability to travel to over 180 countries without needing a visa. 

However, becoming a citizen can be challenging, and sometimes applications are denied.

Here’s why that happens and what you can do to prevent it:

1. Incorrect or Incomplete Forms

A common mistake is not filling out the forms correctly or leaving parts incomplete. Make sure to check all your forms carefully and fill in every section accurately. If you’re not sure how to fill them out, you might want to get help from an immigration expert.

2. Not Meeting Residency Requirements

You need to have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days out of the five years before you apply. Sometimes people miscalculate their days or forget to include trips outside Canada. Use the residency calculator on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to keep track.

3. Not Enough Language Skills

If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you need to show you can speak English or French well enough. Take an approved language test and make sure to include your latest test results with your application.

4. Having a Criminal Record

Serious crimes might make you ineligible to become a citizen. You need to provide police records from any country you’ve lived in for more than six months since you turned 18. Be honest about your criminal history in your application.

5. Leaving Out Family Members

Forgetting to list any family member, even those not moving to Canada with you, can cause your application to be denied. List everyone to show you are being open and honest.

6. Not Filing Taxes

You should have filed your taxes in Canada for at least three years before applying. Make sure your taxes are up to date before you submit your citizenship application.

7. Giving False Information

Lying or giving false documents in your application can get you rejected and lead to serious legal trouble. Always provide true and accurate information.

8. Losing Permanent Resident Status

You must keep your permanent resident status throughout the application process. Avoid staying out of Canada for long periods to maintain your status.

9. Previous Rejections

If you’ve been rejected before, make sure you understand why and fix those issues before applying again. It might help to talk to a legal expert.

10. Failing the Citizenship Test

The test on Canadian history and values must be passed to become a citizen. Study hard using the official IRCC materials and take practice tests. If you fail, make sure you’re better prepared for a second try.