Timothy Morson
Canadian Immigration Specialist
Timothy Morson is a Canadian Immigration Specialist and a former Canadian Diplomat. With over 30 years of experience, Timothy specializes in Canadian immigration programs, immigration management, employer compliance, and international mobility. He holds a BA in Political Science from Concordia University and an MA in Journalism from Western University. Timothy is accredited by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), Immigration Quebec, and is a member of the Order of Chartered Administrators of Quebec (Adm.A). He works to help people and companies around the world achieve their immigration goals.
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Q&A Comments (18)
Do I need to apply for permanent residence if I want to become a Canadian citizen?
Yes, permanent residence is usually the first step towards obtaining Canadian citizenship. For most people immigrating to Canada, they first have to obtain permanent residence and then they will apply for citizenship.
How do I qualify for permanent residence in Canada?
To get permanent residence, you'll have to find an immigration program that's appropriate for your situation. Of all the different programs, the economic programs probably account for about 50% of all immigration to Canada. They're employer-driven programs, meaning if you have a permanent job offer that's been approved by the Government of Canada, you could apply for permanent residence under one of those programs. There are other programs for applicants who have really good qualifications. There's also the Provincial Nominee Program, where the province nominates an applicant based on their qualifications. There are also business categories. The key is to find the program that makes the most sense for your situation.
How long do I have to wait after getting permanent residence to apply for citizenship?
When a permanent resident has lived in Canada physically for four out of five years, then they are normally eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. That's the residency requirement.
