Advance thoughts on upcoming citizenship changes

[meyakanor]

If you have been a resident in Canada, even before becoming PR, shouldn't that still count for something, as far as assimilating and absorbing Canadian values are concerned? I don't see how residency experience as a non-PR would in any way cheapen the value of Canadian citizenship (provided, of course, you're an upstanding resident of Canada)? But then again, the US (and most of other countries) does not count the time you spent before you became a PR as well, so maybe the government is just trying to make the rules more aligned with those of the other countries?

 

[keesio]

That is exactly what the government is doing. becoming more strict like other countries. But I totally agree, being some legal resident of Canada before becoming a PR should count for something. I can even live with the longer wait time as long as they count the pre-PR residency days for something.

 

[EasyRider]

Yes, not good news for student/work permit holders, it'll be much harder/longer for stray students or workers to obtain citizenship.

I myself spent 5 years on various permits and then only 2 years as a PR before applying for citizenship. Won't be possible when amendments will become law.