These is a collection of some useful links related to citizenship (grant of ~) applications, which I consult daily or occasionally. Please add to this collection, but do NOT post questions or anything else unrelated to the topic. Let us maintain this thread as an inbox of important information we collect with respect to the process of citizenship.
[size=10pt][size=10pt]CITIZENSHIP[/size][/size]
- CIC Citizenship FAQ: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?t=5
- CIC FAQ on filling applications correctly and completely: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?t=4
- Applying for citizenship: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp
- Residence: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/residence/index.asp
- Residency Calculator: https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do?&lang=en&_ga=1.93388191.385784751.1403594514
- Roles of judges & officers: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/residence/decision/index.asp
- Check citizenship application status: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/status.asp?s=81
- Preparing for the test:
- Discover Canda: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/index.asp (Smartphone apps available, too.)
- Online tests at CIC: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/games/how/index.asp?utm_source=slash-canadian2&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=articles
- Richmond Public Library material: http://www.yourlibrary.ca/citizenship/
- North Vancouver Public Library material: http://www.nvdpl.ca/resource-guides/citizenship_test
- Residence Questionnaire (RQ): http://residencequestionnaire.wordpress.com/
- Operational manuals & bulletins: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/index.asp
- Glossary of Terms used by CIC: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp
[size=10pt][size=10pt]YOUR MP
[/size][/size]- Find your electoral district: http://www.elections.ca/scripts/vis/finded
- Find your MP: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC
[size=10pt][size=10pt][size=10pt]CONTACTNG CIC
[/size][/size][/size]- Call Centre telephone number: 1-888-242-2100 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time)
- Deaf or hard of hearing; other related impairment: 1-888-576-8502
- Case-specific inquiries: https://dmp-portal.cic.gc.ca/enquiries-renseignements/canada-case-cas-eng.aspx?_ga=1.106142977.385784751.1403594514
[size=10pt][size=10pt]NEWS & UPDATES
[/size][/size]- CIC Newsroom: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/index.asp
- Bill C-24 evolution and explanation: http://openparliament.ca/bills/41-2/C-24/
- Subscribe to latest releases: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/subscription.asp
[size=10pt][size=10pt]SOCIAL MEDIA
[/size][/size]- Main page: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/social.asp
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitImmCanada
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitCanada
- YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CitImmCanada
[size=10pt][size=10pt]TIPS
[/size][/size]- Photos: Most photo centers are aware of citizenship photo requirements (e.g. London Drugs). Ensure they stamp your photos with their address and date taken. Do not forget to PRINT your name on the back of each photo (use a Staedtler fine-point permament marker, black ink - leaves no trace on the front of the photo). I usually go to two different photo centres and end up selecting the best two photos I believe match the requirements.
- Do not staple or attach documents or photos in any way.
- Review your application on the day you intend to mail it while reviewing the guide for a final check. Ensure the date you sign your residence calculator printout is equal to the application date. Ensure that the form version you have hasn't been upgraded to a new version. For instance, if you used the May 2014 citizenship application form and you submit in July, make sure CIC hasn't released a July 2014 form.
- Sign your application in black ink.
- The best way to include legible, clear photocopies is to scan whatever document is required and print the scanned documents out using a laser printer.
- It's recommended you include a cover letter, unless your application package is crystal clear. Be concise in the cover letter to avoid confusing the CIC agent more than if you were not to submit a cover letter. If you decide to include a cover letter, date it with the application date and sign in black ink.
- DO NOT leave any gaps in periods of physical presence (addresses, education/work). If you need to explain a record, include an extra sheet and write "SEE ATTACHED SHEET" on the record you inted to reference on a separate sheet. On that separate sheet, write your name, application date, question number. I would recommend also signing the extra sheet.
- DO NOT include more documents than what is required. That may raise suspicion and complicate your application process.
- For the sake of justified suspicion, avoid any propaganda agains the government, CIC, or any other institution in social media, etc. That sounds like a conspiracy, but it's a hot tip for protecting yourself, your citizenship prospects, and your citizenship in the future...
- Good luck and stay positive.
