America isn't the only game in town when it comes to emigrating to North America. To earn Canadian citizenship, it is important to follow the eligibility rules and application directions exactly, or your application for citizenship will probably be denied. This page will walk you through the most important steps to make sure you gain citizenship quickly and easily.

1. Canada allows dual citizenship.
2. The citizenship application fee is not refundable.
3. Study the booklet that comes with the application booklet well. It contains everything that you will be asked on your test.
4. Speak with Canadian citizens about their country to learn about Canada's history, laws and politics.
5. Keep track of all your paperwork. You will need to present it at your test and at the citizenship ceremony.

• According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 150,000 people gain new citizenship to Canada every year.Citizen and Immigration Canada: Welcome to Citizenship and Immigration Canada Immigration Statistics: Facts and Figures But before you can become an official Canadian citizen, it takes about four years to meet the requirements to apply for citizenship and get through the application process. If you want to know how to become a Canadian citizen, follow these instructions.

• There are specific eligibility requirements that a person must meet in order to become a Canadian citizen. Before applying for citizenship, make sure that you meet all the basic criteria.Eligibility Requirments for Canadian Citizenship: Becoming a Citizen - Who Can Apply

1. The minimum age that you must be to apply for Canadian citizenship is 18 years old. A parent who is a Canadian citizen or who is applying for Canadian citizenship may apply for citizenship for their minor-aged children as well.
2. You must have lived in Canada with permanent resident status for at least three of the past four years in order to be eligible to apply for citizenship.Permanent Resident: About Becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada
3. You must fluently speak English, French or both.
4. You are not eligible for citizenship if you are in prison, on parole, on probation, have ever been convicted of a war crime or crime against humanity, or have been convicted of a crime within the past four years. You are also not eligible for citizenship if you have had your Canadian citizenship revoked within the past five years.

• Once you determine that you meet the eligibility requirements for citizenship, you can fill out the citizenship application.

1. Download the citizenship application packet from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.Applicaton Packet: Becoming a Citizen - How to Apply
2. Fill out the application form. Refer to the guide included in the packet for instructions on how to fill out the form.
3. Make a photocopies of your permanent resident card and two forms of identification. At least one of the forms of identification must contain your photo. Do not send your originals.
4. Have a citizenship photo taken of yourself. The photograph must meet the guidelines specified in the application guide. Acquire two copies of the citizenship photo and sign both copies.
5. Figure out your citizenship application fees at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website's fee calculator.Applicaton Fee Calculator: Calculate Your Total Application Fees
6. Pay your citizenship application fees.
   • -If you are in Canada, you can pay your fees on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website or pay in any Canadian bank.Pay Application Fees Online: CIC Online Services - Payment of Fees Using the Internet
   • -If you are not in Canada, contact the Canadian Embassy nearest you to find out how you can pay your fees.Find a Canadian Embassy: Embassies and Consulates of Canada - Find a Canadian Embassy or Consulate Once you pay your fees, get a receipt.
7. Mail your citizenship application form, photocopies, signed citizenship photos and receipt to Citizenship and Immigration Canada at