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Canada facilitates access to citizenship
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Justin Trudeau's government changed the immigration law.
It will now be easier to access Canadian citizenship.
At least for permanent residents. The news follows an amendment to the immigration law that will come into effect soon, announced Wednesday the Canadian government.
The changes that come into effect on October 11 include a reduction in the amount of time required to be in Canada to apply for citizenship, and the possibility for temporary residents and international students to count attendance time for this purpose.
Become Canadian in 2 years instead of 3
The current law requires permanent residents to be present in the territory for four consecutive years in the six years preceding the passport application, but the new rules reduce this requirement to three out of five consecutive years, for which the permanent resident must also complete a tax return.
Temporary residents who wish to obtain permanent residence and then citizenship will be able to count up to one year of their presence in the territory for this purpose, thus enabling them to become Canadian in two years instead of three years.
The rule requiring permanent residents to be present 183 days a year has also been repealed.
Importance of immigration in the country's economy
"The goal of these changes is to ensure that the constraints and barriers placed on permanent residents wishing to become Canadians are removed," said Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, adding that the government wants "all residents in Canada become Canadian citizens.
"We understand the importance and positive role that immigrants play in our economy, our society and our cultural life. […] We have the responsibility to facilitate their access to Canadian citizenship, "he told a news conference.
Part of the new law came into effect in June, including the one repealing the possibility of revoking the Canadian citizenship of a binational "if that person is found guilty of treason, espionage or terrorism", a provision passed under previous Conservative government.
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