Canadian Citizenship Application Hamilton
For the many families who have built a life across Hamilton – from the Italian and Portuguese families of Little Racalmuto to the Syrian newcomers who resettled here in 2015–2016 – Canadian citizenship is the moment years of work, community, and belonging become officially recognized.
At IPJ Immigration Solutions, an experienced immigration lawyer in Hamilton and licensed RCIC team, we help you prepare accurate, refusal-proof citizenship applications.
20+ Years of Immigration Experience
Women-Led Practice
Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and CICC
BECOMING A CANADIAN CITIZEN
For the permanent residents who have built their lives in Hamilton, Canadian citizenship is the moment years of work, community, and belonging become officially recognized. It is the final step in an immigration journey that this city’s communities – Italian and Portuguese families who arrived in the postwar decades, Vietnamese refugees who resettled here, Syrian families who came in 2015–2016, and South Asian and Filipino newcomers who are now among the city’s fastest-growing communities – have been completing in growing numbers every year. Hamilton has one of Ontario’s longest and most documented histories as a secondary settlement city, which means the citizenship milestone here carries a weight and a continuity that few cities can match.
As a Canadian citizen, you:
- Can vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
- Can run for political office
- Can obtain a Canadian passport for international travel
- Never have to worry about residency obligations or losing status
- Can pass citizenship to your children born outside Canada
- Have full protection under Canadian law wherever you are in the world
- Can access consular services from Canadian embassies abroad
The path to citizenship typically follows this journey:
Temporary Resident → Permanent Resident → Canadian Citizen
At IPJ Immigration Solutions, we guide permanent residents in Hamilton and across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area through the final steps of this journey. From calculating your physical presence – the most common professional service need for applicants with complex travel histories – to preparing for the citizenship test, gathering documentation, and responding to Residency Questionnaires, we ensure you are fully prepared for every stage.
Whether you are applying for citizenship as a permanent resident, need proof of citizenship, or are claiming citizenship by descent for a child born abroad, we provide the expertise and support you need to complete your Canadian journey.
WHO THIS SERVICE IS FOR IN HAMILTON
Canadian citizenship applications in Hamilton reflect a city with one of Ontario’s longest and most documented histories as a settlement destination. Here is who we work with most often:
PR holders ready for citizenship who want their physical presence professionally verified: Applicants in Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas, Waterdown, Westdale, and across Hamilton’s east end who meet – or believe they meet – the 1,095-day threshold and want professional confirmation before submitting. Submitting with an undercounted day total triggers a Residency Questionnaire. A professional review before submission prevents that outcome.
Applicants with frequent international travel history: Health sciences professionals at Hamilton Health Sciences hospitals traveling for training and conferences, manufacturing and engineering workers at east-end facilities with periodic business travel, and PR holders who make extended family visits to India, the Philippines, Syria, or the Caribbean. These applicants need a day-by-day count, not an estimate.
Long-settled newcomer families now reaching naturalization: Hamilton’s Italian and Portuguese communities whose families arrived in the postwar decades and who are now completing a generational immigration journey. Vietnamese refugee families who resettled in the city. Syrian families who arrived in 2015–2016 and are now approaching or meeting the 1,095-day threshold. McMaster University and Mohawk College international graduates who stayed in Hamilton after completing their post-graduation work permits.
Families applying together: Cases where both partners have citizenship eligibility but different travel histories – one straightforward, one complex. We assess both simultaneously and flag any concerns before either application is submitted.
Applicants who received an IRCC Residency Questionnaire: Those who have already received an RQ and have 60 days to respond with organized, documented evidence of their physical presence in Canada. This is a time-sensitive situation requiring immediate professional attention.
Workers at Hamilton’s major employers: Health sciences professionals at Hamilton Health Sciences hospitals and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, engineers and trades workers at east-end manufacturing facilities, logistics staff at HOPA Ports and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, whose regular professional travel has been reducing their presence count – often by 30–60 days per year – without their awareness.
RELATED IMMIGRATION SERVICES HAMILTON
Permanent Residency
- Permanent Residency Hamilton
- Express Entry Hamilton
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Hamilton
- Federal Skilled Worker Program Hamilton
- Federal Skilled Trades Program Hamilton
- Family Sponsorship Hamilton
- Spousal Sponsorship Hamilton
- Parent Sponsorship Hamilton
- Sponsor a Dependent Child to Canada - Hamilton
- Sponsoring Your Adopted Child to Canada - Hamilton
- PR Card Renewal Hamilton
- Citizenship Application Hamilton
Temporary Residency
CITIZENSHIP BY GRANT - FOR PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Citizenship by grant – also called naturalization – is the process by which permanent residents apply to become Canadian citizens. For applicants in Hamilton, where international family ties and periodic professional travel are common, this process begins with an honest accounting of days.
You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if you:
- Are a permanent resident of Canada
- Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years immediately before your application
- Have filed income taxes for at least 3 years during the 5-year period (if required to file)
- Pass the citizenship test (if aged 18-54)
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French
- Have no prohibitions (criminal charges, removal orders, etc.)
The 1,095-Day Rule:
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the 5 years immediately before the date you sign your application.
How Days Are Counted:
As a Permanent Resident:
Each day you're physically present in Canada as a permanent resident counts as 1 full day.
Before Becoming a Permanent Resident:
Days you were physically present in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR count as half days, up to a maximum credit of 365 days (730 actual days).
Example:
If you lived in Canada for 2 years as a student before becoming a PR, you can credit 365 days toward your citizenship requirement. Combined with 2 years and 6 months (912 days) as a PR, you meet the 1,095-day requirement.
What Doesn't Count:
- Days outside Canada (even short trips)
- Days spent in Canada without legal status
- Days after losing permanent resident status
Tracking Your Days:
Keep detailed records of all trips outside Canada:
- Entry and exit dates
- Countries visited
- Purpose of travel
- CBSA entry/exit records help, but your own records are essential
Important Note:
For Hamilton citizenship applicants, the biggest risks to physical presence are extended family visits abroad and periodic professional travel. Over five years, two-to-three month family visits to countries like India, the Philippines, Syria, or the Caribbean - combined with professional travel for health sciences workers, manufacturing engineers, or logistics professionals - can reduce eligible days by 150–300+, sometimes pushing applicants below IRCC's 1,095-day requirement.
CBSA records track travel through Pearson International Airport, which Hamilton-area residents typically reach via the QEW. But applicants must maintain their own detailed travel log, as gaps or errors can affect accurate citizenship calculation.
You must have filed income taxes for at least 3 taxation years within the 5-year period immediately before your application - if you were required to file taxes under the Income Tax Act.
What this means:
- If you had income requiring tax filing in Canada, you must have filed
- If you weren't required to file (low income, recent PR, etc.), this requirement doesn't apply
- IRCC verifies tax filing with Canada Revenue Agency
Proof:
IRCC accesses CRA records directly, but you should have:
- Notices of Assessment for relevant years
- Records showing you filed even if owed no taxes
Applicants aged 18-54 must provide proof of adequate knowledge of English or French.
Acceptable Proof:
- Citizenship test results (demonstrates language ability)
- Approved language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
- Evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French
- Government-funded language training at CLB/NCLC 4 or higher
Who Must Take the Test:
Applicants aged 18-54 on the date they sign their application.
What the Test Covers:
- Canadian history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols
- Rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- Based on the study guide "Discover Canada"
Test Format:
- 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions
- 30 minutes to complete
- Pass mark: 15 out of 20 (75%)
- Conducted in English or French
- Usually written test, but can be oral interview if needed
How to Prepare:
- Study "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship" (official guide)
- Take online practice tests
- Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing
- We provide test preparation resources and guidance
What Happens at the Test:
- Bring required documents (PR card, ID, passport, language proof)
- Take the citizenship test
- May have a brief interview with citizenship official
- Typically 30 minutes total
The Citizenship Ceremony: Citizenship ceremonies for Hamilton residents are held at venues across the city, including Service Canada offices and other designated ceremony locations in the Hamilton area - the final milestone in a journey that this city's communities have been completing across generations. For a city where 25.9% of the population were born outside Canada, and where waves of newcomers have arrived since the postwar era - from Italian and Portuguese families who built Little Racalmuto and Hess Village, to Vietnamese refugees who resettled here, to Syrian families who arrived in 2015–2016 - these ceremonies carry a weight and a continuity that few cities can match. Ceremonies typically run 60 to 90 minutes and guests are welcome.
You cannot become a Canadian citizen if you:
- Are under a removal order (deportation order)
- Are charged with, on trial for, or convicted of an indictable offense in Canada
- Are convicted of an offense outside Canada in the past 4 years (equivalent to indictable offense in Canada)
- Are in prison, on parole, or on probation
- Are under investigation or charged with a war crime or crime against humanity
- Have had citizenship revoked in the past 5 years
Important: Even minor criminal charges can delay or prevent citizenship. Disclose all criminal matters on your application.
THE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
Step-by-Step: From Application to Citizenship Ceremony
For Hamilton applicants with complex travel histories, this phase is the most important - and the most often rushed. A miscalculated day count is the single most common cause of Residency Questionnaires issued to applicants across Hamilton and the GTHA.
What You Do:
- Calculate your physical presence in Canada
- Gather all passports and travel documents from the past 5 years
- Document every trip outside Canada
- Confirm you meet all requirements
- Identify any potential issues (gaps, criminal matters, tax filing concerns)
Our Role: We help you accurately calculate physical presence - passport page by passport page - assess eligibility, identify concerns before they become questionnaires, and develop a clear strategy.
Required Documents:
- All passports and travel documents covering last 5 years (photocopies of every page)
- Two citizenship photos meeting exact specifications
- Language proof (if aged 18-54)
- Proof of Canadian tax filing (Notices of Assessment)
- Immigration documents (COPR, PR card)
- Supporting documents for any name changes
- Translation of documents not in English/French
- Additional documents based on your situation
Application Forms:
- CIT 0002 (Application for Canadian Citizenship - Adults)
- Physical presence calculator printout
- Fee payment
How to Apply:
- Online application through IRCC portal (recommended for faster processing)
- Paper application mailed to Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Application Fee: $630 (includes processing fee and right of citizenship fee)
Confirmation:
After submission, you receive Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) with application number.
What IRCC Does:
- Reviews your application for completeness
- Verifies your physical presence (checks CBSA records)
- Confirms tax filing with CRA
- Conducts background and security checks
- Reviews RCMP criminal record check
- May request additional documents
Possible Outcomes:
Application Approved for Test:
You receive invitation to take citizenship test.
Request for Additional Information:
IRCC needs more documents or clarification.
Referral for Residency Questionnaire:
If IRCC has concerns about your physical presence, they may send detailed questionnaire requiring extensive documentation.
Application Returned:
If incomplete or ineligible.
What Happens:
- Receive test invitation with date, time, and location
- Usually scheduled within weeks to months after application approval
- Arrive with required documents
- Complete test (30 minutes)
- May have brief interview with citizenship official
Results:
Usually receive results same day or shortly after. You must pass to proceed to ceremony.
What Happens:
- Receive invitation to citizenship ceremony with date, time, and location
- Attend ceremony (typically 60-90 minutes)
- Take Oath of Citizenship alongside other new citizens
- Receive Canadian citizenship certificate
- Sign oath form
- Celebration with family/friends (guests welcome)
Important:
This is a formal, meaningful ceremony. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, bring required documents.
Ceremonies for Hamilton residents are held at venues across the city. In a city with one of Ontario's longest and most documented histories as a settlement destination - from Italian and Portuguese families who arrived in the postwar decades, to Vietnamese refugees who found a home here, to Syrian newcomers who resettled in 2015–2016 - taking the Oath of Citizenship in Hamilton carries a meaning that spans generations. Bring family and friends. Guests are welcome.
After Becoming a Citizen:
- You can apply for Canadian passport immediately
- Use citizenship certificate as proof
- Passport application is separate process (not included in citizenship fee)
Total Timeline:
From application to citizenship ceremony typically takes 12-24 months, though processing times vary. Complex cases or residency concerns can add months or years.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR HAMILTON APPLICANTS
Hamilton’s permanent resident population includes a growing share of internationally connected households – health sciences professionals who travel for conferences and training, manufacturing and engineering workers with periodic business travel, and families with deep ties to India, the Philippines, Syria, Italy, Portugal, and other countries. CBSA records every departure and re-entry at Pearson International Airport, which Hamilton-area residents typically reach via the QEW. That travel record is exactly what IRCC cross-references when processing citizenship applications.
The result: physical presence calculation is the most common professional service need for citizenship applicants from Hamilton. It is not a formality. An applicant who submits while below the 1,095-day threshold – even by a single day – will receive a Residency Questionnaire that can add one to two years to what should have been a straightforward application.
A professional presence review typically takes hours. A Residency Questionnaire response typically takes months. The math on which step is worth doing first is clear.
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP & CITIZENSHIP CERTIFICATES
Proof of Citizenship is for people who are already Canadian citizens but need official documentation of their citizenship status.
- Born in Canada but never received citizenship certificate
- Became a Canadian citizen before 1977 (different processes then)
- Lost or damaged citizenship certificate
- Need to prove citizenship for passport application
- Need citizenship certificate for other purposes (employment, benefits, travel)
Proof of Canadian Citizenship (for those born in Canada or already citizens):
- Application for citizenship certificate
- Fee: $75
- Processing time: 3-5 months
Citizenship Certificate Replacement (if lost, stolen, damaged):
- Application for replacement certificate
- Fee: $75
- Processing time: 3-5 months
- Birth certificate (if born in Canada)
- Previous citizenship certificate (if replacing)
- Identity documents
- Two citizenship photos
- Supporting documents proving citizenship
CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT - FOR CHILDREN BORN ABROAD
Canadian citizenship by descent may apply if you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, or have a child born abroad. For McMaster University and Mohawk College graduates in Hamilton, eligibility often depends on the parent’s immigration status at the time of the child’s birth.
Canada has expanded the rules on citizenship by descent. The previous "first generation born abroad" limit has been relaxed. As a result:
- Some individuals who were previously excluded from citizenship may now be recognized as Canadian citizens
- Canadian citizens may now be able to pass citizenship to children born abroad beyond the first generation, if certain requirements are met
Your child qualifies for citizenship by descent if:
- You are a Canadian citizen (by birth in Canada or naturalization before your child's birth)
- Your child was born outside Canada
- Your child is the first generation born abroad, OR
- An exception to the first generation limit applies
For Minors (Under 18):
Parent applies for proof of citizenship on child's behalf.
For Adults (18+):
Individual applies for proof of citizenship themselves.
- Child's foreign birth certificate
- Parent's proof of Canadian citizenship
- Parent's birth certificate
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate showing parents)
- Additional documents based on circumstances
URGENT PROCESSING
In certain circumstances, you may be able to request urgent processing of your citizenship application.
Valid Reasons for Urgent Processing:
- Job requirement (Canadian citizenship required for position)
- Medical reasons (serious illness, end of life)
- Travel for urgent family matters (death, serious illness)
- Proof of citizenship needed for benefits or legal proceedings
How to Request:
- Write detailed letter explaining urgent circumstances
- Provide supporting documentation (job offer, medical reports, death certificates, etc.)
- Submit with your application or as soon as urgent need arises
Important:
Urgent processing is discretionary. IRCC determines whether circumstances warrant expedited processing. Not all requests are granted.
COMMON CHALLENGES & HOW WE HELP
Residency Questionnaires are issued when IRCC has concerns about an applicant's physical presence calculation. Extended family visits abroad and periodic professional travel - both common among Hamilton's internationally connected permanent resident communities - are among the most frequent triggers. If IRCC has concerns about your physical presence, they will send an RQ requesting extensive documentation.
If you have received one, the 60-day response deadline is not flexible. You need to begin immediately.
What RQs Request:
- Rental agreements or property records for the entire period
- Employment records with pay stubs and tax documents
- School records and transcripts
- Bank statements and credit card statements
- Medical and dental records
- Any other evidence of physical presence in Canada
Why RQs Are Issued:
- Frequent or extended trips outside Canada (the most common trigger in Mississauga)
- Gaps in documentation
- Inconsistencies in the information provided
- Random quality control checks
Impact:
RQs significantly increase processing time - adding 1 to 2 or more years to an application that would otherwise have proceeded smoothly.
The questionnaire is written in formal legal English. For Hamilton applicants whose primary language is Punjabi, Tagalog, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, or another language - with 25.9% of Hamilton's population born outside Canada - a professionally prepared and translated response is strongly recommended. A misunderstood question or an incomplete answer can compound the concern IRCC was already investigating.
How We Help: We prepare comprehensive responses to RQs - gathering all required documentation, organizing evidence chronologically, drafting accompanying letters, and addressing IRCC's specific concerns directly. We have guided many Hamilton applicants through this process.
Criminal charges, convictions, or prohibitions can delay or prevent citizenship.
What Delays Citizenship:
- Pending criminal charges (application suspended until resolved)
- On probation or parole (must complete before applying)
- Conviction within past 4 years for certain offenses
How We Help:
We assess your criminal situation, advise on timing, address concerns proactively, and help you navigate complex cases.
If your name has changed (marriage, divorce, legal name change) since becoming a permanent resident, ensure all documents reflect current name or provide name change documents.
Required:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Legal name change certificate
- Court orders
HOW WE HELP YOUR TWO SERVICE OPTIONS
Whether you are applying for citizenship, need proof of citizenship, or claiming citizenship by descent, we provide expert guidance.
Option 1: Professional Verified
You prepare your application with our expert guidance and review.
Perfect for citizenship applicants with straightforward situations who want professional oversight.
- You clearly meet the physical presence requirement
- Your situation is straightforward
- You're comfortable gathering documents
- You want expert review to ensure accuracy
Physical Presence Calculation - We help you accurately calculate days and confirm you meet the requirement.
Eligibility Assessment - We review your entire situation and identify any potential concerns.
Document Checklist - Customized checklist for your application type and circumstances.
Application Guidance - Clear instructions on completing forms and compiling evidence.
Test Preparation Resources - Study materials and preparation guidance.
Full Legal Audit - Comprehensive review of your prepared application with corrections.
Final Verification - Final review before submission.
Option 2: Full Representation
We handle everything for you from start to finish.
Perfect for complex cases, close presence calculations, or complete professional management
- You're close to the 1,095-day threshold
- You have frequent or extended travel
- You anticipate potential Residency Questionnaire
- You want stress-free, fully managed process
- You prefer professional representation
Complete Presence Calculation - We calculate your exact days and develop strategy for any concerns.
Full Application Preparation - We complete all forms, organize documents, compile your application.
Residency Questionnaire Response (if issued) - We prepare comprehensive responses with extensive supporting documentation.
IRCC Communication - We act as your authorized representative for all correspondence.
Test Preparation Support - Comprehensive study resources and preparation guidance.
Ongoing Support - Regular communication from application to citizenship ceremony.
Still Not Sure Which Option Fits?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. We’ll discuss your situation and help you choose the service level that matches your needs, timeline, and comfort level.
How We Charge: Clear, Fair, and Transparent
We believe you should know exactly what to expect. Our fees are straightforward, with no hidden costs or surprises.
Citizenship Application (Grant):
- Professional Verified: $650
- Full Representation: Starting from $1,500
Proof of Citizenship / Citizenship Certificate:
- Professional Verified: $650
- Full Representation: Starting from $1,500
If you start with a Guided Application Review and choose to upgrade to Full Care Representation before your application is submitted, we will credit the full amount you already paid toward your new fee.
Government Fees:
- Citizenship application (adults): $630
- Citizenship application (minors under 18): $100
- Proof of citizenship: $75
- Search of citizenship records: $75
Third-Party Costs:
- Citizenship photos (exact specifications): $15-$25
- Document translations: Varies
- Notarization: $20-$100 per document
- Language test (if no other proof): $300-$400
HST: 13% on professional fees
WHY MISSISSAUGA RESIDENTS CHOOSE IPJ FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS
Two Decades of Ontario Experience
We have been helping families and permanent residents in Ontario with immigration and citizenship matters for years. Your Canadian citizenship application is an important step, and we help you prepare it with care, accuracy, and confidence.
We Have Been Where You Are
Before you apply, we review key citizenship requirements such as permanent resident status, physical presence in Canada, tax filing history, language proof, and any possible concerns. This helps you understand whether you are ready to move forward - and what to address if you are not yet there.
RCIC and Lawyer Combination
Our team includes a licensed RCIC and an immigration lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. This gives you professional support for regular citizenship applications as well as more complex situations involving refusals, delays, Residency Questionnaires, or complications specific to your Hamilton file.
Meticulous Attention to Detail
Small mistakes in dates, travel history, addresses, documents, or forms can delay your citizenship application. We carefully review your information and supporting documents so your application is clear, complete, and well prepared - with particular attention to the physical presence calculation that trips up Hamilton applicants with extended family travel and professional trips abroad.
You Are Not Just a File Number
Every citizenship applicant has a different background, travel history, and timeline in Canada. We take time to understand your full situation and explain your next steps in simple language - so you know what to expect throughout the process, from your first consultation to the citizenship ceremony.
Success With Difficult Cases
If you have a long travel history, missing documents, previous immigration issues, tax concerns, language proof questions, or a citizenship application delay, we can help you understand your options and prepare a stronger response or next step.
Our Regulators
Our Associations
What Our Clients Say
Every application represents someone’s hopes, dreams, and future. Here are just a few of the people we’ve been honored to help.
Posted on Sebastian JanikTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nasz proces w staraniu sie o pobyt staly byl dlugi i skomplikowany,ale zakonczyl sie pomyslnie.To wszystko wlasnie dzieki pomocy i pracy pani Ireny i jej zespolowi.Bardzo dziekujemy i polecamy.Posted on Adrian LorencTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 😊MY REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 for IPJ IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS and Ms. IRENA BARTOSZEWICZ — God bless you! 🙏🤝🏻 You practically saved my life 😊🙏! I was OUT OF STATUS for 12 years… and in just 18 months, I became a PERMANENT RESIDENT 😊🥳. I could’ve achieved it in 8 months, but IRCC was backlogged with applications. She’s my first and BEST immigration consultant in Canada — I highly recommend her. I wouldn’t trade her for anyone in my entire life!! 😁👋👋👋👋......................POLISH TRANSLATION: MOJA OPINIA: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 dla IPJ IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS i pani IRENY BARTOSZEWICZ — Niech Bóg Wam błogosławi! 🙏🤝🏻 Dosłownie uratowaliście mi życie 😊🙏! Przez 12 lat byłem BEZ STATUSU… a w ciągu zaledwie 18 miesięcy zostałem STAŁYM REZYDENTEM 😊🥳. Mogłem to osiągnąć już w 8 miesięcy, ale IRCC miało opóźnienia w rozpatrywaniu wniosków. To moja pierwsza i NAJLEPSZA konsultantka imigracyjna w Kanadzie — gorąco ją polecam. Nie zamieniłbym jej na nikogo przez całe życie!! 😁👋👋👋👋Posted on Agnieszka DelegaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience with IPJ Immigration Solutions. Their guidance made our PR application straightforward and completely stress-free. We never had to worry about missing a document or making a mistake — Ms. Irena guided us through every step and made sure everything was perfectly taken care of down to the last detail. I received my PR within just seven months from submitting the application to the government. Highly recommend!Posted on Marcin FuksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really happy with the service we got from IPJ Immigration Solutions. They were clear and always kept us updated, which made the whole process way less stressful than we expected. Irena and Paulina were professional, knowledgeable and always ready to answer our questions. Glad we went with them-would recommend if you're looking for Immigration help. Thank you again to the team!Posted on Pawel WieckiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience. Always on time, always in touch. Thank you for everything.Posted on Concretrepairsolutions ConcreterepairsolutionsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jestem bardzo zadowolony z ich serwisu dziękuję bardzoPosted on MicheleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service. Very professional, knowledgeable, and reliable. She guided me through the process clearly and efficiently, and I felt fully supported the entire time. Highly recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We build a complete travel history from your passport stamps, CBSA records, and your own logs, then calculate your count against the 1,095-day requirement. We tell you whether you qualify now, when you will qualify if not yet, and whether any trips require additional documentation. For Hamilton applicants who have traveled regularly for professional purposes or for extended family visits to India, the Philippines, Syria, or the Caribbean - traveling through Pearson International Airport via the QEW - this professional review is the most important step before submitting.
Possibly, as half-days. Days spent in Canada as a temporary resident - including as an international student at McMaster University or Mohawk College - before you became a PR can count as half days toward the 1,095-day requirement, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. Whether this applies to your specific timeline depends on your exact dates of study, work permit issuance, and PR grant. We calculate this for every client with a student-to-PR history.
You must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years immediately before your application. Time as a temporary resident before becoming a PR can count as half days, up to a maximum credit of 365 days.
No. Canada allows dual citizenship. You can keep your current citizenship when you become Canadian - unless your home country does not allow dual citizenship.
You will be scheduled for a retest. If you don't pass the retest, you'll have an interview with a citizenship official to assess your knowledge in person.
Average processing time is 12–18 months from application to citizenship ceremony. Complex cases or Residency Questionnaires can add significant time - often a year or more. Getting the physical presence calculation right before you submit is the single most effective way to avoid delays.
Contact IRCC immediately to reschedule. You must be in Canada to take the citizenship test.
Urgent processing timelines vary and depend on whether IRCC grants the request. Not all urgent processing requests are approved. We help clients write detailed urgent processing letters with supporting documentation when circumstances warrant it.
Not legally required, but professional guidance significantly reduces errors - especially in physical presence calculation - and can prevent costly Residency Questionnaires. For applicants with complex travel histories or close presence counts, the value of a professional review before submission far exceeds the cost.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Canada continues to welcome eligible permanent residents to become Canadian citizens. The sooner you prepare and submit a complete citizenship application, the sooner you can move closer to becoming a Canadian citizen with confidence through our team.
✓ RCIC and Law Society Regulated ✓ Confidential ✓ No Commitment Required ✓ Response Within 1 Business Day
Free 15-Minute Discovery Call
Not sure if you meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship or if your documents are ready? In this short call, we review your status, physical presence, language proof, tax filing history, and basic eligibility – then provide clear and honest guidance on your next steps. In person at our Peel Region office – a straightforward drive east from Hamilton via the QEW through Burlington and Oakville, or via GO Transit’s Lakeshore West line from Hamilton GO Centre or West Harbour GO – or virtually from anywhere in the city.
Paid 45-Minute Consultation
Already preparing your Canadian citizenship application but unsure about documents, residency days, travel history, language requirements, or possible issues? In this focused session, we review your situation, explain the application process, outline a clear strategy, and help you understand how to submit a stronger and more complete citizenship application.
READY TO START?
Answer a few quick questions about your permanent resident status, time spent in Canada, travel history, tax filing, language proof, and citizenship documents. A licensed immigration consultant will review your responses and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, honest assessment of your eligibility for Canadian citizenship, along with the best next steps for your application.
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