Canadian Citizenship Lawyer in Vancouver

Citizenship applications turn on precise physical presence accounting, tax residence misunderstandings, criminal history, and misrepresentation risks tied to prior immigration filings.

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Physical presence and residence audits

We reconstruct travel history, passport stamps, and employment abroad to confirm eligibility before submission. Ambiguous periods are addressed with documentary context rather than guesswork.

Prohibitions and criminal history

Some charges or convictions affect eligibility dates or bar citizenship entirely depending on disposition and Canadian equivalencies. Early legal review prevents filing applications destined to fail.

Citizenship tests, interviews, and judicial review

We assist clients who require accommodations, face language evidence issues, or receive procedural fairness letters. Where refusals are unreasonable, timelines for Federal Court review are strict.

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Frequently asked questions

General information for Vancouver applicants, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts and current IRCC or IRB policy.

How many days must I live in Canada to apply for citizenship?

Adults typically must meet a physical presence threshold in the qualifying period before applying, with limited exceptions. Exact counting rules exclude certain time spent abroad even if you hold permanent resident status.

Does time as a student or worker before PR count?

Physical presence for citizenship generally counts only after you become a permanent resident, subject to narrow exceptions in prescribed circumstances. Temporary residence time does not usually substitute for PR presence.

Can dual citizenship affect my application?

Canada permits dual citizenship for Canadians in many cases, but your other nationality's laws may affect travel documents or military obligations. Immigration advice should be coordinated with any foreign law questions you verify independently.

What if IRCC says my application has residence concerns?

Applicants may receive requests for additional evidence of residence. Responses should be precise and documented; inconsistent explanations can trigger deeper review or allegations of misrepresentation.

Related guides

Urgent PR Card Renewal & Expired Card Travel Guide: BC Rules

As a Permanent Resident of Canada, your PR card is your official proof of status when traveling internationally. While your PR status does not expire when the physical card does, you must present a valid PR card to board a commercial vehicle returning to Canada.

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Section 40 IRPA Misrepresentation: 5-Year Ban and How to Respond

Under section 40 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, a misrepresentation finding can make you inadmissible for five years and block permanent residence applications during that period.