Will You Automatically Get Canadian Citizenship if You Marry a Canadian?
Nanda and Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation
Nanda & Associate Lawyers Professional Corporation is a full service law firm based in Mississauga, Ontario.
Many people believe that marrying a Canadian citizen automatically grants them Canadian citizenship, but that’s not quite how it works. In fact, Canada has a unique process, and simply tying the knot won’t instantly change your status.
To become a Canadian citizen, you must follow the same process as everyone else, starting with obtaining permanent resident status. Even as a spouse, the journey to citizenship includes fulfilling specific requirements.
What Does Marriage to a Canadian Mean for You?
While marriage doesn’t guarantee citizenship, it can help you become a permanent resident through spousal sponsorship. This is the first big step. Once you are a permanent resident, you can start your journey toward citizenship—but it’s not automatic. Some other eligibility requirements include:
What About Spousal Sponsorship?
As a sponsor, the Canadian spouse must meet certain obligations, including signing an undertaking to financially support the spouse for three years after they become a permanent resident. This commitment remains even if the relationship ends.
The Road to Citizenship: Not a Shortcut, but a Path
Getting married is a beautiful life decision, but when it comes to Canadian citizenship, it’s just the beginning of a longer process. The road may seem a bit challenging, but with patience, commitment, and the right guidance, becoming a Canadian citizen is absolutely possible.
The key takeaway here is simple: while marriage to a Canadian citizen opens doors, you still have to walk through them by following the process. It’s not an automatic benefit, but with the right support, it can be a rewarding journey.
To fully understand the steps involved, read our detailed blog here