Citizenship — residence calculation and review
Calculating physical presence before applying.
What is included
- Calculating your physical presence in Canada for the eligibility period
- Checking the tax filing and language requirements that apply to you
- Preparing and submitting the citizenship application
- Reviewing your travel history and documents for consistency
- Explaining the test, interview and oath ceremony steps
What is not included
- Government fees, such as IRCC processing, biometrics and right of permanent residence fees
- The cost of medical exams, police certificates, language tests, credential assessments and certified translations
- Federal Court judicial review, which only a lawyer may handle
- A new application, appeal or hearing after a decision, unless agreed in writing
Who this service is for
- Permanent residents ready to apply for citizenship
- Parents applying for a minor child
- Applicants preparing for the citizenship test, interview or oath ceremony
Information to have ready
- 1Your PR card or confirmation of permanent residence
- 2All passports and travel documents used in the last five years, with your travel dates
- 3Information about your income tax filings
- 4Proof of English or French ability, if you are 18 to 54
- 5Any past charges, convictions or immigration problems
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $150 plus 13% HST ($169.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Do I have to take the citizenship test?
Applicants aged 18 to 54 usually take the knowledge test and must show English or French language ability.
Does time before I became a permanent resident count?
Some time in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person within the five-year period may count as half-days, up to 365 days.
What if I have a criminal charge or conviction?
Some charges, convictions or probation can delay or prevent citizenship. Tell the firm about any history at the start so it can be reviewed.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed; IRCC and the Immigration and Refugee Board make the decisions
- Information must be complete and truthful; misrepresentation may lead to a refusal and a five-year bar
- Deadlines in IRCC letters must be met, and missing one may lead to a refusal or a closed file
- A licensed paralegal may represent you before IRCC and the Immigration and Refugee Board, but not in the Federal Court, so the firm refers judicial reviews and any other work outside a paralegal's scope to an Ontario lawyer.
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