Citizenship Programs for Foreigners: Everything You need to Know

Citizenship is a common goal for many people around the world. This can mean several things depending on where you live. For example, in some countries, getting citizenship may be a prerequisite for marriage or employment. In others, it may allow you to own land and vote in elections. For citizens of many countries, becoming a citizen means giving up your current citizenship and applying for the rights of an alternate kind of legal status through naturalization or another type of program. This article explains what citizenship programs are available to foreigners living in Canada and how to go about applying.

In today’s world, it’s not unusual for people to live outside of their native country. Even if you don’t have roots elsewhere, there’s a good chance your parents do. So it stands to reason that even if you were born in another country, you should get used to living in yours too. That’s why so many immigrants choose to become citizens of the country that they now call home. But how can you do that? And what can becoming an American citizen get you? These are just some of the questions answered in this article. Keep reading to learn more about citizenship programs for foreign nationals and what you need to know before applying.

What is a Citizenship Program for Foreigners?

A citizenship program for foreign nationals is a government program designed to make it easier for certain foreign-born individuals to become citizens of that country. There are two main types of citizenship programs for foreign nationals: those that apply for you and those that allow you to apply for citizenship on your own. If your country has a program that allows you to apply for citizenship, then becoming a citizen is a relatively simple process. All you have to do is meet certain requirements, pay a certain fee, and wait for an application form to become available.

This is great for those who don’t want to research the American system or take the time to fill out the paperwork themselves. The most common citizenship programs for foreign nationals are Permanent Resident (PR) and Green Card programs. Other programs that may be available in some countries include Refugee and asylum-seeker programs, Diversity Visa programs, and Special Immigrant Visa programs. If your country has a program that allows you to apply for citizenship on your own, then becoming a citizen isn’t as simple, but it’s also not impossible.

What are the Types of Citizenship Programs for Foreigners?

However, a person can be recognized or granted citizenship on a number of bases. Usually, citizenship based on circumstances of birth is automatic, but an application may be required. In this section, we are going to explore what routes individuals can take in order to be granted citizenship, whether by birth or through other means.

Citizenship by family (Jus sanguinis)

This is one of the most common paths to citizenship. Jus sanguinis is a nation phrase that translates into English as "right of blood". If one or both of a person's parents are citizens of a given state, then the person may also have the right to be a citizen of that state as well. Countries that offer this citizenship outright include France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Romania, Thailand, Turkey, etc. Rules surrounding jus sanguinis vary depending on the nation in question.

Where jus sanguinis holds, a person born outside a country, one or both of whose parents are citizens of the country, is also a citizen. Some states (United Kingdom, Canada) limit the right to citizenship by descent to a certain number of generations born outside the state; others (Germany, Ireland, Switzerland) grant citizenship only if each new generation is registered with the relevant foreign mission within a specified deadline; while others (France, Italy) have no limitation on the number of generations born abroad who can claim citizenship of their ancestors' country. This form of citizenship is common in civil law countries.

Citizenship by birth (Jus soli)

Another Latin term Jus soli, meaning “right of soil” generally refers to the rule granting citizenship to an individual who is born in a country. Some people are automatically citizens of the state in which they are born. However this does not apply in every country, and certain legal regulations may restrict individuals in some nations. The jus soli law originated in England, where those who were born within the realm were subjects of the monarch (a concept pre-dating that of citizenship in England) and is common in common law countries. Most countries in the Americas grant unconditional jus soli citizenship, while it has been limited or abolished in almost all other countries.

Citizenship by marriage (Jus matrimonii)

Becoming a naturalized citizen by marrying an individual with citizenship has become common practice since it was introduced in the wake of the Second World War. Many countries fast-track naturalization based on the marriage of a person to a citizen. However, rules differ across the world with regards to how long a couple will need to be married before citizenship will be granted, and other nations also extend this right to couples in civil partnerships. Furthermore, countries that are destinations for such immigration often have regulations to try to detect sham marriages, where a citizen marries a non-citizen typically for payment, without them having the intention of living together.

Naturalization

Naturalization is another common route to citizenship and usually applies to those who have entered the country through legal means. States normally grant citizenship to people who have entered the country legally and been granted a permit to stay or political asylum and lived there for a specified period. For those becoming new citizens, it is customary to take a test that demonstrates an understanding of the nation’s laws, culture, tradition, and language. Some states allow dual citizenship and do not require naturalized citizens to formally renounce any other citizenship.

Citizenship by investment or Economic citizenship

For those unable to acquire citizenship in more traditional ways, economic citizenship can be a viable path. Wealthy people invest money in property or businesses, buy government bonds or simply donate cash directly, in exchange for citizenship and a passport. Whilst legitimate and usually limited in quota, the schemes are controversial. Costs for citizenship by investment range from as little as $100,000 (£74,900) to as much as €2.5m (£2.19m).

How to Apply for a Citizenship Program for Foreigners

The first step in applying for citizenship through a citizenship program for foreigners is figuring out which program you want to apply for. This will depend on your personal situation and your country’s program. In general, you can apply for any of the programs listed above if you are a citizen of a country that offers them. Next, you’ll have to file an application. This will require you to submit supporting documentation, pay the application fee, and pass a background check. Depending on the program you are applying for, you may also have to prove that you have a residence or business in the country.

However, follow the links below for detailed guide on how to apply for citizenship programs for the following countries below.

United States Citizenship Program, Explained

United States citizenship is highly desired by millions of people worldwide. There are several reasons for that. One of them is that you can obtain federal benefits available only to U.S. citizens...Read more.

Dutch Citizenship Program

Dutch citizenship is a legal status that entails citizens with specific rights, duties, protections, and benefits in the Netherlands. Dutch citizenship means you’ll be able to live in Germany indefinitely. citizenship is conferred primarily by birth to a Dutch parent, irrespective of place of birth...Read more.

British Citizenship Program

British citizenship is a legal status that entails citizens with specific rights, duties, protections, and benefits in the United Kingdom. If you are a British citizen, you are able to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely. You have access to public funds and can apply for a passport...Read more.

German Citizenship Program

German citizenship is a legal status that entails citizens with specific rights, duties, protections, and benefits in Germany. German citizenship means you’ll be able to live in Germany indefinitely. This will give you the right to vote, consular protection, free movement and unrestricted access to the German jobs market...Read more.

Canadian Citizenship Program

Canadian citizenship is a legal status that entails citizens with specific rights, duties, protections, and benefits in Canada. Foreign permanent residents or status Indians over the age of 18 may become Canadian citizens by grant after residing in Canada for more than three years...Read more.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, citizenship is a relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection. In general, the basic rights normally regarded as arising from citizenship are the right to a passport, the right to leave and return to the countries of citizenship, the right to live in that country, and to work there. Some countries permit their citizens to have multiple citizenships, while others insist on exclusive allegiance.