Refused Citizenship Application? Find Out What to Do Next.
What to do next if your client has a refused citizenship application? A client can either apply for it again or seek judicial review of the decision by the Federal Court of Canada.
1) APPLY FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP AGAIN
You have to submit all the required forms and documents and pay your fee one more time. There is no specific period for you to wait in order to reapply. You have to make sure that you meet all the requirements for Canadian citizenship before you reapply.
The most common reasons why immigration officers deny applications for Canadian citizenship:
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Applying for citizenship before being qualified to do it
Being qualified means being aware of all the pitfalls in Citizenship application process in order to avoid refusal. Generally people tend to make mistakes in their applications or fail to submit some important documentation. Sometimes they do not pass the required test or give incorrect answers at the Interview.
You can find more detailed information on how to meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship on the CIC website. Or you can contact an immigration lawyer and let this person ensure the proper application process.
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Mistakes in application forms
Even the most obvious questions in the application forms may be tricky as your answers will define your future intentions toward Canada. An experienced immigration lawyer may help you by directing with the correct answers in your case. Especially, it is better to turn to professionals if you have uncommon problems or circumstances.
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Not passing the Citizenship test
The main requirement for taking the test is to be within the age range of 14 and 64. The test will verify your ability to communicate in English or French and check your knowledge of Canada. Even though you may have a good knowledge of Canada and speak English or French fluently, preparation is highly recommended. First of all, the structure of the test is crucial as it identifies your speed of doing the test. Secondly, preparation will eliminate exam nervousness.
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Poor preparation for an Interview with an Officer or at Court
The Interview is your last step before the citizenship ceremony. The questions at the Interview depends on the type of immigration program an applicant is using and the information you have provided in your documents. The Officer’s questions should be answered fully, correctly and honestly.
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Neglecting the assistance of an immigration consultant
The process of applying for Canadian Citizenship is not difficult, although it requires an understanding of the procedure. As a rule, applications are rejected due to minor mistakes or misunderstanding of the requirements. You may not pay attention to specific details while filling the application form, however, they can be crucial by the Officer at the interview.
2) APPEAL TO A FEDERAL COURT FOR A JUDICIAL REVIEW
If you have faced the problem of refused citizenship application, you have the right to appeal for a judicial review to the Federal Court of Canada within the next 30 days.
Refused citizenship application does not mean that you have to go back to your home country. Usually a lawyer argues judicial review which is a complex procedure. Please note immigration consultants cannot represent clients before the Federal Court in a judicial review.
