Are you considering immigrating to Canada and wondering if buying a Canadian property could lead to Canadian citizenship? Well, before January 2023, it was possible for non-Canadian citizens to purchase property in Canada and spend at least 3 years on that property in order to apply for Canadian citizenship.
However, a ban on the purchase of Canadian residential property by non-Canadians was imposed from January 1, 2023, until January 1, 2025, due to a shortage of residential homes in Canada. This ban has limited the possibility of obtaining Canadian citizenship through property ownership for non-Canadian citizens.
There are some exceptions to this ban, such as for non-Canadians who are married to Canadian citizens or students who have spent the last 5 years in Canada and wish to purchase a residential property worth $500k or under.
Even before this ban, it was not possible for non-Canadians to buy Canadian citizenship solely through purchasing property in Canada. This is important to note, as misinformation may lead individuals to believe that purchasing Canadian real estate could lead to obtaining a Canadian passport.
If you are looking to start a new life in Canada, there are other immigration options available, such as the express entry, skill shortage jobs, or Canadian provincial immigration programs. Additionally, there are Canadian immigration investment programs, but these generally require proof of at least $200k to apply.
So, while purchasing Canadian property as a non-Canadian citizen may not lead to Canadian citizenship, there are still a variety of avenues to explore for those looking to make Canada their new home. If you are considering relocating to Canada, it’s important to explore the various immigration and investment options available to find the best path for you.
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