Citizenship Judges: How to become a Citizenship judge?

Citizenship judges are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

1. Provide a copy of your curriculum vitæ and cover letter which demonstrates your suitability to the position and how you meet the qualifications.
2. Provide any additional information, which you believe to be useful.
3. Send the above mentioned documents to:
   

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Corporate Governance Unit
Citizenship Judge Screening Process
Jean Edmonds Building, South Tower
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1L1

For security reasons, do not fax or e-mail these documents.

What a Citizenship Judge Needs to Know

Decision Making

Judges need to be ready to make decisions on complex issues within a legal framework and then be able to defend their decisions. These decisions can be difficult – obtaining Canadian citizenship is a matter of great importance to applicants, yet the judges must interpret and apply the law, and be prepared to convey negative decisions to applicants. In addition to the Citizenship Act and the Citizenship Regulations, judges need to both understand the principles of administrative law and natural justice and be familiar with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Criminal Code.

Communication skills

Writing decisions is a significant aspect of the judge’s daily work. These documents must explain the rationale for a decision based on precise, detailed and legally defensible analysis. Computer skills, and specifically the use of word processing software, are required.

Oral communication skills are required to interview applicants: the judge must be able to identify the relevant facts and assess the credibility of the individual through careful questioning. In their ceremonial and promotional activities, judges must be able to speak to the public about Canadian citizenship as representatives of the Government of Canada.

Citizenship judges need to be sensitive to cultural differences. In the course of their day-to-day work, they meet people from all over the world who are hoping to become Canadian citizens. As representatives of the Canadian government, they must demonstrate respect for cultural diversity.

Related Links

• Roles and responsibilities
• Citizenship Judge Screening Process