How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship

If you're a permanent resident of Canada, over 18 years old, and have lived in Canada for at least three of the last five years, you may qualify to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Becoming a Canadian citizen comes with distinct advantages compared to being a permanent resident. For instance, naturalized citizens are eligible for dual citizenship, can vote in elections, and may apply for a Canadian passport.

General Eligibility

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the basic requirements to become a naturalized citizen include:

Holding permanent resident status;

Having resided in Canada for a minimum of 3 out of the last 5 years (physical presence);

Filing income taxes in Canada for at least three of those years;

Demonstrating language proficiency;

Passing a citizenship exam;

Taking the Oath of Citizenship. (Source: IRCC)

Application Process

Most applicants are able to complete the process through the IRCC’s online application system. However, there are some exceptions. You must apply on paper if:

Your physical presence calculation includes time spent abroad as a crown servant, or as a spouse, common-law partner, or child of one; or

You wish to have a representative complete and submit your application on your behalf.

If you need to apply on paper, an application package is available for request on the IRCC website.

Application Fees

All application fees must be paid online, and IRCC will notify you of the exact amount based on your situation. The fees typically include both a processing fee and a right of citizenship fee. Key points to remember regarding payment:

Pay the fees only when you're ready to submit the application;

Ensure you include the payment receipt with your application;

If submitting multiple applications at once, you can either combine the fees into one payment or submit them separately.

Submitting Your Application

Your eligibility must be confirmed the day before you sign the Application Form. Additional guidelines from IRCC include:

Pay the fees only when ready to apply;

Attach the receipt to the application form;

Use a courier service with tracking to verify that your application has been delivered.

IRCC will return applications if they are received more than 90 days after the form is signed.

Language Requirements

Applicants aged 18 to 54 at the time of application must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French. You’ll need to show the ability to:

Engage in everyday conversations on common topics;

Understand simple instructions and directions;

Use basic grammar and sentence structures;

Show knowledge of common words and phrases.

IRCC accepts various language certificates, diplomas, and test results to prove language skills. The required level is Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 4 or equivalent for French (NCLC).

IRCC assesses your language ability through:

• Reviewing the documentation submitted with your application;
• Observing how you communicate during interviews with IRCC officials;
• Conducting an additional language assessment, if necessary, during the citizenship test. (Source: IRCC)

Processing Times

IRCC currently estimates around seven months to process a citizenship application. However, in special cases, such as urgent need to apply for a job or travel due to family illness, you may request expedited processing.

Restrictions and Prohibitions

If you've committed a crime inside or outside of Canada, your eligibility for citizenship may be suspended. Time spent in prison, on probation, or on parole cannot be counted towards the required physical presence in Canada. Each application is reviewed individually.

Tracking Your Application

Once you receive an acknowledgment of receipt, you can check the status of your application online. You should contact IRCC if:

• You change your address;
• You plan to leave Canada for more than two consecutive weeks;
• The standard processing time has passed, and you cannot check the status online;
• You are charged with a crime;
• You applied as part of a group but wish to continue the process individually.
• If you require accommodations, such as waivers for the language test or the citizenship oath, contact IRCC.

Citizenship Test

Once your application is acknowledged, IRCC will invite you to take the citizenship test, usually within a week. The test evaluates your knowledge of Canada, including:

• Citizens' rights and responsibilities;
• Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols.

The test consists of 20 questions (multiple-choice or true/false), and you have 45 minutes to complete it. You need at least 15 correct answers to pass. If you fail after three attempts, you will be invited to a hearing with a citizenship official. Should you fail the hearing, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fees again.

Most applicants will take the test online, but accommodations are available for those who require accessibility support. To prepare, IRCC offers a study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, in multiple formats, including a PDF, eBook, MP3, and online version.

Citizenship Ceremony

The final step in becoming a Canadian citizen is attending the citizenship ceremony. Ceremonies are held both online and in-person. You’ll need to bring:

• Your ceremony notice;
• A signed Permission Release and Consent form;
• Your Permanent Resident Card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence;
• A Record of Landing (for residents who became permanent before June 28, 2002);
• Two pieces of identification, one with a photo and signature;
• All passports and travel documents listed in your application.
• You may also bring a holy book if you choose to swear the Oath of Citizenship on it.

At the ceremony, adults and children over 14 must attend and will:

• Take the Oath of Citizenship;
• Receive a citizenship certificate;
• Sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form; and
• Sing the national anthem, O Canada.

Parents will receive certificates for children under 14, who are not required to attend the ceremony but are welcome to join. Upon completion, you will officially become a Canadian citizen. (Source: IRCC)