01
Permanent Resident Status
You generally need to have valid permanent resident status in Canada before applying for citizenship.
STATUS & CITIZENSHIP
Canadian Citizenship
Take the final step in your Canadian immigration journey. Learn about citizenship eligibility, requirements, responsibilities and the application process.
Get Professional AssistanceCANADIAN CITIZENSHIP
What Is Canadian Citizenship?
Canadian citizenship gives eligible permanent residents full membership in Canadian society and provides rights and privileges that are not available to permanent residents.
For many newcomers, becoming a Canadian citizen is the final stage of a long immigration journey. Citizenship can provide greater security, expanded rights and the ability to participate more fully in civic life.
The citizenship application process involves meeting specific eligibility requirements and providing evidence that those requirements have been satisfied.
ELIGIBILITY
Who May Be Eligible to Apply?
Citizenship eligibility depends on your immigration history and individual circumstances.
02
Physical Presence
Adult applicants generally need at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada during the five years immediately before applying. Certain time in Canada before becoming a permanent resident may count as half-days, up to a maximum credit of 365 days.
03
Income Tax Filing
If required under Canadian tax law, adult applicants generally must have met their personal income-tax filing obligations for at least three taxation years that fall fully or partly within the five-year eligibility period.
04
Language Ability
Applicants who are 18 to 54 years old when they sign the application generally must demonstrate English or French speaking and listening ability at CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher.
05
Citizenship Knowledge
Applicants who are 18 to 54 years old when they sign the application generally must pass the citizenship test covering Canada, including its history, geography, government, laws, symbols, rights and responsibilities.
06
No Prohibitions
Certain legal or immigration circumstances may prevent or delay eligibility for citizenship.
MINOR APPLICANTS
Citizenship Rules Are Different for Children Under 18
Minor applicants do not always have the same citizenship requirements as adults.
A minor who has a Canadian parent, or whose parent is applying for citizenship at the same time, generally does not need to meet the adult physical-presence, income-tax, language or citizenship-test requirements.
A minor applying without a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time may have separate physical-presence and tax requirements.
Minors are not required to meet the adult language or citizenship-test requirements. Approved applicants who are 14 to 17 years old generally take the Oath of Citizenship.
Applying for a Child?
The correct minor application depends on the child's age, permanent resident status and whether a Canadian parent or an applying parent is involved.
Review a Minor Citizenship CaseBENEFITS
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
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Right to Vote
Canadian citizens can vote in federal, provincial and municipal elections where eligible.
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Canadian Passport
Citizens may apply for a Canadian passport and receive Canadian consular assistance abroad.
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Greater Security
Citizenship does not need to be renewed in the way a permanent resident card does.
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Expanded Opportunities
Some employment opportunities and public positions may require Canadian citizenship.
APPLICATION PROCESS
A Typical Citizenship Application
The exact process may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
1
Confirm Eligibility
Review your permanent resident status, physical presence and other applicable requirements.
2
Prepare Your Application
Gather the required identity, immigration, travel and supporting documents.
3
Submit to IRCC
Complete and submit the citizenship application with the required documentation and fees.
4
Complete Required Steps
Depending on your circumstances, this may include a citizenship test, interview or requests for additional information.
5
Citizenship Ceremony
Approved applicants complete the citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship.
APPLYING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE
Online Citizenship Applications Have Special Representative Rules
Most eligible citizenship applicants can apply online. If you apply online with assistance from a representative, you must create and use your own account and submit the application yourself.
You should not share your online account password with your representative.
A representative may help review eligibility, prepare answers and documents and communicate with IRCC after submission.
If you want a representative to complete and submit the citizenship application on your behalf, current IRCC instructions generally require a paper application.
Online or Paper?
The appropriate submission method depends on whether you will submit the application yourself or authorize a representative to complete and submit it for you.
Review My Application MethodIMPORTANT INFORMATION
Every Citizenship Case Is Different
Travel history, time spent outside Canada, previous immigration issues and other individual factors can affect citizenship eligibility.
It is important to review your circumstances carefully before submitting an application, especially if your physical presence calculation is close to the minimum requirement or your immigration history is complex.
Need Help Reviewing Your Eligibility?
AddPlus Immigration Solutions Inc. can review your circumstances, help identify potential issues and assist with preparation of your citizenship application.
Contact UsREADY TO GET STARTED?
Take the Next Step Toward Canadian Citizenship
Tell us about your situation and let our team help you understand the citizenship application process.
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