To apply for Canadian citizenship, follow these steps:
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a permanent resident of Canada.
- Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last 5 years.
- Have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period, if required.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English or French if you are between 18 and 54 years old.
- Pass a citizenship test on Canadian history, geography, government, and rights.
- Be ready to take the Oath of Citizenship upon approval
Application Process
Step 1: Choose How to Apply
- Most applicants can apply online through the official IRCC portal.
- Some must apply on paper, such as crown servants or their family members, or if you want a representative to submit the application for you
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Completed application form (CIT 0002 for adults).
- Proof of permanent residency (e.g., PR card).
- Identification documents (passport or travel documents).
- Proof of language proficiency, if applicable.
- Payment receipt for application fees (CAD $630 for adults, CAD $100 for minors).
- Photos meeting IRCC specifications
Step 3: Pay Fees
- Pay the application fees online via the official IRCC payment system.
- Keep the payment receipt to include with your application
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- If applying online, create an IRCC account, fill out the forms, upload documents, and submit.
- If applying on paper, mail your completed application package to the correct IRCC address using a tracked postal or courier service
Step 5: Track Your Application
- Use the IRCC citizenship application tracker online to monitor your application's status
Step 6: Prepare for Citizenship Test and Interview
- Study for the citizenship test covering Canadian history, geography, government, and rights.
- Attend an interview if requested by IRCC
Step 7: Attend Citizenship Ceremony
- Once approved, attend the citizenship ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship and officially become a Canadian citizen
Processing times typically take around seven months from application submission
. This process ensures you meet all legal requirements and submit a complete application for Canadian citizenship.
