How to Get Canadian Citizenship

How to Get Canadian Citizenship involves meeting key requirements such as holding permanent resident status, having lived in Canada for at least three years within the last five, demonstrating language proficiency in English or French, and passing a citizenship test on Canada’s history and values. The application process includes completing the appropriate forms, submitting required documents and fees, and attending a citizenship test and ceremony. Preparing early, using official resources, and applying online can help streamline your path to becoming a Canadian citizen.

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Canadian citizenship requirements

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship in 2025, applicants must meet several key criteria under the Citizenship Act and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines:

• Permanent Resident Status: You must hold valid permanent resident (PR) status in Canada without any unresolved conditions such as immigration reviews, fraud investigations, or removal orders.
• Physical Presence: You need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years immediately before applying.
• Income Tax Filing: Applicants must have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period if required under the Income Tax Act.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher.
• Citizenship Test: Those aged 18 to 54 must pass a citizenship test assessing knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, and rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
• Oath of Citizenship: Successful applicants must take the Oath of Citizenship to officially become Canadian citizens.

Additional provisions apply for minors, adopted children, Canadian Armed Forces members, and those reclaiming citizenship.

Can Canadian citizenship expire  

Generally, Canadian citizenship granted by birth or naturalization does not expire. However, there are specific retention rules for certain Canadians born outside Canada:

Retention Requirement for Second-Generation Canadians Born Abroad: Under section 8 of the 1977 Citizenship Act, Canadian citizens born outside Canada after February 14, 1977, to a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada, must take steps to retain their citizenship before turning 28 years old. If they do not apply to retain citizenship, they will lose it automatically on their 28th birthday.

Retention Conditions: To retain citizenship, these individuals must register as Canadian citizens and either live in Canada for at least one year before applying or demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada, such as working for the government, serving in the Canadian Forces, having language proficiency, or attending school in Canada.

Expiry Dates on Citizenship Certificates: Since 2007, citizenship certificates for those subject to retention include an expiry date corresponding to their 28th birthday, serving as a reminder to apply for retention before losing citizenship.

Loss of Citizenship: Citizenship can also be lost if it was obtained fraudulently or if the individual voluntarily renounces it.

Canadian citizenship benefits

Canadian citizenship offers a wide array of benefits that enhance personal freedoms, social security, financial stability, and global mobility, making it a highly valuable status for residents in Canada.

Political Rights and Civic Participation

Canadian citizens have the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, run for public office, and engage fully in Canada’s democratic process. This participation empowers citizens to influence government policies and community development.

Travel and Global Mobility

Holding a Canadian passport is one of the most powerful travel documents worldwide, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. This facilitates international travel for work, study, or leisure without the restrictions faced by permanent residents.

Social Benefits

Citizens enjoy full access to Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system without restrictions, ensuring coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and essential medical services. Education benefits include free public schooling (K-12), lower university tuition fees compared to international students, and eligibility for government-funded student loans and scholarships. Additionally, citizens can sponsor family members for permanent residency, promoting family reunification with faster processing times than permanent residents.

Financial Advantages

Canadian citizens benefit from various financial supports such as Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Old Age Security (OAS), which provide income support during unemployment, retirement, or disability. Tax benefits include eligibility for GST/HST credits and potential tax exemptions for Canadians living abroad. Citizens also face fewer restrictions on investment and property ownership compared to non-citizens.

Employment and Residency Security

Citizens can work in any job across Canada without needing a work permit, opening broader career opportunities and allowing freedom to live and work in any province or territory. Unlike permanent residency, Canadian citizenship cannot be revoked except in cases of fraud, providing lifelong security and stability. Citizenship also allows access to government jobs that require security clearance or citizenship status.

Dual Citizenship Flexibility

Canada permits dual citizenship, enabling individuals to retain their original nationality if their home country allows it. This flexibility helps maintain cultural ties and international connections while enjoying Canadian rights and privileges.

Application Process

How to apply for Canadian citizenship

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must first ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including being a permanent resident and having lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years. Once eligible, you can choose to apply either online or on paper, but not both. Most applicants are encouraged to apply online for faster processing and real-time updates through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. Paper applications are required only in specific cases, such as when including time spent outside Canada as a crown servant or if you want a representative to submit the application on your behalf.

Apply for Canadian citizenship online

Applying online involves creating an account on the IRCC website, completing the application form (Form CIT 0002 for adults or CIT 0003 for minors), uploading your supporting documents, and paying the application fees electronically. The online system allows you to track your application status and receive communications from IRCC. It is important to prepare all required documents before starting, including proof of permanent residence, language proficiency, tax records, travel history, and photos that meet IRCC specifications. If applying with family members, you can submit group applications where each adult completes their own part online.

Canadian citizenship cost

The application fee for Canadian citizenship as of 2025 is $649.75 CAD for adults (18 years and older) and $100 CAD for minors (under 18). This fee covers processing, the citizenship test, and the ceremony. Fees must be paid online regardless of the application method, and payment receipts must be included with your application. Note that the right of citizenship fee for adult applicants increased recently as of March 31, 2025.

When to apply for Canadian citizenship

You can apply for citizenship once you meet the residency requirement of having been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the five years before applying. It is advisable to keep accurate records of your physical presence and tax filings, as these will be reviewed during the application process. Applications can be submitted at any time after meeting these criteria. Processing times vary but typically range from 8 to 24 months, including time for the citizenship test, interview, and ceremony. You should apply well in advance of any planned travel or deadlines to ensure sufficient processing time

Canadian citizenship test

The Canadian citizenship test is a mandatory step for most permanent residents aged 18 to 54 who are applying for citizenship. The test evaluates your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens.

The test consists of 20 multiple-choice and true-or-false questions, and you must correctly answer at least 15 questions (75%) to pass. It is typically administered online, but you may also be allowed to take it in person or via Microsoft Teams. You will have about 45 minutes to complete the test, and it can be taken in either English or French, depending on your preference.

To prepare effectively, many applicants use Canada citizenship test practice materials, which include sample questions and mock tests that mirror the actual exam format and content. These practice tests help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked and improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Passing the citizenship test is a key requirement before attending the citizenship ceremony and taking the Oath of Citizenship, which officially grants you Canadian citizenship. Resources for practice tests are widely available online, including official guides and third-party platforms offering free and paid practice exams.

Processing and Status to Get Canadian Citizenship

How long to get Canadian citizenship

As of May 2025, the average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is approximately 10 months from the date IRCC receives a complete application to the final citizenship grant. This timeline includes the review of your application, the citizenship test, interview (if required), and the citizenship ceremony. Processing times have increased slightly from previous estimates, which were around 8 months.

Canadian citizenship application processing time

The processing time for citizenship certificates, which are issued after the citizenship grant, is about 4 months. Other related processes, such as renunciation of citizenship, take around 7 months. It is important to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid delays, as incomplete applications can extend processing times.

Applicants typically receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) notice within a few weeks after submitting their application, confirming that IRCC has started processing it. From there, the 10-month timeline generally applies.

Canadian citizenship application status

You can check the status of your Canadian citizenship application online through the IRCC’s secure portal. By creating an account or logging into your existing IRCC account, you can track updates, receive messages from IRCC, and upload any additional documents if requested.

If you applied on paper, you can still check your application status online by entering your application number and personal details on the IRCC website. Keeping track of your application status helps you stay informed about any additional steps, such as scheduling your citizenship test or ceremony.

How to Become a Canadian Citizen by Marriage

Marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you Canadian citizenship. Instead, the process involves two main steps: obtaining permanent residency through spousal sponsorship and then applying for citizenship once eligibility requirements are met.

Spousal Sponsorship

The Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse must sponsor their foreign spouse to become a permanent resident of Canada. This sponsorship process is governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

• The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• The marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it took place and in Canada.
• Common-law and conjugal partners may also be eligible for sponsorship if they meet specific criteria regarding the nature and duration of their relationship.
• The application for spousal sponsorship is typically submitted online, with both the sponsor and the foreign spouse providing required documents and information.
• IRCC carefully assesses the genuineness of the relationship to prevent marriage fraud.

Applying for Canadian Citizenship

Once the foreign spouse has obtained permanent residency through sponsorship, they can apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet the standard citizenship requirements:

• Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years before applying.
• Have filed income taxes in Canada for at least 3 years within the 5-year period if required.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or higher.
• Pass the Canadian citizenship test covering knowledge of Canada’s history, values, institutions, and rights and responsibilities.
• Meet other eligibility criteria such as not having a criminal history that would prevent citizenship.

Timeline and Processing

The spousal sponsorship process generally takes up to 11 months if the sponsored spouse lives in Canada, or about 14 months if they live outside Canada.

After becoming a permanent resident, the spouse must meet the residency and other requirements before applying for citizenship, which typically takes an additional 10 months to process.

Important Notes

• There is no special or expedited citizenship process solely because of marriage.
• Both spouses must comply with all legal requirements and provide truthful information.
• Québec has slightly different procedures for spousal sponsorship, so couples planning to live there should consult provincial guidelines or an immigration lawyer.

The Fastest Way to Get Canadian Citizenship

The fastest way to obtain Canadian citizenship is to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria promptly and submit a complete, accurate application online to avoid delays. Key points to expedite the process include:

• Meet Residency Requirements Early: You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years before applying.
• File Taxes and Language Proof: Ensure you have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period and can prove language proficiency in English or French at the required level.
• Apply Online: Online applications are generally processed faster than paper ones, with real-time status updates and fewer chances of missing documents.
• Prepare for the Citizenship Test in Advance: Use official study guides and Canada citizenship test practice materials to pass the test on the first attempt, avoiding retests and delays.
• Respond Quickly to IRCC Requests: Provide any additional documents or information promptly if requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Attend Citizenship Ceremony as Soon as Scheduled: After approval, attend the citizenship ceremony without delay to take the Oath of Citizenship and finalize your status.

Typically, the entire process from application submission to citizenship grant takes about 10 months, but careful preparation and prompt responses can help you achieve citizenship as quickly as possible.

Canadian Citizenship Ceremony

The Canadian citizenship ceremony is the final and most important step in becoming a Canadian citizen. It is a formal event where applicants:

• Take the Oath of Citizenship, pledging loyalty to Canada and its laws.
• Receive their Citizenship Certificate, which serves as official proof of Canadian citizenship.
• Celebrate their new status alongside other new citizens, often with speeches, music, and the singing of "O Canada."

The ceremony is usually scheduled a few weeks or months after your citizenship application is approved and you have passed the citizenship test and interview. Attending the ceremony is mandatory to complete the citizenship process.

After the ceremony, new citizens can apply for a Canadian passport, vote in elections, and enjoy all rights and privileges of citizenship. The ceremony symbolizes your official entry into the Canadian community and is often a memorable and proud moment for applicants.

Conclusion 

Becoming a Canadian citizen provides valuable rights and benefits, including voting, healthcare, and global travel. The process requires meeting residency, language, and knowledge requirements, but with proper preparation and timely application, it can be smooth and efficient. Canadian citizenship is more than a status, it’s a commitment to Canada’s values and community, offering lifelong opportunities and security.