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Canadian Citizenship Application Guide

Simple step-by-step information — Last updated:

Welcome! This page explains everything you need to know to become a Canadian citizen — eligibility, requirements, forms, and test details — in simple language.

Did you know? Canadian citizens have the right to vote, run for public office, and apply for a Canadian passport. They cannot lose their citizenship or be deported (except in very rare cases of proven fraud during the citizenship process). Canada generally allows dual or multiple citizenships.
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Requirements Language Requirements Documents Application steps Citizenship test Children Fees Resources

Eligibility Requirements

You can apply for Canadian citizenship if you meet these key requirements:

  • Have valid Permanent Resident (PR) status (even if PR card is expired)
  • Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years
  • Filed income tax returns for at least 3 of the past 5 years
  • Can speak and understand basic English or French (ages 18–54)
  • Have no criminal charges or deportation orders
Tip: Use the official Physical Presence Calculator to verify your days in Canada.

You can speak English or French

Who needs to prove this? Only people aged 18 to 54.

You need to show you can:

  • Have a basic conversation
  • Understand simple instructions
  • Read and write at a basic level

How to prove it (choose ONE):

Option 1: Language test
  • IELTS (General)
  • CELPIP (General)
  • TEF Canada (French)
  • TCF Canada (French)

You need CLB Level 4 or higher

Option 2: Education proof
  • High school diploma
  • College certificate
  • University degree

From a Canadian school OR a school where classes were in English/French

No criminal problems

You can't apply if you:

  • Are in jail or on probation
  • Have a deportation order
  • Are charged with a crime (wait until your case is finished)
  • Were convicted of a serious crime in the last 4 years

Documents you need

Gather all these documents BEFORE you start your application:

Your identity

  • ALL pages of ALL passports you used in the last 5 years (even expired ones)
  • Your PR card (front and back)
  • Your landing paper (Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence)

Proof you live in Canada

  • Driver's license
  • Health card
  • Lease agreement or mortgage
  • Utility bills

Tax documents

  • Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA for the last 3 years
  • If you don't have them, call CRA at 1-800-959-8281

Language proof (ages 18-54)

  • IELTS or CELPIP test results
  • OR your diploma/degree (if classes were in English/French)

Photos

  • 2 photos (50mm x 70mm)
  • Taken within last 6 months
  • White background
  • Get them at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, or any photo studio
Pro tip: Make copies of EVERYTHING before you send it. Keep the originals for yourself!

How to apply (step-by-step)

1

Calculate your days in Canada

Use the Physical Presence Calculator on the government website. You'll enter every trip you took outside Canada in the last 5 years. It will tell you if you have enough days.

2

Fill out the application form

You can apply online (faster!) or on paper. The form is called CIT 0002. Take your time and fill it out carefully.

3

Pay the fees

$649.75 total ($530 processing fee + $119.75 citizenship fee). You pay online with a credit card.

4

Send your application

If online: Upload all your documents. If paper: Mail everything to the address on the form. Make sure nothing is missing!

5

Wait for your test invitation

It takes about 12 months to process your application. Then you'll get a letter telling you when to take the citizenship test.

6

Take the test & attend the ceremony

Pass the test (you need 15 out of 20 correct). Then attend the citizenship ceremony where you'll take the oath and become a Canadian citizen!

The citizenship test (for ages 18-54)

What's on the test?

20 questions about:

  • Canadian history
  • Geography (provinces, capitals, etc.)
  • Government (how Canada works)
  • Your rights and responsibilities as a citizen
  • Canadian symbols (flag, anthem, etc.)

How to pass:

Study the book:

"Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship"

FREE download from the government website

Take practice tests:

Free practice tests available online

Practice until you consistently get 15+ correct

You need 15 out of 20 correct to pass. Most people pass on their first try! If you don't pass, you can take it again.

Applying for Children (Under 18)

  • Must be a Permanent Resident
  • No minimum residence days required
  • No language or test requirements
  • Parent/guardian must apply and sign

Citizenship Application Fees

💰 Adults (18+)

$649.75 — $530 processing + $119.75 right of citizenship fee

👶 Children (Under 18)

$100 — Processing fee only

Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen?

Let Sea Bird Canada Immigration guide you through the citizenship application process. Our trusted consultants will help you prepare your documents, meet all eligibility requirements, and achieve your goal of becoming a proud Canadian.

Contact Us Today

Helpful Resources

This guide is for general information only. Always verify details at Canada.ca.