How to Get Canadian Citizenship: Canadian Citizenship Requirements
Canada is rich in culture and opportunity. Many permanent residents want to stay in Canada for the rest of their lives as citizens, and the Canadian Citizenship application can help them pursue that dream. Learn how to get Canadian Citizenship by reading below.
Canada is a country filled with opportunities for all individuals seeking to settle down there. Whether you are coming to study, visit, or work, there are numerous pathways to reach your immigration goals. In some cases, many foreigners decide they would like to become permanent residents and eventually Canadian citizens down the road.
Processing time: 12 months
Related Article: Canada Visa Processing Times 2022
Canadian Citizenship Requirements
To become a Canadian citizen, most applicants must:
- be a permanent resident
- have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days)
- have filed your taxes, if you need to
- pass a citizenship test
- prove your language skills in English or French
Furthermore, the following issues could affect your eligibility:
- You have outstanding terms and conditions on your permanent resident status
- You have a criminal record or face charges inside or outside Canada for a criminal offense
- You have received an order to leave Canada
- You have been refused Canadian citizenship because of misrepresentation
- Your Canadian citizenship has been revoked
Permanent Resident Status (PR Card)
Regardless of your age, if you’re applying for citizenship, you must have a PR Card in Canada.
This means you must not:
- be under review for immigration or fraud reasons
- be asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada (removal order)
- have unfulfilled conditions related to your PR status, for example, medical screening
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
1. Get an application package
The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Use the instruction guide and the document checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything. Make sure you use a version of the application form dated October 2017 or later.
2. Pay the application fees
Your fees depend on whether you’re an adult (age 18 and over) or a minor. Your fees may include:
- the processing fee
- the right of citizenship fee
If you’re submitting more than one application at the same time, you can pay all the fees together.
3. Submit your application
You must be eligible for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.
Canadian Citizenship FAQ
What are the benefits of becoming a Canadian citizen?
Those becoming a Canadian citizenship can enjoy a number of advantages including:
- being eligible for more jobs
- vote and/or run for political office
- can travel on a Canadian passport
- don't have to worry about losing your status
- no needing to renew your status
Do I have to apply for Canada PR before citizenship?
Yes. Except in rare cases, you must be physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for 1,095 days within the five (5) years immediately before applying for citizenship.
Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
Having dual citizenship means more than one country recognizes you as a citizen. Luckily, Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship!
Do I become a citizen when marrying a Canadian citizen?
No! When marrying a Canadian citizen, you do not automatically become a citizen yourself as every individual needs to go through their own citizenship process.
Related Article: Marrying a Canadian Citizen
What happens if I fail my Canadian citizenship test?
Those who fail the Canadian citizenship test the first time will be rescheduled to retake the multiple-choice written test. If failed again, the applicant must have a 15 to 20 minute interview with a citizenship judge. The judge will ask the applicant 20 questions that may be multiple choice, true or false, or question and answer.
What is the Canadian citizenship ceremony for?
Taking the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony is your final step to become a Canadian citizen. Citizenship ceremonies take place across the country and at all times of the year.
How Can I Become a Citizen of Canada?
There are several avenues on becoming a Canadian Citizen but the main requirement is to have been a permanent resident of Canada for at least 5 years.
If you'd like to start your journey to becoming a Canadian Citizen, book a consultation with an immigration consultant to discuss your options.
What are the Three Types of Citizenship in Canada?
There are two types of Citizenship:
- Canadian Citizenship by Birth
- Canadian Citizenship by Naturalization
Is Citizenship Fee Free in Canada?
The application fee for becoming a Canadian Citizen is $630 CAD for adults.
This price is only the application fee and does not include biometrics, tests, and lawyer fees.
Some rare cases may have fees waived.
How Can I Get Citizenship of Canada?
Your first step of getting Citizenship of Canada is to be a Permanent Resident of at least 5 years.
There are other factors like:
- paying taxes
- passing Citizenship test
- passing language tests
- not being a treat to society
How Much is a Citizenship for Canada?
The application fee for becoming a Canadian Citizen is $630 CAD for adults.
This price is only the application fee and does not include biometrics, tests, and lawyer fees.
Some rare cases may have fees waived.
Canadian Citizenship Test
Once your application has been approved, you may need to take a citizenship test. The citizenship test is designed to allow you to demonstrate what you know about Canada. There are 20 questions which cover:
- Rights and Responsibilities of Canadians
- History
- Geography
- Economy
- Government
- Laws
- Symbols
The test is administered in either French or English and is 30 minutes long. The test is both multiple-choice and true/false questions. In special cases, the test may be administered orally. You can use the government’s free resources to study for this exam.
You will be invited to take the citizenship test after receiving confirmation that your completed application has started being processed. You will be given a date and time to attend the exam. If you are unable to attend the exam, you will need to write to the government and explain why they need to give you a new date. If you do not have a valid reason, your application may be terminated. If you need to ask for a new date and have a valid reason, you will be given a new date and time.
After the test, you will meet with an official for an interview.
Dec 2020 Update: Canadian Citizenship Test taking has resumed after being paused during COVID-19. The IRCC is now allowing individuals to take online citizenship tests.
| Age/ Situation | Needs to Take the Test |
| Adult 18-54 | Yes |
| Adult 55+ | Yes |
| Minor Under 18 with a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No |
| Minor 14- 17 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No |
| Minor under 14 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No |
Who Needs to Attend an Interview?
The interview will take place after you have taken your test. During the interview, you will be given your test results. If you pass your test, you will be given a date for your citizenship ceremony. The interview will also cover: your language skills, verify your application/ documentation, and ensure that you meet the requirements for citizenship.
However, if you do not pass your test but meet the other requirements for citizenship, you will be scheduled to take the test again. If you do not pass the second time, you will meet with a citizenship official for another interview. If you do not pass the test after three tries, your application will be refused.
| Age/ Situation | Needs to Attend the Interview |
| Adult 18-54 | Yes |
| Adult 55+ | Yes |
| Minor Under 18 with a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No (except in some cases) |
| Minor 14- 17 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | Yes |
| Minor under 14 without a Canadian Parent or Parent Applying at the Same Time | No (except in some cases) |
Oath of Citizenship
The oath of citizenship is the final stage of citizenship process. You will typically receive your ceremony date two weeks before the ceremony. If you are unable to attend, you will need to provide a reason as to why you cannot attend and a new date can be scheduled. The ceremonies take place all across Canada and throughout the year. Special oath ceremonies are held on Canada Day and during Citizenship Week.
– Who Needs to Swear the Oath?
Adults and children 14 or older need to attend the citizenship ceremony and take the oath. Children under 14 are able to attend the ceremony but are not required to swear the oath.
– What Do I Need to Bring?
- Ceremony Notice
- A signed copy of the Permission Release and Consent form (this is included with your notice)
- permanent resident card or confirmation of permanent residence
- Record of landing (if you arrived before June 28, 2002)
- Two Pieces of Personal Identification
- All passports and travel documents
– What Happens At the Oath Ceremony?
At the ceremony you will be:
- Taking the Oath of Citizenship
- Receiving your Citizenship Certificate
- Signing the Oath
- Singing the National Anthem
A judge or official will preside over the ceremony which will be held with many other applicants. The oath will be read in French and English. You must recite the oath in one of the two languages. You can choose to affirm the oath (done without reference to religious beliefs) or swear the oath (done with reference to religious beliefs). Although both the oath and the national anthem will be provided at the ceremony, you can choose to practice them before the ceremony.
– Applying for a Passport
Once you are a citizen, you are able to apply for a Canadian passport. You will need this as an official travel document and can apply anytime two business days after your ceremony.
Canadian Citizenship for Adults
Your citizenship application package will be based on your age and requirements will differ. For specifically permanent residents 18 years or older, requirements include:
- been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before you apply
- filed income taxes for any three taxation years that are fully or partially within the five years before you apply
Start your application package today!
Canadian Citizenship for Minors
Parent/Guardian Applying for Minor
The application under subsection 5(2) is intended for minors (persons under the age of 18) who are permanent residents of Canada who are applying at the same time as their parent or who already have a Canadian parent. The application form should be completed by the minor’s parent or guardian.
Minor Without Canadian Parent
This application under subsection is intended for minors (under 18) who are permanent residents and:
- do not have a parent applying for citizenship at the same time as them
- do not already have a Canadian parent
This application must be made by a person who has custody of the minor or who is empowered to act on their behalf by virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law. The authorized person applying on behalf of the minor does not have to be a Canadian citizen.
Minors who do not have an authorized person to apply on their behalf can request a waiver of this requirement on the application form.
Let VisaPlace Help You With Your Canadian Citizenship Application
We know the immigration system, so we are aware of the changes that have been made recently to the Citizenship Application and the changes that will soon be made to the payment process. We can help you get Canadian Citizenship! We are familiar with the requirements and skilled at improving an applicant’s chances of approval.
We have helped thousands of permanent residents successfully become Canadian citizens and we can help you too. Our firm boasts 15 years of experience in working with adult permanent residents. We know what the Canadian immigration department requires, and how to meet all deadlines and expectations.
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