Canadian Citizenship
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). Each day you spend in Canada as a temporary resident counts as a half day up to a maximum of 365 days
- have filed your taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years before the date you apply
- pass a citizenship test
- prove your language skills in English and/or French
There are additional or different requirements if you are:
- applying for a minor (under age 18)
- a Canadian applying for your adopted child born outside Canada
- a current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member applying under the fast-track process
- a past Canadian citizen who wants your Canadian citizenship back (including current and former CAF members)/li>
Regardless of your age, if you’re applying for citizenship, you must have permanent resident (PR) status in Canada.
You don’t automatically become a citizen when you marry a Canadian. If you’re the spouse of a Canadian citizen, you must meet the same requirements listed above. The same applies to all dependents over the age of 18 years. Each applicant for citizenship must file their own application.
STEPS TO ACQUIRE CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship Test and Interview
Whether you have to take the test or go to the interview depends on your age and application.
| YOUR AGE & SITUATION | TAKE THE TEST | GO TO THE INTERVIEW |
| Adult 18 – 54 years of age | Yes | Yes |
| Adult 55 and over | No | Yes |
| Minor under 18 with a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time | No | No, except in some cases |
| Minor 14 – 17 without a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time | No | Yes |
| Minor under 14 without a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time | No | No, except in some cases |
If you pass the test & Interview, you will either get a ceremony date at the same time as you get the test results or the date & time of the ceremony will be sent to you by email or letter.
If you don’t pass the test after 3 tries, your application will be refused. You can re-apply to try again.
Oath of Citizenship and Ceremony
Taking the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony is your final step to becoming a Canadian citizen. Citizenship ceremonies take place across the country and at all times of the year. There are special ceremonies on Canada Day and during Citizenship Week.
The ceremony will usually take place within 3 months after your test.
Adults and children aged 14 or over must go to the citizenship ceremony and take the oath.
Parents will get certificates of citizenship for their children under the age of 14. Children under age 14 don’t have to go but are welcome to.
During your ceremony, you will –
- take the Oath of Citizenship
- get your Citizenship Certificate
- sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form
- sing the national anthem
A Citizenship Certificate is a paper or electronic document that proves your Canadian citizenship. But it is not a travel document. If you’re travelling abroad, you must apply for & have a valid passport or travel document.
Contact us to know how you can apply for your Canadian Citizenship.
