To become a Canadian citizen, you need to prepare for the citizenship test and learn how you can resume and give up your Canadian citizenship.
Major Steps to becoming a Canadian Citizen
Apply for citizenship
Citizenship test and interview
Oath of citizenship and ceremony
Physical Presence Calculator
Who is eligible?
To become eligible to become a Canadian Citizen, you must be:
- Must be 18 years or older
The application filing of a minor under the age of 18 is different. It is also a different process for a Canadian applying for your adopted child who was born outside Canada. A current or former Canadian Armed Forces member who can apply under the fast-track process is also different. A past Canadian citizen who wants to get his or her Canadian citizenship back also has different requirements to be fulfilled. - A permanent resident
For applying for citizenship, regardless of the age, you must be in a permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. This also means you must not have a removal order, have a review for immigration or fraud reasons, or have unfulfilled conditions like medical screening related to your PR status. You aren't required to have a valid PR card at the time of the application of citizenship as you may apply even with an expired one. - Have lived in Canada for at least 3 years (1095 days) out of last 5 years immediately preceding application
It is always advisable to apply with more than 1095 days of living in Canada in case there is a problem with the calculation. In your calculation you have provisions to include some of the time you have spent in Canada as a temporary resident or a protected person or serving as a Crown servant or a family member of a crown servant outside Canada. - Have filed taxes for at least 3 years within the last 5 years
Newcomers to Canada include permanent residents, refugees, temporary residents including student, worker or temporary resident permit holders. - Prove your language skills
The day of your application signing, if you are between 18 to 54 years old, you must have adequate knowledge of English or French. To showcase this you can engage in small regular conversations about common topics, understand small instructions, questions and directions and use fundamental grammar, including simple structures and tenses and have knowledge about common words and phrases to answer basic questions and express yourself. Speaking and Listening skills will be checked for equivalency of Level 4. Canadian Language Benchmarks for English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien for French. Your language skills will be assessed by reviewing the language proof you provide with your application. The way you speak to the citizenship officer any of the time during the application process. Assessment during a citizenship test by an official to understand the language level. Various certificates, diplomas and tests as a proof of your language skills are also accepted.- Pass a citizenship test
On application day if you are between 18 to 54 years old, you will be invited to take a citizenship test. The test will check your knowledge on the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, areas like Canada’s history, economy, government, laws and symbols. 20 questions on multiple choice or true or false. The 30 min exam will be either in English or French. - Take the oath of citizenship
From the age of 14, you are supposed to take part in an Oath of Citizenship which will lead to approval of your application.
The major steps may vary depending on the application type and so its requirements may also vary depending on it.
Citizenship for Minor
Applying for a minor who is under 18
There is two types of applications for Canadian Citizenship for minors:
Minor 5(2) and Minor 5(1)
Minor 5(2)
This category of minors have a Canadian parent or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time. They can apply online as well as paper. The minor is to be a permanent resident and does not require to pass citizenship test or meet the language requirements. It is not required for them to be completely present in Canada, 3 years out of the past 5 years. The requirement of filing income tax is not a requirement unlike adults. Children above 14 years of age or older are required to take the Oath of Citizenship whereas minors below this age are not required to meet this requirement as well. The signature inside the application needs to be done by the parent or legal guardian having full custody of the child. If the application is above the age of 14 or over, it must be signed by them too.
Note: Children born to a Canadian parent are Canadian citizens and it is only a requirement to apply for proof of citizenship. They do not come under this category.
The eligibility criteria for this subsection of minors is as follows:
- On the day you sign the application, you must be under 18 years of age.
- Must be a landed immigrant/ permanent resident of Canada.
- Must have at least one parent or legally adoptive parent who is a Canadian citizen or will become a citizen at the same time when you apply together as a family.
- Is ruled out of any unfulfilled condition that may relate to their permanent residency status.
- Not under any removal order or being asked by a Canadian official to leave Canada.
- On criminal or security grounds, not prohibited or considered inadmissible.
Minor 5(1)
This category of application for minors is for the applicants who are not accompanied by a parent who is also applying for Citizenship or does not have a Canadian parent. The application can be done both online or paper and the applicant requires to be a permanent resident of Canada present in the country for 3 years out of the last 5 years. They dont require you to take a citizenship test nor any language requirement. If needed, you must fill the taxes. Only children on or above 14 years of age, take the oath of citizenship. Signing the application is a must in this case as well and thus a parent or legal guardian with the custody of the minor. A person empowered to act on the behalf of a parent or legal guardian can also apply on their behalf. The minor in certain cases can also request a waiver or exemption for this requirement. Signatures can be imputed by minors who are 14 or over.
Note: The application is put forward by applicants who are empowered to act on behalf of the minor by the virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law. It is worth noting that the person who is applying on behalf of the minor is not required to be a Canadian citizen.
The eligibility criteria for this subsection of minors is as follows:
- On the day you sign the application, you must be under 18 years of age.
- Must be a landed immigrant/ permanent resident of Canada.
- Is required to be present in Canada for at least 1095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply.
- Have to file taxes for 3 years at least within 5 years as required by the Income Tax Act.
- Can’t have a Canadian parent already.
- No unfulfilled condition relating to permanent resident status.
- Is not under removal order or asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada.
- Can’t be inadmissible or prohibited on any criminal or security grounds.
Citizenship for Adopted Child- Eligibility
- Not a Canadian citizen
- Have at least one of the parents a Canadian citizen at the time of the adoption.
- Not be subject to people identified as first generation citizens by descent.
- Meet the requirements of the Citizenship Act.
Current or Former Canadian Armed Forces memberPast Canadian citizen who want Canadian citizenship back
