If you are a permanent resident of Canada, at least 18 years old, and have lived in the country for more than three of the last five years, you may qualify to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Canadian citizenship offers several advantages compared to permanent residency. For instance, as a naturalized citizen, you can hold dual citizenship, participate in political elections, and apply for a Canadian passport.
Citizenship Eligibility Overview
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the key requirements for becoming a naturalized Canadian citizen include:
- Holding permanent resident status;
- Physically residing in Canada for at least 3 out of the past 5 years;
- Filing income taxes in Canada for at least three of the last five years;
- Demonstrating proficiency in either English or French;
- Passing a citizenship test;
- Taking the citizenship oath. (Source: IRCC)
Application Process
Most individuals can apply for Canadian citizenship online through the IRCC’s digital form.
However, you’ll need to apply on paper if:
- You’re including time spent outside of Canada in your physical presence calculation because of service as a crown servant or being a family member of one (child, spouse, or common-law partner);
- You want a representative to complete and submit your application.
To apply on paper, request a citizenship application package from the IRCC website.
Fees
Regardless of how you apply, fees must be paid online. While the exact amount depends on your application type, the IRCC provides guidelines for expected costs. Fees generally include both a processing fee and a right of citizenship fee.
IRCC advises that:
- Fees should only be paid when you’re ready to submit your application;
- You must include the payment receipt with your application;
- If submitting multiple applications, fees can be paid all together or separately.
Submitting Your Application
Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship at least by the day before you sign your application.
Key reminders from IRCC include:
- Paying your fees when you’re ready to submit;
- Including the receipt with your application;
- Ensuring your application arrives at IRCC within 90 days from the date on the form, or it will be returned.
IRCC also recommends using a postal service that provides tracking to verify your application’s delivery.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants aged 18 to 54 (on the day the application is signed) must demonstrate adequate proficiency in either English or French. IRCC defines this as the ability to:
- Participate in everyday conversations;
- Follow simple instructions and directions;
- Use basic grammar and sentence structures;
- Understand enough vocabulary to express yourself clearly.
This is equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) Level 4 in French.
Language skills are assessed by:
- Reviewing the language proof you submit;
- Observing your spoken language abilities during interactions with citizenship officials;
- Evaluating your language during the citizenship test, if required.
Various certificates, diplomas, and language test results are accepted as proof of language proficiency.
Application Processing
The current processing time for citizenship applications is approximately seven months.
However, in certain urgent situations, IRCC may expedite your application. Examples include needing citizenship for:
- Employment;
- Avoiding job loss;
- Traveling due to a family emergency;
- After winning a Federal Court appeal on a previous citizenship application.
Restrictions and Prohibitions
If you’ve committed a crime inside or outside of Canada, you may be barred from obtaining citizenship for an unspecified period. Time spent serving imprisonment, parole, or probation does not count toward your residency requirement. Each case is reviewed individually.
Checking Application Status
After receiving an acknowledgment letter or email, you can track the status of your citizenship application online. Contact IRCC if you:
- Change your address;
- Leave Canada for more than two consecutive weeks;
- Cannot check your application status online and the processing time has passed;
- Are charged with a crime;
- Need to proceed with your application independently if you applied with a group.
If you have trouble communicating in English or French, provide written consent for a family member to communicate with IRCC on your behalf.
Citizenship Test
The citizenship test typically follows a week after the acknowledgment of receipt. It includes 20 multiple-choice or true/false questions about:
- Rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens;
- Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols.
The test is 45 minutes long, and applicants must score at least 15 correct answers out of 20 to pass.
You will have up to three attempts to pass the test within 30 days of receiving the invitation. If unsuccessful, you will be invited to a hearing with a citizenship officer, who will ask questions similar to those on the test. Failing this hearing means your application will be refused, and you will need to reapply and pay the fees again.
Most people will take the test online, but those with specific accessibility needs may be offered alternatives like taking it over Microsoft Teams or in person.
IRCC provides a free study guide called Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, available in various formats, including an online version, MP3, PDF, eBook, or a paper copy.
Citizenship Ceremony
The final step in the citizenship process is the ceremony. Ceremonies are held throughout the year, either online or in person. On the day, you must bring:
- Your ceremony notice;
- A signed Permission Release and Consent form (included with the notice);
- Permanent resident card (or confirmation of permanent residence);
- Record of Landing (for those who became permanent residents before June 28, 2002);
- Two pieces of personal ID (one must have your photograph and signature);
- Passports or travel documents (both current and expired) listed in the application;
- A holy book (optional) for the Oath of Citizenship.
At the ceremony, adults and children aged 14 or older must attend to take the Oath of Citizenship. You’ll receive your citizenship certificate, sign the oath form, and sing Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada.”
After this, you’ll officially become a Canadian citizen! Parents will receive certificates for their children under 14, although children in this age group are not required to attend the ceremony.
(Source: IRCC)