Canadian citizenship grants the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and access all Charter rights without conditions. To become a citizen, you must first be a permanent resident, meet physical presence requirements, file Canadian income taxes, and pass a citizenship test (if aged 18–54). This guide covers every step of the process, including 2026 changes to the citizenship test format and Bill C-3 amendments.
Track Your Physical Presence
Our Physical Presence Calculator counts your days in Canada automatically — including partial credit for time as a temporary resident before PR.
Calculate your days — it's freeEligibility Requirements
Under the Citizenship Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-29), you must meet all of the following requirements to apply for Canadian citizenship:
1. Permanent Resident Status
You must be a permanent resident of Canada. Your PR status must not be in question — no active removal orders, no unfulfilled residency obligations, and no revocation proceedings.
2. Physical Presence (1,095 Days)
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the 5 years (1,825 days) immediately before your application date. Key rules:
- Each day as a PR counts as 1 full day
- Each day as a temporary resident or protected person BEFORE becoming PR counts as half a day (0.5), up to a maximum credit of 365 days
- Days spent serving a criminal sentence in Canada do NOT count
- Days outside Canada do NOT count (with limited Crown servant exceptions)
3. Income Tax Filing
You must have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least 3 of the 5 tax years that are fully or partially within the 5 years before your application. CRA tax filing history is verified directly by IRCC.
4. Language Ability (Ages 18–54)
Applicants aged 18–54 must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French at CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. Acceptable proof includes IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada results.
5. Citizenship Test (Ages 18–54)
You must pass a citizenship knowledge test covering Canadian history, values, institutions, rights, and responsibilities. The study guide is Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.
6. No Prohibitions
You cannot become a citizen if you are serving a conditional sentence, are in prison, are charged with or have been convicted of an indictable offence or a Citizenship Act offence, are under a removal order, are the subject of a CSIS investigation, or have had citizenship revoked in the past 10 years.
2026 Citizenship Test Changes
IRCC has been transitioning the citizenship test to an online format. Key changes for 2026:
- Online test format — can be taken remotely from home (supervised via webcam)
- 45-minute time limit for 20 questions
- Passing score: 15/20 (75%)
- Up to 3 attempts before being referred to a hearing with a citizenship officer
- Multiple choice and true/false questions
- Content based on Discover Canada study guide (available free online)
- Test available in English or French
Study tip: Focus on Chapter 7 (Rights and Responsibilities), Chapter 8 (Canadian History), and Chapter 10 (Government and Institutions) of Discover Canada. These topics make up the majority of test questions.
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View Reports → From $49.99Bill C-3: Citizenship by Descent Changes
Bill C-71 (formerly referenced as C-3 amendments) expanded citizenship by descent rules. Previously, Canadian citizenship could only be passed to the first generation born abroad. Key changes:
- Citizenship by descent extended beyond the first generation born abroad in certain circumstances
- Persons born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad can now claim citizenship if the Canadian parent lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before the child's birth
- Retroactive recognition for persons previously excluded by the first-generation limit
- Stateless persons born to Canadian parents abroad given expanded access to citizenship
Step-by-Step Application Process
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Verify you meet all requirements: PR status, 1,095 days physical presence, 3 years of tax filing, language ability (CLB 4+), and no prohibitions. Use our physical presence calculator to check your days.
- 2
Gather documents
Collect: copies of PR card (both sides), 2 citizenship photos, language test results (if 18–54), travel history for the past 5 years, tax assessment notices (3 years). Use CIT 0002 or CIT 0001 application forms.
- 3
Submit application online
Apply through the IRCC online portal. Pay the $630 CAD application fee ($100 for minors under 18). You'll receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) with your application number.
- 4
Wait for processing
IRCC reviews your application, verifies tax filing with CRA, checks criminal record with RCMP, and confirms physical presence. Current processing time: approximately 5–14 months.
- 5
Take the citizenship test
If aged 18–54, you'll be invited to take the online citizenship test (20 questions, 45 minutes, 15/20 to pass). Up to 3 attempts. If you fail all 3, you'll be scheduled for a hearing with a citizenship officer.
- 6
Attend the citizenship ceremony
Take the Oath of Citizenship at an in-person or virtual ceremony. You'll receive your citizenship certificate on the same day. You are officially a Canadian citizen the moment you take the oath.
Dual Citizenship Rules
Canada fully allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. When you become a Canadian citizen, you are not required to renounce your existing citizenship. Key points:
- You can hold Canadian citizenship alongside any number of other citizenships
- Canada does not notify your other country of citizenship when you become Canadian
- Some countries (e.g., China, India, Japan) do not allow dual citizenship — check your home country's rules
- When in Canada, you are treated as a Canadian citizen regardless of other nationalities
- You must enter and leave Canada using your Canadian passport (or Canadian travel document)
- US citizens can hold both US and Canadian citizenship without restriction from either country
Processing Times & Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult application fee | $630 CAD |
| Minor (under 18) application fee | $100 CAD |
| Processing time (application to ceremony) | 5–14 months |
| Citizenship test | Included in application (no separate fee) |
| Replacement citizenship certificate | $75 CAD |
Check real-time processing times on our processing times dashboard. Calculate all fees with our fee calculator.
Children and Minors
Minors (under 18) can apply for citizenship either with a parent or on their own if they are a PR. Key differences:
- No citizenship test required for minors under 18
- No language requirement for minors under 18
- Physical presence requirement still applies (1,095 days in 5 years)
- A Canadian citizen parent can apply on behalf of a minor child who is a PR
- Application fee: $100 CAD (vs. $630 for adults)
- Minor applicants do not take the Oath of Citizenship (it is taken on their behalf by the parent)
- Children born in Canada are automatically Canadian citizens (jus soli) — no application needed
Planning your citizenship timeline?
Our Physical Presence Calculator tracks your days automatically and tells you exactly when you're eligible to apply.
Calculate Your DaysFrequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to live in Canada before I can apply for citizenship?
You need 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada within the 5 years before your application date. Days as a temporary resident before PR count at half value (up to 365 days credit). Use our physical presence calculator to check your eligibility date.
Do I need to give up my other citizenship to become Canadian?
No. Canada allows dual and multiple citizenship. You do not need to renounce any existing citizenship. However, check whether your home country allows dual citizenship — some countries (China, India, Japan) do not.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
You get up to 3 attempts to pass the test (15/20 = 75%). If you fail all 3 attempts, you'll be referred to a hearing with a citizenship officer who will assess your knowledge through an interview. The officer may approve or deny your citizenship based on the hearing.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
It depends. Active criminal sentences (prison, conditional sentence, probation) are a prohibition. Completed sentences are not an automatic bar, but IRCC considers criminal history in the application review. Serious or recent convictions may result in a denial or delay.
How much does Canadian citizenship cost?
The application fee is $630 CAD for adults (18+) and $100 CAD for minors (under 18). There is no separate fee for the citizenship test or ceremony. Language test fees ($300–$350) are paid separately to the test provider.
Can I travel while my citizenship application is processing?
Yes, but keep careful records. You must maintain your physical presence in Canada. Extended absences during processing can delay your application. If you change address or travel extensively, update IRCC through your online account.
Do I need to speak both English and French?
No. You need adequate knowledge of either English OR French at CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. You do not need to be bilingual. Applicants aged 55+ and children under 18 are exempt from the language requirement entirely.
Important: Based on publicly available Citizenship Act, IRPA, and IRCC policy. Not legal advice. For complex cases, consult an immigration lawyer licensed by your provincial law society.
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