Citizenship
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for citizenship, the requirements, the citizenship test, and what to expect during the ceremony.
Who Can Apply for Canadian Citizenship?
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, most applicants must meet the following criteria:
Permanent Residency
You must be a permanent resident of Canada.
Residency Requirement:
You must have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days).
Tax Filing
If required, you must have filed your taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period before applying.
Language Skills
You need to prove your proficiency in either English or French.
Pass the Citizenship Test
Most applicants must take a citizenship test.
Take the Oath of Citizenship
Once approved, you will take the oath of citizenship during a ceremony.
Application Process
You can apply for citizenship online or on paper. The application fees are the same for both methods:
- Adults (18 or older): $630
- Minors (under 18): $100
Ensure you pay the fees online and include the receipts with your application. After submission, you will receive a confirmation letter, and processing will begin.
Processing time is generally 7 months, including the citizenship test, interview, and ceremony.
Citizenship Test
Most applicants will need to take a citizenship test as part of the application. The test is designed to evaluate your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, laws, and the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens.
Test Details:
Questions : 20 multiple-choice or true/false questions
Passing Score : You need at least 15 out of 20 correct to pass.
Duration: 45 minutes
Languages: Available in English or French.
Who Needs to Take the Test?
Adults aged 18-54 : Must take the test.
Adults 55 and older : Do not need to take the test but may be invited to an interview.
Minors under 18 : Generally do not need to take the test, unless specific conditions apply.
You will receive an invitation to take the test, and if you pass, you will move on to the citizenship ceremony.
Preparing for the Test
To prepare for the test, use the official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, which is available in multiple formats :
Read it online
Listen to the MP3 version
Download the PDF/eBook
Order a paper copy (free of charge)
Citizenship Ceremony and Oath
After passing the test (if applicable), the final step in the citizenship process is the citizenship ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Citizenship.
- Adults (18 and older) and children aged 14 or older must attend the ceremony.
- Children under 14 do not have to attend but will receive a certificate of citizenship.
You will be invited to the ceremony via email or mail 1 to 2 weeks in advance. The invitation will include the date, time, and location (or video link for virtual ceremonies). Be sure to check your junk/spam folder.
What to Bring to the Ceremony
Before attending the ceremony, make sure to bring the following documents:
Missed Ceremony or Rescheduling
If you can’t attend the ceremony, contact the authorities within 30 days to explain the reason and request a new date. If you don’t provide a valid explanation, your application could be refused.
Post-Ceremony
Once you’ve taken the Oath of Citizenship, you will officially become a Canadian citizen! You’ll be eligible to:
- Apply for a Canadian passport
- Vote in federal, provincial, and local elections
- Enjoy free admission to Canada’s national parks and cultural centers for 1 year
Start your Canadian citizenship journey today! If you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process, you’ll soon be able to take part in all the rights and responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To be eligible, you must:
Be a permanent resident of Canada
Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days)
Be up-to-date with your tax filings, if required
Prove your language skills in either English or French
Pass the citizenship test (for most applicants)
Take the Oath of Citizenship
The citizenship test consists of 20 multiple-choice or true/false questions about Canadian history, geography, government, and the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens. You need at least 15 out of 20 correct to pass.
The test is 45 minutes long and is available in both English and French. You can take the test online, in person, or on Microsoft Teams if you require accommodations.
You can take the test up to 3 times. If you fail all 3 attempts, you will be invited to a hearing with a citizenship official. If you pass the hearing, your application will continue. If you fail the hearing, your application will be refused, and you will need to reapply and pay the fees again.
The processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is generally around 7 months . This includes the processing of your application, taking the citizenship test, an interview (if required), and attending the ceremony.
Yes, you can apply for Canadian citizenship online if you meet the eligibility criteria. It’s a faster and more convenient option, but you must ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. If you're not eligible to apply online, you can apply on paper.
When attending the ceremony, bring the following documents:
If you are unable to attend your scheduled ceremony, you must contact the authorities within 30 days to explain the reason and request a new date. If you don’t provide a reasonable explanation, your application may be refused.
The citizenship ceremony can be held in English, French, or both (bilingual). If you prefer a bilingual ceremony, you can contact the office that sent you the invitation to request this.
After taking the Oath of Citizenship, you will officially become a Canadian citizen! You will:
Be eligible to apply for a Canadian passport
Have the right to vote in elections
Enjoy free admission to Canada’s national parks and cultural centers for 1 year.