Canadian Citizenship

Canadian Citizenship — How to Become a Canadian Citizen

Overview
Canadian citizenship grants full rights and obligations in Canada—voting, holding public office, and securing a Canadian passport. The process is overseen by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

1. Who Can Apply

To become a Canadian citizen, you must:

• Be a permanent resident (PR) with no unfulfilled PR conditions or removal orders. An expired PR card is acceptable.
• Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years before applying. Temporary status may count as half days, up to 365 days.
• Have filed income taxes, if required, for at least 3 of the 5 years prior to applying.

Additional requirements (ages 18–54):

• Language proficiency in English or French, equivalent to CLB/NCLC Level 4, demonstrated via approved documents or in-person interaction.
• Citizenship test on Canada’s history, values, institutions, and rights/responsibilities. A 75% passing score is required; the test may be written or oral.

All applicants must take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony unless exempt (e.g., under 14 years old).

2. Recent Updates & Special Considerations

• First-generation limit on citizenship by descent: Currently, Canadians born outside Canada can only pass citizenship to their children born abroad if they themselves were born in Canada. A court declared this limit unconstitutional, but the rules remain in effect until November 20, 2025.
• Interim measures: Applicants affected by the first-generation limit can apply via a discretionary grant process and may receive priority if born on/after December 19, 2023, and if their Canadian parent has a substantial connection to Canada.
• Key legislative development (Bill C‑3): Proposed in June 2025, this bill aims to eliminate the first-generation limit entirely—enabling more individuals born abroad to claim citizenship by descent—particularly benefiting people from the Indian diaspora and those historically excluded as “lost Canadians.”

3. How to Apply: Practical Steps & Fees

1. Check your eligibility – Use IRCC tools and ensure you meet all basic criteria.
2. Obtain the application package – Includes guide and forms for your category (adult, minor, adoptive, stateless, etc.).
3. Pay the fees – As of March 31, 2025, the Right of Citizenship fee for adults is $119.75 (plus processing fee).
4. Gather supporting documents – Cover PR proof, physical presence records, tax documents, language proof, and test accommodations if needed.
5. Submit application – On paper; using a representative is optional and doesn’t influence processing.
6. Attend test/interview – If applicable; schedule and details will follow once your application is reviewed.
7. Take the Oath at the ceremony – Citizenship is granted upon completion of the oath.

Summary Table