Straightforward Guide On Creating The Best Canadian Citizenship Application
Canadian Citizenship Application
There is no shortcut in applying for Canadian citizenship. You need to follow the process, meet specific eligibility requirements, and pass the citizenship test. To be granted Canadian citizenship, you should:
- become a permanent resident
- have been physically present in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years
- demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Canada
- taking the citizenship test
- have filed taxes, if needed
- prove language skills (English or French)
- test results from a third party, equivalent to at least CLB/NCLC 4
- transcript, diploma or certificate from an English or French school program
- proof you completed a speaking and listening course at level CLB/NCLC 4 in a LINC or CLIC course
- if deaf, provide an audiogram and letter issued by a Canadian audiologist stating that you are deaf and have severe to profound hearing loss
For Canadian citizenship applications under 18, requirements may be different. Minors who have a Canadian parent or a parent applying for citizenship must:
- be a permanent resident
- take the Oath of Citizenship, if 14 years or older
- must sign the application form along with their parent or guardian
- pay fee of $100
Meanwhile, application for Canadian citizenship minors under 18 years of age who don’t have a Canadian parent or parent applying for citizenship must:
- be a permanent resident
- have been physically present in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) out of the last 5 years before you apply
- have filed income tax, if required by the CRA
- take the Oath of Citizenship, if 14 years or older
- must sign the application form along with their parent or guardian
- pay fee of $100
Permanent Resident (PR) Status
If you are applying for citizenship, you must obtain a permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. This means that you should not:
- be under review for immigration or fraud reasons
- be under a removal order
- have unfulfilled conditions regarding your PR status
Regardless of your age, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 1095 days during the 5 years preceding your application. It is highly suggested that you apply with more than 1095 days of physical appearance to have extra days in case you will encounter problems with the calculation. Using a travel journal to record your trips will help you calculate your physical presence in Canada.
Canadian Citizenship Application Document Checklist
The following are the list of documents you have to gather and attach with your application:
- Original printout of your Online Physical Presence Calculation or form CIT 0407
- Photocopies of all valid and expired passports or travel documents you had in the past 5 years where your name, photo, passport/travel document number, issue date, and expiration date are visible.
- photocopies of 2 valid IDs
- driver’s license
- health insurance card
- senior citizen’s card
- passport or any government-issued identification documents
- travel document
- age of majority card
- Two identical citizenship photos
- Application fee receipt
- Document Checklist or form CIT 0007
If you cannot provide Canadian personal identification documents, you may provide identity documents equivalent to the documents listed above. If your identification documents are not in English or French, you may also include a translation and affidavit.
Note: If you’re applying for a minor who doesn’t have 2 valid IDs or photo ID, you must provide an explanation letter along with the application. Birth certificates, Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards, bank cards, and previous Canadian citizenship certificates are not valid as personal identification documents.
Canadian Citizenship Application Package
When applying for citizenship, you can get an application package that suits your situation. The package comprises of the instruction guide, document checklist, and all the forms you have to feel out. You can choose from the following application packages for your situation:
- Adult (18 years and older)
- Parent (or guardian) applying for a minor under 17
- Minor under 18 without a Canadian parent
- Adoption by a Canadian citizen
- An adult who served with the Canadian Armed Forces
- A stateless person born to a Canadian parent
Make sure you use the newest version of the application form dated October 2017 or later to avoid hassles of returned applications due to outdated form.
Completing Your Application
Follow the steps below to complete your application form:
- Download the Canadian citizenship application CIT 0001 form from the IRCC website
- Open the application form on your computer
- Read the instructions at the end of the application form
- Fill out the form. You can either:
- fill it out electronically on your computer and then print and sign it, or
- print the form and fill it out by hand
Fee for Canadian Citizenship Application
Canadian citizenship application fee payment varies whether you are an adult or minor. If you more than one from your family is applying for citizenship you can pay the fees altogether. Only pay the application fees when you’re ready to submit your application as they are non-refundable once the processing has begun.
| Adult (aging 18 to 54) | Minor (under 18) | |
| Processing fee | $530 | |
| Right of Citizenship fee | $100 | $100 |
| Total Application fee | $630 | $100 |
The only form of payment accepted is online, so if you pay it in another form of payment, the IRCC will return your application. For applicants who are currently outside Canada and the United States and have no access to the Internet, you must pay directly to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate where you will submit your application.
Submit Your Citizenship Application
After you have gathered all the necessary documents and have completed your application, send it to the following addresses:
- Regular Mail
Case Processing Centre-Sydney
P.O. Box 7000
SYDNEY, NS
B1P 6V6
- Courier Address
Case Processing Centre-Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 5Z2
Note: Your application will be returned if it is incomplete; it doesn’t meet the minimum processing requirements, and; does not include the correct fee payment.
Prepare for Your Citizenship Test and Interview
If you are 18 to 54 years old during your citizenship application, you will be invited to take the citizenship test weeks after the IRCC receives your application. After the test, you may also be invited to an interview or hearing with a citizenship officer. You will be examined on your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, rights and responsibilities of a citizen, and language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to apply for Canadian citizenship?
Once you have submitted complete documents, it usually takes 12 months for IRCC to process your applications and grant you Canadian citizenship.
How to check my Canadian citizenship application progress?
You can check your Canadian citizenship application status online once the processing has started. You will know when the processing has started when you receive an acknowledgment letter or email with your application letter. If you can’t check your status online, you can refer to the processing times as a guide to how long the process might take.
What is the process for Canadian citizenship by descent application?
Individuals born outside of Canada are Canadian citizens by descent if one of their parents is a citizen of Canada either by having been born in Canada or by naturalization.
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