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:
For Canadian citizenship applications under 18, requirements may be different. Minors who have a Canadian parent or a parent applying for citizenship must: Practice with the free Canadian Citizenship practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (16 questions with answer explanations).
Meanwhile, application for Canadian citizenship minors under 18 years of age who don't have a Canadian parent or parent applying for citizenship must:
If you are applying for citizenship, you must obtain a permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. This means that you should not:
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.
The following are the list of documents you have to gather and attach with your application:
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.
Students preparing for standardized academic tests can practice with our Canadian citizenship test 2026, covering the quantitative reasoning and analytical sections tested on exam day.
Newcomers to Canada can prepare for the placement test used by language training programs with our free CLBPT Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test practice — covering reading and writing assessment tasks.
Candidates applying for French-language positions in the Canadian public service can prepare with our free FICEP French language proficiency practice test — covering reading, writing, and oral interaction components.
Language proficiency candidates also practice with our TABE practice test 2026 to strengthen reading comprehension and communication skills.
Interactive Canadian Citizenship resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 20 multiple-choice or true-or-false questions, in English or French | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Time limit | 45 minutes | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Passing score | 15 of 20 correct (75%) | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Exam fee | CAD $653 per adult application (includes right of citizenship fee) | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Retake policy | Up to 3 attempts within the 30-day window; a hearing follows 3 failures | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Delivery | Online with webcam monitoring; in person or on Microsoft Teams in some cases | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Eligibility | Required for most applicants aged 18–54 | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Score release | Online: unofficial score right away; official result after review in days to weeks | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Registration opens | By invitation only, usually 1–3 months after the AOR | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| Testing window | Individual 30-day online testing window set in your invitation | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Prepare for the Canadian Citizenship exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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:
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.
Follow the steps below to complete your application form:
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.
After you have gathered all the necessary documents and have completed your application, send it to the following addresses:
Case Processing Centre-Sydney
P.O. Box 7000
SYDNEY, NS
B1P 6V6
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.
Once you have submitted complete documents, it usually takes 12 months for IRCC to process your applications and grant you the Canadian citizenship.
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.
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.
Try these questions from our free Canadian Citizenship practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What group of people were given the right to vote in federal and provincial elections in 1948?
Answer: C. Japanese-Canadians
Following World War II, Japanese-Canadians faced severe discrimination, including internment and disenfranchisement. In 1948, the federal government restored their right to vote, marking a crucial step towards rectifying past injustices. This decision was important for expanding democratic rights and promoting equality in Canada.
In the Oath of Citizenship, new Canadians pledge allegiance to whom?
Answer: C. The King of Canada
The Oath of Citizenship pledges allegiance to the King of Canada (currently King Charles III) and his heirs and successors. Canada is a constitutional monarchy, and the King is the head of state.
What is the name of the covered bridge in New Brunswick that is recognized as the longest covered bridge in the world?
Answer: A. Hartland Covered Bridge
The Hartland Covered Bridge, spanning 390.8 metres over the Saint John River, was built in 1901 and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's longest covered bridge.
Which Indigenous language family is the most linguistically diverse in British Columbia?
Answer: D. BC has more language diversity than any other province
BC is home to more distinct Indigenous language families than any other Canadian province.