Citizenship FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Common questions about Canadian citizenship including eligibility, the citizenship test, language requirements, dual citizenship, processing times, and the oath ceremony.
Who is eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship?
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident of Canada, have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the 5 years immediately before your application, have filed your income taxes for at least 3 taxation years within the 5-year period, and meet the language requirement in English or French (if you are between 18 and 54 years old). You must not be under a removal order or have certain criminal prohibitions. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident counts as half-days toward the physical presence requirement, up to a maximum of 365 days. IRCC provides an online tool to help you calculate your physical presence.
How do I calculate my physical presence in Canada?
You need 1,095 days of physical presence in the 5 years before your application. You can use the CRA's residence calculator or IRCC's online tool. Count every day you were physically in Canada. Days spent outside Canada as a permanent resident do not count. However, days in Canada before you became a permanent resident (as a temporary resident or protected person) count as half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days. For example, if you spent 730 days in Canada on a work permit before becoming a PR, 365 of those days (half of 730) count toward your requirement. Keep detailed records of your travel outside Canada, including departure and return dates, as you will need to list all absences in your application.
What is the citizenship test?
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must pass a citizenship knowledge test. The test covers knowledge of Canada, including the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, Canadian history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols. The test is based on the official study guide called "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship," which is available for free on the IRCC website. The test is typically 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need to get at least 15 correct (75 percent) to pass. The test is usually 30 minutes long and is taken in English or French. If you fail the test, you will be scheduled for a second attempt. If you fail again, you will be scheduled for a hearing with a citizenship official.
How do I prepare for the citizenship test?
Download and study the "Discover Canada" guide from the IRCC website thoroughly. The guide covers seven chapters: the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, who Canadians are, Canadian history, modern Canada, how Canadians govern themselves, federal elections, and the justice system. Focus on key facts such as the names of the Prime Minister, your province's Premier, your Member of Parliament, Confederation dates, major historical events, government structure (Parliament, Senate, House of Commons), the role of the monarchy, and Canadian symbols. Many free online practice tests are available that simulate the actual test format. Study over several weeks rather than cramming, and pay special attention to sections about your province or territory.
What language level do I need for citizenship?
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French. The minimum level is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in speaking and listening. You can prove your language ability through: a designated language test result (IELTS, CELPIP for English, or TEF, TCF for French), completion of a government-funded language training program at CLB 4 or higher, completion of a secondary or post-secondary education program in English or French, or evidence of achieving CLB 4 in a government-funded language program. IRCC may also assess your language ability during the citizenship test or interview. Applicants under 18 or 55 and older are exempt from the language requirement.
Can I hold dual citizenship in Canada?
Yes, Canada fully allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. Becoming a Canadian citizen does not require you to renounce your previous citizenship. However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship and may automatically revoke your original citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. Check the laws of your home country before applying. As a dual citizen, when you are in Canada, you are treated as a Canadian citizen with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it. When travelling internationally, carry your Canadian passport for entering and leaving Canada, and your other passport if needed for your country of origin.
How much does the citizenship application cost?
The fee for a citizenship application is $630 for adults (aged 18 and over), which includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 right of citizenship fee. For minors (under 18), the fee is $100. These fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. There is no fee for the citizenship test or the oath ceremony. Additional costs may include language test fees ($250-$350 if you need to take a designated test) and photographs ($15-$30). The application fee must be paid online when you submit your application.
How long does it take to process a citizenship application?
Processing times vary and have changed significantly over the years. As of recent IRCC processing times, applications take approximately 5 to 14 months from submission to the oath ceremony, though this can vary. The process includes: submitting your application, IRCC reviewing your application for completeness, background checks and verification, scheduling and taking the citizenship test (if applicable), and scheduling the oath ceremony. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website. Incomplete applications or requests for additional documents can cause delays. After you pass the test, you will be scheduled for an oath ceremony, which may take several additional weeks.
What happens at the citizenship ceremony?
The citizenship ceremony (oath ceremony) is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen. During the ceremony, you take the Oath of Citizenship, which is administered by a citizenship judge or official. You will recite the oath in both English and French, pledging allegiance to Canada and promising to observe Canadian laws and fulfill your duties as a citizen. After taking the oath, you receive your citizenship certificate. Ceremonies can be in-person or virtual. They are often held with other new citizens and sometimes include speeches, the singing of O Canada, and recognition of the significance of the occasion. You should bring your permanent resident card and a valid photo ID to the ceremony.
What rights do Canadian citizens have that permanent residents do not?
Canadian citizens have several rights that permanent residents do not, including: the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, the right to run for political office, the right to hold a Canadian passport, the right to enter and remain in Canada without restriction (permanent residents can lose their status if they do not meet residency obligations), access to certain federal government jobs that require security clearance, and protection from deportation (citizens cannot be deported, while permanent residents can be removed for serious criminal offences or misrepresentation). Citizens also have the right to pass Canadian citizenship to their children born abroad.
Can I lose my Canadian citizenship?
Once granted, Canadian citizenship is very difficult to lose. You can only lose citizenship through voluntary renunciation (formally requesting to give up citizenship) or revocation by the government in cases of fraud, false representation, or knowingly concealing material circumstances in the citizenship application. Living outside Canada does not cause you to lose citizenship, unlike permanent residence which requires meeting residency obligations. The government cannot revoke your citizenship because of criminal convictions or political activities. The process of revocation involves formal proceedings with the right to respond.
Do I need to take the citizenship test if I am over 55?
No. Applicants aged 55 and older on the date they sign their application are exempt from both the citizenship knowledge test and the language requirement. They still must meet all other requirements, including physical presence, tax filing, and admissibility. This exemption also applies to applicants under 18 years old. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must complete both the test and the language requirement.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from citizenship, but it can affect your eligibility. If you are currently charged with an indictable offence, you cannot take the oath of citizenship. If you have been convicted of an indictable offence within the 4 years before your application, you may be ineligible. Summary offences (less serious crimes) generally do not prevent citizenship but must be disclosed. Criminal charges or convictions outside Canada may also affect eligibility. Any time served in prison, on parole, or on probation in the 5 years before your application does not count toward physical presence. Full disclosure of your criminal history is required, and failure to disclose can lead to application refusal or future revocation.
What documents do I need for the citizenship application?
You need: copies of your permanent resident card (front and back), copies of two pieces of personal identification, two citizenship photos meeting IRCC specifications, results of a language test (if applicable), your travel history for the past 5 years (all trips outside Canada with dates), copies of your Canadian tax returns or notices of assessment for 3 of the past 5 tax years, and any supporting documents for exceptions you are claiming. You will also need to provide information about your immigration history, marital status, dependents, and education. All documents not in English or French must be accompanied by certified translations.
Can my child become a Canadian citizen?
Children under 18 can apply for citizenship if they are permanent residents and one parent (or legal guardian) is a Canadian citizen or is applying for citizenship at the same time. Children under 18 are exempt from the physical presence requirement, the language requirement, and the citizenship test. The application fee for a minor is $100. Children born in Canada are automatically Canadian citizens regardless of their parents' immigration status (jus soli). Children born outside Canada to at least one Canadian citizen parent are generally Canadian citizens by descent, though second-generation born-abroad rules may apply.
What is the Oath of Citizenship?
The Oath of Citizenship is the formal pledge you take at the citizenship ceremony. The text of the oath, as established by the Citizenship Act, affirms that you will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Canadian Crown, that you will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution (which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples), and that you will fulfill your duties as a Canadian citizen. The oath is recited in both English and French. Taking the oath is the legal moment at which you become a Canadian citizen.
Can I travel with my Canadian citizenship certificate?
No, the citizenship certificate is not a travel document. Once you become a Canadian citizen, you should apply for a Canadian passport as soon as possible. You will need your passport to travel internationally and to return to Canada. Passport applications can be submitted in person at a Service Canada or passport office, or by mail. A 10-year passport costs $160 and a 5-year passport costs $120. Processing times are typically 10 business days if you apply in person or 20 business days by mail. As a new citizen, bring your citizenship certificate when applying for your first passport.
What if I do not meet the physical presence requirement?
If you do not yet have 1,095 days of physical presence in the past 5 years, you must wait until you do before applying. You can use IRCC's online physical presence calculator to track your days. Frequent travel outside Canada is the most common reason for not meeting this requirement. There are no exceptions or waivers to the physical presence requirement, even for work-related travel. Plan your travel carefully in the years before you plan to apply for citizenship. Crown servants (federal or provincial government employees posted abroad) and accompanying family members may be able to count some time abroad toward their physical presence.
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