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Ottawa

CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION

STAY IN CANADA FOR A LONG TERM

When you first arrive in Canada, your immediate priorities likely include settling into your new home, completing essential paperwork, and securing a good job. But if you’re planning to stay long-term, it's important to familiarize yourself with the steps to becoming a Canadian citizen. This section will provide you with a complete overview of the citizenship process, from meeting the eligibility criteria to submitting your application and finally taking part in the citizenship ceremony.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • Be a permanent resident

  • Have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years

  • Have filed your taxes, if you need to

  • Prove your language skills

  • Pass a citizenship test

  • Take the oath of citizenship

There are situations that can prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen.

You cannot become a citizen if you’re prohibited under the Citizenship Act. For example, if​

You are in Canada

  • Serving a term of imprisonment

  • On parole

  • On probation

You are serving a sentence outside Canada

You are charged with, on trial for, or involved in an appeal for an offence

  • Under the Citizenship Act, or an indictable offence in Canada

  • Committed outside Canada that’s equivalent to an indictable offence in Canada

You are under a removal order (Canadian officials asked you to leave Canada)

You are being investigated for, are charged with, on trial for, involved in an appeal for or have been convicted of

  • A war crime, or

  • A crime against humanity

You had a citizenship application refused for misrepresentation in the past 5 years

You had your Canadian citizenship revoked (taken away) because of fraud in the past 10 years

You have been convicted of an indictable offence in Canada or an offence under the Citizenship Act, and

  • If you submitted your application after June 11, 2015, and this conviction took place in the 4 years before you applied.

In the 4 years before you apply, you were convicted of an offence outside Canada that’s equivalent to an indictable offence in Canada. This applies

  • Even if you were pardoned or granted amnesty

  • Regardless of when you had submitted your application.

While a permanent resident, you

  • Were convicted of terrorism, high treason, treason or spying offences

  • Served as a member of an armed force of a country or territory, or an organized armed group, that’s engaged in armed conflict with Canada

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If you are not sure whether the above situations apply to you, contact your lawyer or arresting police officer.

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If any of the above situations apply to you

Wait until the situation no longer applies before you apply for citizenship

  • Exception: You can never resume your citizenship if it was revoked due to fraud in the past 10 years.

Inform IRCC about the situation in your application

IRCC will review your application on a case-by-case basis

HOW TO APPLY

You need to choose the online or paper application. Do not apply both ways.

Apply Online

You can only apply online if

As an adult 18 years of age or older, you are a permanent resident who wishes to apply to become a Canadian citizen. Make sure you are eligible under adult subsection 5(1)

As a minor, the minor is a permanent resident under 18 years of age who has one parent who is a Canadian citizen or one parent who is applying for their Canadian citizenship at the same time. Make sure you are eligible under minor subsection 5(2)

As a minor, the minor is a permanent resident under 18 years of age who does not have one parent who is a Canadian citizen or one parent who is applying for their Canadian citizenship at the same time. Make sure the minor is eligible under minor subsection 5(1)

Apply On Paper

Get an application package

The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Use the instruction guide and the document checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Choose the application package for your situation:

Adult (age 18 or older)

Parent or guardian applying for a minor (under age 18)

Minor without a Canadian parent applying alone

Adult who served with the Canadian Armed Forces

Adoption by a Canadian citizen

Stateless person born to a Canadian parent

APPLY ONLINE

Apply Online For Canadian Citizenship As A Family Or A Group

Apply Online For Canadian Citizenship: Minors (Under 18)

Need any help? Our professional team is just a click away to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.

Apply Online For Canadian Citizenship As A Family Or A Group
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Who can apply online as a family or a group

You can apply online as a family or a group if you are:

  • An adult (18 or older) applying with other adults

  • A parent or legal guardian applying for a minor (under 18)

A minor must apply online on their own if

  • No one can apply on their behalf and

  • They don’t have

    • A Canadian parent or

    • A parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time

Starting a group application

To start a group application, you must be an adult who:

  • Is eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship and

  • Can apply online for Canadian citizenship

Join a group application

To join a group application, you must

  • Be an adult

  • Be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship

  • Be eligible to apply online

  • Not be part of another group application

  • Wait until you receive an email invitation to join a group application

  • Accept the invitation

If you can apply online, you may create an account before or after you get your email invitation.

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After you start or join a group application

After you create and sign in to your account, you can:

  • Invite other adults to join your application

  • Create an application for your minor child (or a minor for whom you’re the legal guardian)

 

Any adult you invite can choose to accept or decline your invitation. You don’t need to invite the minor to create their application.

Note: If you’re already in a group application and want to join a different group, you must leave your current group before joining a new one.


Your new group can invite you only after you leave your current group.

How the online group application works

There can only be 1 adult per online account.


All adults in your group:

  • Will have individual online accounts that are linked together

  • Can only view limited information about each other’s applications, to protect each applicant’s privacy

    • For example, you can check if your co-applicant’s application is in progress or already signed.

  • Must not share their account passwords with other members of the group

  • Cannot access each other’s applications

  • Must sign and date their own application

  • Can apply for a minor in their individual accounts

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Apply Online For Canadian Citizenship: Minors (Under 18)
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Who can apply online

​A minor can become a Canadian citizen using the minor 5(2) or minor 5(1) application. The application you must choose depends on the minor’s situation and your situation (as the person who applies for the minor).

Minor 5(2) application
Use this application if you’re applying for a minor who has

  • A Canadian parent or

  • A parent who’s applying for citizenship at the same time


To apply for the minor:

  • You must be the minor’s parent or legal guardian

  • If you are the minor’s parent, you must be their biological or adoptive parent

Minor 5(1) application

Use this application if you’re applying for a minor who doesn’t have

  • A Canadian parent or

  • A parent who’s applying for citizenship at the same time


To apply for the minor, you

  • Must be someone who has custody of the minor, or can legally act on their behalf

  • Must provide a copy of a document that proves your relationship with the minor

  • Don’t have to be a Canadian citizen

 

If you’re a minor who doesn’t have someone who can apply for you, you can apply online on your own.

How to apply for a minor

Find out the steps to apply online

  • If you are applying for a minor or

  • If you are minor who is applying for yourself

If you are applying for a minor

If you are applying for the minor (such as a parent or legal guardian), follow these steps:

  • Check the eligibility criteria to make sure

    • The minor is eligible for Canadian citizenship and

    • You can apply online for the minor

  • If you and the minor are eligible, start an online application

  • In the account, create and fill out the application for minor 5(2) or minor 5(1).

    • You

      • Can apply for up to 20 minors per account

      • Must sign and date the minor’s application

      • May apply for the minor without applying for yourself

    • The minor must also sign and date their application if they’re between 14 and 17 years old

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If you are a minor applying for yourself

You can only apply online for yourself as a minor if

  • You are applying for minor 5(1) and

  • You don’t have someone who can apply for you (such as a parent, a legal guardian or someone who can legally act on your behalf)


In this situation, you must apply online on your own. This means you can’t

  • Share your online account with other people

  • Invite other people to apply with you (with separate accounts)

How to apply alone as a minor 5(1) applicant
01

Check if you can apply online for minor 5(1)

.

02

If you’re eligible, start an online application.

.

03

In your account

  • Select “Create an application”

  • Select “Minor does not have a Canadian parent or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time”

  • Provide your name and date of birth

  • Select “Is applying for themselves, they do not have someone that has custody or is empowered to act on their behalf” for the “The minor applicant” question

04

Fill out the application.

.

05

Pay the fees online ($100) and upload the receipt to your account.

.

06

On the signature page of your online account

  • Select the waiver checkbox (by selecting this checkbox, you are requesting to apply alone)

  • Sign and date the application if you’re between 14 and 17 years old

07

Submit the application

.

08

After the application

After your application is submitted, IRCC will inform you if they

  • Need more supporting documents

  • Approve or reject your request to apply alone

    • If approved, you can continue applying online by yourself.

    • If rejected, IRCC will  stop processing the application until there’s an eligible person who can apply for you.

 

If you can’t or don’t want to apply online, you may apply for minor 5(1) on paper.

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Applying online with a representative

A representative

  • Is someone you choose to help you complete your application

  • Can be paid (authorized) or unpaid

  • May be a family member, friend, lawyer or consultant

  • Communicates and does business with IRCC for you after you submit the application


Your representative may

  • Help you to answer the questions in the online application.

  • Communicate with IRCC on your behalf after you submit your application.

  • Provide other assistance, information and advice.

Take the next step toward becoming a proud Canadian! Applying for Canadian citizenship brings you closer to enjoying all the rights and privileges that Canada has to offer. Our expert team is here to simplify the process, answer your questions, and support you at every stage.

APPLY ON PAPER

Application On Paper For Canadian Citizenship: Adults Subsection 5(1) CIT 0002

Application On Paper For Canadian Citizenship: Minors - Subsection 5(2)

Application On Paper For Canadian Citizenship: Minors - Subsection 5(1)

Application On Paper For Canadian Citizenship: Adults Subsection 5(1) CIT 0002
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Eligibility

This form for an application under subsection 5(1) is intended primarily for permanent residents aged 18 and over who want to apply for Canadian citizenship.

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older on the day you sign the application

  • Must be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada

  • Must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply

  • May need to file personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period

    • Find out if you need to file your taxes

  • Must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (if you are between 18 and 54 years old when you apply)

  • Must demonstrate you have knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship (if you are between 18 and 54 years old when you apply - this is assessed after you apply)

  • Can’t have any unfulfilled conditions relating to your permanent resident status

  • Can’t be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada)

  • Can’t be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds

Application Package

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

 

The application package includes:

  1. Instruction Guide

  2. Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults [CIT 0002]

  3. Document Checklist [CIT 0007]

  4. Citizenship Photo Specifications


If required:

   5. Residence Outside Canada [CIT 0177] 

   6. Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]

   7. Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident

       Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] 

   8. Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] 

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Prepare a complete application

To make sure you submit all the pages of the application form with your application package, follow these steps:

  • Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.

    • Note: Validating the form before printing makes sure that you have answered all the questions. This will help you to avoid delays in processing your application.

  • A last page with barcodes will automatically be created.

  • Print and sign the form.

    • Note: For best results print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper using a laser printer.

  • Place the barcode page on top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Application On Paper For Canadian Citizenship: Minors - Subsection 5(2)
Smiling Student
Eligibility

This form for an application under subsection 5(2) is intended for minors (under 18) who are permanent residents of Canada who want to apply for Canadian citizenship.

  • Do not use this form to apply for proof that a child born outside Canada to a Canadian parent is a Canadian citizen. If your child was born outside Canada and is a Canadian citizen, apply for proof of citizenship (adults and minors).

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship under subsection 5(2), you, the minor:

  • Must be under 18 years of age on the day you sign the application;

  • Must be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada;

  • Must have at least one parent (includes legally adoptive parent) who is a Canadian citizen or who will become a citizen at the same time as you (applying together as a family);

  • Can’t have any unfulfilled conditions relating to their permanent resident status

  • Can’t be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada);

  • Can’t be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds.

Application On Paper For Canadian Citizenship: Minors - Subsection 5(1)
Teenager on Her Phone
Eligibility

This form for an application under subsection 5(1) is intended for minors (under 18 years) that are permanent residents who want to apply for Canadian citizenship.

  • This application must be made by a person who has custody of the minor or who is empowered to act on their behalf by virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law. The authorized person applying on behalf of the minor does not have to be a Canadian citizen.

  • Minors who do not have an authorized person to apply on their behalf can request a waiver of this requirement on the application form. If you request a waiver, we will ask for more information.

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, the minor:

  • Must be under 18 years of age on the day you sign the application

  • Must be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada

  • Must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply

  • May need to file personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period, if required under the Income Tax Act

  • Can’t already have a Canadian parent

  • Can’t have any unfulfilled conditions relating to their permanent resident status

  • Can’t be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada)

  • Can’t be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds

Application Package

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

 

The application package includes:

  1. Instruction guide

  2. Application for Canadian Citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) [CI  0403] 

  3. Document Checklist [CIT 0560] 

  4. Citizenship Photo Specifications


Optional:

   5. Residence Outside Canada [CIT 0177]  

   6. Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]

   7. Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident                    Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] 

   8. Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] 

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Teengers with Laptop
Prepare a complete application

To make sure you submit all the pages of the application form with your application package, follow these steps:

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.          Note: Validating the form before printing makes sure that you have answered all the questions. This will help you to avoid delays in processing your application.

  2. A last page with barcodes will automatically be created.

  3. Print and sign the form.

  4. For best results print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper using a laser printer.

  5. Place the barcode page on top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Pay the application fees

Your fees depend on whether you are an adult (age 18 and over) or a minor (under age 18). Your fees may include

  • The processing fee

  • The right of citizenship fee

 

You have to pay your fees online.

  • Only pay your fees once you’re ready to submit your application.

  • Include the receipt with your application.

  • If you’re submitting more than 1 application at the same time, you can pay all the fees together (1 receipt) or separately (multiple receipts).

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Submit your application

Make sure:

  • ​You sign the application form

  • You date the form the day you sign it (don’t use a date in the past or future)

  • That the date of signature on the application form is the same as the “Application date” in the physical presence calculation for these applications:

    • Adult (age 18 or older).

    • Minor (under 18) without a Canadian parent applying alone.

  • Send your application as soon as possible after you sign and date the application form

    • IRCC will return your application to you if they receive it more than 90 days after the date on the form.

Send your completed application form and all documents in the application package by mail or courier:​

​Regular Mail

​Case Processing Centre - Sydney
Citizenship Grants
P.O. Box 7000
Sydney, NS  B1P 6V6​

Courier

​IRCC Digitization Centre - Citizenship
3050 Wilson Ave
New Waterford, NS  B1H 5V8​

Need personalized help for your citizenship application?

Let Our Experts Access Your profile And Get A Professional Advise

PREPARE FOR THE CITIZENSHIP TEST

  • Do I need a permit to study in Canada?
    Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Some people in specific situations may not. You should apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. Only some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada. Before you apply, you must have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada.
  • Study Permit eligibility requirements
    You can come to Canada to study if you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller If you’re under 18, you don’t have to be fully vaccinated. You do need to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. are enrolled at a DLI prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required) are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
  • Who can apply under Student Direct Stream?
    You must be a legal resident living in one (1) of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda Brazil China Colombia Costa Rica India Morocco Pakistan Peru Philippines Senegal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Vietnam have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution live outside of Canada at the time of application have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000 have a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec get a medical exam before you apply get a police certificate before you apply (if applicable in your situation) have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s) have a language test result that shows either: an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening) Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide other documents.
  • I am an international student in Canada. How can I apply to become a permanent resident?
    There are several permanent resident categories that you may fit into, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Provincial Nominee Program. Some of those categories require eligible Canadian work experience. If you want to work in Canada after you graduate from your studies, you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
  • How can I extend my stay as a student?
    The expiry date on your study permit tells you when you have to stop studying and leave Canada. If you want to study in Canada longer, you need to extend your study permit. It is recommended to apply at least 30 days before your current study permit expires. Make sure your passport doesn’t expire at the same time. Your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport’s expiry date.

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