Applying for Canadian Citizenship
Applying for Canadian Citizenship: Step-by-Step Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship
online?
Most citizenship applicants can now apply online.
However, some applicants must still use a paper application, including certain
applicants claiming physical presence credit for time outside Canada as a Crown
servant or qualifying family member.
2. Can a lawyer or representative
submit my citizenship application online for me?
Currently, if a representative assists with an online
citizenship application, the applicant must create their own account and
personally complete, sign and submit the online application.
If you want the representative to complete and submit
the application on your behalf, IRCC currently requires a paper application.
3. How much does an adult Canadian
citizenship application cost?
As of September 2026, the government fee for an adult
citizenship grant application is $653, consisting of a $530 processing
fee and a $123 right of citizenship fee.
Government fees can change, so the current IRCC fee
schedule should be checked before payment.
4. What happens after I submit my
citizenship application?
IRCC first checks whether the application is
complete. If it passes the completeness check, IRCC sends an Acknowledgement
of Receipt (AOR) and begins processing.
Further steps can include background checks, the
citizenship test, requests for fingerprints or documents, an interview and, if
approved, the citizenship ceremony.
5. What happens if my citizenship
application is incomplete?
IRCC may return an incomplete application and
identify the missing information, documents or fees.
Depending on what is missing, you may need to correct
the application, recalculate physical presence, sign it again or provide
updated documents before resubmitting it.
6. Can family members apply for
citizenship together?
Yes. Eligible family members can submit applications
as a family or group. Each person must still meet the citizenship requirements
that apply to them and provide the required information and documents.
7. Will every citizenship applicant be
asked for fingerprints or an interview?
No. These are not required in every application.
IRCC may request fingerprints to complete background
checks and may schedule an interview where further verification of identity,
documents or eligibility is required.
8. When do I officially become a
Canadian citizen?
Approval of the application alone does not complete
the process for applicants who are required to take the oath.
You officially become a Canadian citizen when you take the Oath of Citizenship at your citizenship ceremony.
Applying for Canadian citizenship involves more than
completing an application form. Before submitting, applicants should confirm
that they meet the eligibility requirements and make sure the information
provided about their immigration, travel and tax history is complete and
accurate.
The first step is to confirm your eligibility. Most
adult applicants must be permanent residents, meet the 1,095-day physical
presence requirement, satisfy applicable tax filing obligations, and not be
subject to a citizenship prohibition. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also
generally meet the language requirement and pass the citizenship test.
Next, calculate your physical presence using IRCC’s
Physical Presence Calculator and gather the documents required for your
application. These may include passports and travel documents covering the
eligibility period, identification, proof of language ability where required,
photographs and other documents relevant to your circumstances.
Most applicants can submit their citizenship
application online, although some applicants must still apply on paper.
Before submitting, carefully review the application for missing information,
inconsistent dates and unanswered questions. Required fees must also be paid.
After IRCC receives and confirms that the application
is complete, it issues an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) and begins
processing. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, IRCC may request
fingerprints, additional documents or an interview.
Applicants between 18 and 54 are generally invited to
take the citizenship test. Once all applicable requirements are satisfied and
the application is approved, most applicants attend a citizenship ceremony and
take the Oath of Citizenship, which is the final step in becoming a
Canadian citizen.
