Canadian Citizenship
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.
Canadian citizenship is an important milestone for individuals and families who have built their lives in Canada. However, becoming a Canadian citizen involves more than simply submitting an application. From understanding eligibility and physical presence requirements to preparing for the citizenship test and navigating processing, each stage requires careful attention to detail.
Our Canadian Citizenship resource provides a comprehensive A-to-Z guide to the citizenship process, helping you understand the requirements, procedures, and potential challenges you may encounter along the way. Whether you are preparing to apply for citizenship, exploring Canadian Citizenship by Descent, calculating your physical presence, or dealing with a citizenship application that has been delayed or refused, this page brings key information together in one place.
Explore our five sections covering Applying for Canadian Citizenship, Citizenship by Descent, Citizenship Eligibility and Physical Presence, Citizenship Test and Processing, and Citizenship Problems, Refusals & Delays.
With clear and practical information, this guide is designed to help you better understand your citizenship options, prepare your application, and make informed decisions throughout the process.
