If you’ve been a permanent resident of Canada for more than five years and plan to build your life here, it may be time to take the next step. Yes, it’s time to apply for Canadian citizenship! You may already have a job, stability, and a clear routine, and feel that it’s not urgent. However, citizenship offers many more benefits. It provides long-term security, additional rights, and peace of mind knowing Canada is officially your home.
If you’re not sure how to apply for Canadian citizenship or where to start, don’t worry. I’ll explain everything step by step, clearly and simply.
But let’s start talking about…
Requirements for applying for Canadian citizenship
The first step is to determine your eligibility. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not approve applications at random. The requirements are precise, and you must meet all of them based on your situation. Failing to meet even one requirement can delay your application or result in refusal.
The requirements change depending on your age and personal situation. In this article, we’ll focus on permanent residents aged 18 or older, as this is the most common case.
Be a permanent resident.
The first requirement is to have had valid permanent resident status in Canada for five years. Your status must be active and in good standing. You cannot have an outstanding removal order or unresolved conditions, such as incomplete medical exams.
Have enough physical presence in Canada.
To apply for citizenship, you must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) during your five-year eligibility period. This period is counted backward from the date you sign your application. During that time, you must have spent at least 730 days as a permanent resident.
Note that some time does not count. This includes time spent in prison, on parole, on probation, or waiting for a decision on a refugee claim.
Meet your tax obligations.
If you were required to file taxes in Canada, you must have filed tax returns for at least three of the last five years before applying. The government takes this very seriously, so make sure everything is up to date.
Prove your English or French language skills.
If you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your application, you must demonstrate basic proficiency in English or French, which are Canada’s official languages.
This means you need to be able to take part in simple conversations about everyday topics, understand basic instructions and questions, and use simple grammar. You also need a sufficient vocabulary to express yourself clearly. This level is equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 for English or NCLC level 4 for French.
IRCC can assess your language skills in different ways. They will review how you complete your application and communicate with officers throughout the process. If needed, they will also evaluate your performance on the citizenship test. You may also submit certificates, diplomas, or approved test results as proof.
Pass the citizenship test and take the Oath Allegiance.
If you are between 18 and 54 years old when you submit your application, you are required to take the citizenship test. The test covers the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, as well as Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols.
There are 20 questions on the test, and you must answer at least 15 correctly to pass. That means a score of 75%.
If you’re not sure where to start studying, check out our How to Pass the Canadian Citizenship Test blog, where we explain everything in detail. You can also use our Citizen Now app to take practice tests and prepare with confidence.
Once you have passed the test, the final step is to take the Oath Allegiance.
Do not be under a prohibition.
Finally, there’s one requirement you cannot ignore: you must not be under a prohibition. IRCC will not approve your Canadian citizenship application if you have active prohibitions related to criminal records or security issues, whether they occurred in Canada or elsewhere.
Some prohibitions are temporary, while others are permanent. That’s why, before you apply for Canadian citizenship, it’s essential to review your legal situation and wait, if needed.
How to apply for Canadian citizenship: Step by step
Now that the requirements are clear, let’s walk through the application process step by step.
Step 1: Gather the documents required by IRCC to apply for Canadian citizenship.
This is the first step. Before doing anything else, make sure you have all the documents required to apply for citizenship. These usually include proof of permanent residence and physical presence in Canada, identity documents, language proficiency certificates, and tax records.
Keep reading: Canadian Citizenship Documents: 2025 Checklist
It’s essential to have all the required documents, including those that apply to your personal situation. Make sure all the information is correct and that the documents are in English or French. Any mistake or missing document can cause delays or, in the worst case, result in a refusal.
Step 2: Fill out and submit your Canadian citizenship application.
Once your documents are ready, complete the citizenship application form. Take your time. Please fill it out slowly and carefully follow the instructions to avoid errors. You can submit your application online or by mail.
Fill out and submit your application online.
This is the most recommended option. It saves time and effort, and you can do everything in one place. You won’t need to print documents, and the system has built-in checks to help you catch mistakes before submitting. This helps you avoid problems later.
Another significant advantage is speed. When you apply online, you receive confirmation right away. IRCC sends an email confirming your application and providing your confirmation number. You will use this number to track the status of your citizenship application. If you apply by mail, this confirmation can take days or even weeks.
To apply for Canadian citizenship online, first create an IRCC account. Then, complete the form, upload all required documents, and sign everything electronically.
Submit your Canadian citizenship application by mail.
If you’re not comfortable with technology or prefer a more traditional approach, you can submit your application by mail. In some cases, this is the only option available.
What do you need to do? Download the official application package and complete it. You can complete it on your computer or by hand, whichever is easier for you. Then, gather all required documents and send everything by mail or courier with tracking to the address listed on the package.
Step 3: Pay the Canadian citizenship fees.
We’re listing this as a separate step to keep the process clear. However, you must pay the fees before submitting your application. The payment receipt for the citizenship fees is one of the required documents. If you don’t include it, IRCC will not accept or process your application.
There are two types of fees:
- The processing fee, which covers the review of your application
- The second is the right of citizenship fee, which is the fee for becoming a citizen.
According to the most recent government information, the cost of Canadian citizenship for adults is approximately CAD $649.75. Minors pay a lower fee.
Step 4: Take the citizenship test and, if necessary, attend an interview.
As previously mentioned, if you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you submit your application, you must take the citizenship test. The questions will cover topics such as rights and responsibilities, Canadian history, geography, symbols, and government.
You have up to three chances to pass the test, so don’t panic if you don’t pass on your first try. However, if you study hard, especially with Citizen Now, you will likely pass on the first try.
Of course, this depends on how much time you spend studying and how committed you are to the process.
In some cases, IRCC may also request an interview. During the interview, an officer will review your application, documents, and requirements and confirm your language ability. The interview can be in person or online.
Step 5: Wait for the IRCC’s decision.
Once you have passed the citizenship test and, if applicable, the interview, the only thing left to do is wait for the IRCC’s decision. If everything is in order, you will receive an approval letter.
If there are any problems, such as missing requirements, document issues, or incorrect test results, IRCC will send you a refusal letter. In this case, you can request a judicial review with the Federal Court of Canada. You have 30 days from the date of the refusal letter to do so.
That said, don’t expect the worst. If you meet the requirements and follow the steps carefully, everything should go well. You’re almost there; just one final step is…
Step 6: Take the Oath of Allegiance!
This is the moment most people have been waiting for since the beginning. Once your citizenship is approved, the IRCC will inform you of the date and location of your citizenship ceremony. It’s an emotional and unforgettable experience.
At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance, swearing loyalty to Canada. And that’s it! You are now a Canadian citizen with all the rights and privileges that come with it. One of the most important is the ability to apply for a Canadian passport.
In summary
You now know how the process to apply for Canadian citizenship works and what requirements you need to meet. If you have any more questions about Canadian citizenship, please leave them in the comments. We’re here to help!