Citizenship & Naturalization
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Canadian citizenship is available to permanent residents who have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before applying. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a citizenship knowledge test on Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols, and demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French. The application fee is $630 CAD for adults ($100 for minors).
Canada fully recognizes dual citizenship. You do not need to give up your other citizenship to become Canadian. The entire process from application to oath ceremony typically takes 12 to 18 months. After taking the oath, you can apply for a Canadian passport. Canadian citizens have the right to vote, run for office, hold a Canadian passport, and cannot be deported from Canada.
When does it apply?
This applies when:
- You are a permanent resident who has been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the past 5 years
- You have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least 3 years in the 5-year period
- You are at least 18 years old (minors can apply with a parent)
Requirements breakdown:
- Physical presence: 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years before the application date. Time spent as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR counts as half days (up to 365 days maximum). Use the IRCC physical presence calculator online.
- Tax filing: Must have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the 5 tax years that fall within the physical presence period.
- Language: Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show adequate knowledge of English or French at CLB 4 or higher. Accepted proof includes: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, TCF Canada, completion of a Canadian secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, or proof of government-funded language training at CLB 4+.
- Knowledge test: Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a written test (20 questions, must get 15 correct) on Canadian history, values, institutions, symbols, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Study guide: "Discover Canada" (free at canada.ca).
- No criminal prohibitions: You cannot become a citizen while serving a sentence (including probation), charged with or convicted of an indictable offence, under a removal order, or subject to a declaration of being a security risk.
- Dual citizenship: Canada has fully recognized dual citizenship since 1977. You do not need to renounce your other nationality.
Fees:
- Adult (18+): $630 CAD (processing fee $530 + right of citizenship fee $100)
- Minor (under 18): $100 CAD
What should you do?
Step 1: Calculate your physical presence using the IRCC online calculator. Gather your travel history from passport stamps, boarding passes, and travel records. You need at least 1,095 days in Canada in the past 5 years.
Step 2: Confirm you have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the 5 years in the qualifying period. Request your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency if needed.
Step 3: Take a language test if you don't already have acceptable proof. CLB 4 is the minimum, which corresponds to an IELTS score of approximately 4.0 to 4.5 in each skill. Alternatively, completing a Canadian educational program taught in English or French satisfies this requirement.
Step 4: Submit your citizenship application (CIT 0002) through your IRCC online account. Include your PR card (both sides), language proof, 2 citizenship photos, and the $630 CAD fee. Processing time: approximately 12 to 18 months.
Step 5: Study for the citizenship test using the free "Discover Canada" guide. The test is 30 minutes, 20 multiple-choice questions, and you need 15 correct answers (75%) to pass. If you fail, you may retake the test or attend a hearing with a citizenship judge.
Step 6: Attend the citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship. You will receive your citizenship certificate at or after the ceremony. Apply for a Canadian passport immediately using form PPTC 153 ($160 CAD for a 10-year adult passport).
What should you NOT do?
Don't miscalculate your physical presence days. IRCC rigorously verifies physical presence using passport stamps, travel records, and CBSA entry/exit data. Claiming days you were outside Canada constitutes misrepresentation and can result in denial, revocation of PR status, and a 5-year ban under IRPA section 40.
Don't ignore the tax filing requirement. Even if you owe no taxes, you must file tax returns for at least 3 of the 5 qualifying years. Missing tax filings will delay or prevent your citizenship application.
Don't let your PR status lapse before applying. If you fail to meet the PR residency obligation (730 days in 5 years) or your PR card expires, your citizenship application could be complicated. Maintain valid PR status by being physically present in Canada and keeping your PR card current.
Don't use a representative who is not authorized. Only licensed immigration consultants (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, or RCICs, registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) or lawyers/notaries are authorized to represent you. Using unauthorized representatives is a risk, and you are responsible for any misrepresentation they make on your behalf.
Don't panic if you fail the citizenship test. You will be scheduled for a second test or a hearing with a citizenship judge. Many people pass on the second attempt after additional study. The judge hearing is not adversarial — it is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge orally.
Common Questions
When does citizenship & naturalization apply?
This applies when:You are a permanent resident who has been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the past 5 yearsYou have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least 3 years in the 5-year periodYou are at least 18 years old (minors can apply with a parent)Requirements breakdown:Physical presence: 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years before the application date. Time spent as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR counts as half days (up to 365 days maximum). Use the IRCC physical presence calculator online.Tax filing: Must have filed Canadian in...
What should I do about citizenship & naturalization?
Step 1: Calculate your physical presence using the IRCC online calculator. Gather your travel history from passport stamps, boarding passes, and travel records. You need at least 1,095 days in Canada in the past 5 years.Step 2: Confirm you have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the 5 years in the qualifying period. Request your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency if needed.Step 3: Take a language test if you don't already have acceptable proof. CLB 4 is the minimum, which corresponds to an IELTS score of approximately 4.0 to 4.5 in each skill. Alternatively, complet...
What mistakes should I avoid with citizenship & naturalization?
Don't miscalculate your physical presence days. IRCC rigorously verifies physical presence using passport stamps, travel records, and CBSA entry/exit data. Claiming days you were outside Canada constitutes misrepresentation and can result in denial, revocation of PR status, and a 5-year ban under IRPA section 40.Don't ignore the tax filing requirement. Even if you owe no taxes, you must file tax returns for at least 3 of the 5 qualifying years. Missing tax filings will delay or prevent your citizenship application.Don't let your PR status lapse before applying. If you fail to meet the PR resid...
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