To become a Canadian citizen, you must:
- Hold permanent resident status
- Have resided in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years
- File your taxes if required
- Demonstrate language proficiency
- Pass the Canadian citizenship test
- Take the Oath of Citizenship
There are specific conditions that may prevent you from obtaining Canadian citizenship.
Additional or alternative requirements apply if you are:
- Applying on behalf of a minor (under 18 years of age)
- A Canadian citizen applying for an adopted child born abroad
- A current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member using the fast-track process
- A former Canadian citizen looking to regain your citizenship (this includes current and former CAF members)
Spouses of Canadian Citizens
Marrying a Canadian citizen does not grant you automatic citizenship. As a spouse, you are required to fulfill the same eligibility criteria mentioned earlier, without exceptions.
Children and Grandchildren of Canadian Citizens
If your parent or grandparent is a Canadian citizen, you may already hold Canadian citizenship.
Permanent Resident Status
No matter your age, you must hold permanent resident (PR) status in Canada to apply for citizenship.
This means you must not:
- Be under investigation for immigration or fraud-related issues
- Be subject to a removal order from Canada
- Have any unmet conditions tied to your PR status, such as medical examinations
Before applying, it’s important to review the documents you received when you became a permanent resident to ensure your eligibility.
A valid PR card is not required to apply for citizenship—you can apply even if your PR card has expired.
Time Spent in Canada (Physical Presence)
You (and certain minors, if applicable) must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years preceding the date you submit your application.
It is recommended to apply with more than 1,095 days of physical presence to account for any potential issues with your calculation.
In some cases, you may be able to count time spent:
- In Canada as a temporary resident or protected person
- Outside Canada if you were a Crown servant or a family member of one.
Filing Income Taxes
You may be required to file taxes in Canada for at least 3 out of the 5 years immediately preceding your application date.
Language Proficiency
If you are between 18 and 54 years old when you submit your application, you must demonstrate adequate knowledge of either English or French. This means you should be able to:
- Engage in brief, everyday conversations on familiar topics
- Understand simple questions, instructions, and directions
- Use basic grammar, including common sentence structures and tenses
- Demonstrate a sufficient vocabulary to answer questions and express your thoughts clearly
These language abilities should align with level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French.
Your language skills will be evaluated through:
- The language evidence you provide with your application
- Your ability to communicate effectively during any interactions with a citizenship official throughout the application process
- If necessary, an assessment during your citizenship test by an official
A variety of certificates, diplomas, and test results are accepted as proof of your language proficiency.
Citizenship Test
If you are between 18 and 54 years old when you submit your citizenship application, you are required to take the citizenship test.
The test covers topics such as:
- The rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens
- Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols
You will be invited to take the test after submitting your application.
Requesting a Test Accommodation or Waiver
In certain cases, you may need assistance with the test (accommodation) or an exemption from taking it (waiver).
Accommodation
If you require assistance, you can request accommodations such as:
- A Braille, large-print, or oral version of the test
- Extra time to complete the test
- Taking the test in person if you are unable to take it online due to limited Internet access
Waiver (Exemption)
If your circumstances prevent you from taking the test, you may request a waiver. To be eligible for a waiver, your situation must meet specific criteria. If your waiver request is approved, you will not be required to take the test.
Taking the Oath of Citizenship
You must take the Oath of Citizenship if:
- You are at least 14 years old when you submit your application, and
- Your application is approved.
Requesting an Oath Accommodation or Waiver
In some situations, you may require assistance with the oath (accommodation) or an exemption from taking it (waiver).
Accommodation
If you need assistance with the Oath of Citizenship, you can request accommodations, such as sign language interpretation during the ceremony.
Waiver (Exemption)
A waiver may be granted only in cases where a mental disability (such as an intellectual or developmental disability) prevents an individual from understanding the oath. For instance, if they do not comprehend that taking the oath grants Canadian citizenship. If the waiver request is approved, the applicant is not required to take the Oath of Citizenship.
Prohibitions
If you have committed a crime in or outside of Canada:
- You may be ineligible to apply for Canadian citizenship for a specific period of time.
- Any time spent in prison, on parole, or on probation will not count towards the required residency period in Canada.
If you’re uncertain whether these situations apply to you, consult your lawyer or the arresting officer. It’s important to wait until the situation no longer affects your eligibility before applying for citizenship. Each application will be assessed on an individual, case-by-case basis.
