How to Fill Out CIT 0002: Citizenship Application for Adults

Form CIT 0002 is the official application for Canadian citizenship for adults aged 18 and older. It's the centrepiece of your citizenship application package, and filling it out correctly is critical to avoiding delays. In this guide, we'll walk through every section of the form, explain what's required, and share tips to help you complete it with confidence.

See also: Canadian Citizenship Application Guide

You can download the form from the IRCC official forms page. Always use the most recent version — check the form number and date in the footer.

Before You Begin

Quick tip: download the official CIT0002 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download CIT0002 form (official IRCC).

Before filling out CIT 0002, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements:

• You are a permanent resident of Canada
• You have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before your application
• You have filed income taxes for at least three years within the five-year period
• You can demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (if aged 18-54)
• You have adequate knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities of citizenship (if aged 18-54)

Gather all your documents before you start: your PR card, passports, travel history, CRA notices of assessment, and language test results. Having everything at hand will make the process much smoother.

See also: Replace Lost PR Card Guide

Section A: Personal Information

This section collects your basic personal details. Here's what to fill in:

Question 1: UCI (Unique Client Identifier)

Your UCI is the identification number IRCC assigned to you. It appears on your PR card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and previous IRCC correspondence. It's typically 8 to 10 digits. If you can't find it, check your immigration documents carefully or log into your IRCC online account.

See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

Question 2: Full Name

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your permanent resident card. This means your family name (surname) and given name(s) must match precisely. If your name has changed since you became a PR (e.g., through marriage), you'll need to provide legal documentation of the name change.

Question 3: Name at Birth

If your name at birth was different from your current name, enter it here. Otherwise, write "Same as above."

Questions 4-6: Date of Birth, Gender, and Marital Status

Enter your date of birth in the YYYY-MM-DD format that IRCC uses. Select your gender and current marital status from the provided options. For marital status, options include single, married, common-law, divorced, separated, and widowed.

Question 7: Country of Birth and Citizenship

List your country of birth and your current citizenship(s). If you hold dual or multiple citizenships, list all of them. Note that Canada allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your existing citizenship.

Section B: Contact Information

Provide your current mailing address, email address, and telephone number. IRCC will use these to communicate with you about your application. Make sure your email address is one you check regularly — important updates, including invitations to the citizenship test and ceremony, may be sent electronically.

If you use a representative (lawyer or consultant), they will be listed separately on a different form (IMM 5476, Use of a Representative).

Section C: Residency Information

This is often the most detailed and important section. IRCC needs to verify that you meet the physical presence requirement.

Date You Became a Permanent Resident

Enter the date shown on your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. This is the date you officially "landed" in Canada as a permanent resident.

Absences from Canada

You must list every trip outside Canada during the five-year period before your application date. For each absence, provide:

• The destination country
• Departure and return dates
• The reason for travel (vacation, work, family visit, etc.)

Be thorough and accurate. IRCC may cross-reference your travel history with passport stamps and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) records. If they find discrepancies, your application could be delayed or denied. Keep a travel log starting now if you haven't already.

Pro tip: Use the IRCC online Physical Presence Calculator to determine your total days in Canada. Print the results — you'll need them as part of your application package.

Section D: Language Ability

If you are between 18 and 54 years old, indicate which official language (English or French) you are using to demonstrate your language ability. You'll need to attach supporting evidence, such as:

• An approved language test score (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) at CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher in speaking and listening
• Evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French
• Evidence of CLB/NCLC 4 in a government-funded language program

Section E: Prohibitions

This section asks critical yes-or-no questions about your background:

• Have you been convicted of a criminal offence in the last four years?
• Are you currently charged with a criminal offence?
• Have you been convicted of an indictable offence in the last three years?
• Are you currently serving a sentence outside Canada?
• Are you under a removal order?
• Are you under investigation for, or been charged with, a war crime or crime against humanity?
• Have you had your Canadian citizenship revoked in the past five years?

Answer honestly. A "yes" answer does not automatically disqualify you, but providing false information is a serious offence. If you answer "yes" to any question, include a detailed explanation and supporting documents.

Section F: Signature and Declaration

Read the declaration carefully before signing. By signing CIT 0002, you are declaring that all information is truthful and complete. You also consent to IRCC verifying the information with other government agencies. Both your signature and the date are mandatory — unsigned forms will be returned.

Tips for a Successful Submission

• Use a PDF reader: CIT 0002 is a fillable PDF. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader for best results — some other PDF viewers don't handle IRCC forms well.
• Print and review: After filling out the form digitally, print it and review every field. Check for typos, missing information, and consistency with your supporting documents.
• Don't leave blanks: If a question doesn't apply to you, write "N/A" or "Not Applicable." Blank fields may be interpreted as incomplete.
• Keep copies: Photocopy or scan your entire completed application package before mailing it. This protects you if anything gets lost.
• Check the fee: As of 2026, the adult citizenship fee is $630 CAD. Confirm the current amount on the IRCC website before paying.

What Happens After Submission

After mailing your application to the IRCC Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, you'll receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). Then, depending on your age and eligibility, you may be invited to:

1. Take the citizenship test — a 30-minute test with 20 questions about Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols. Study the official guide, Discover Canada.
2. Attend a citizenship ceremony — where you'll take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate.

Processing times vary. Check the IRCC processing times tool for current estimates.

Final Thoughts

Filling out CIT 0002 doesn't have to be intimidating. Take it one section at a time, gather your documents in advance, and double-check everything before submitting. Your journey to Canadian citizenship is almost complete — the paperwork is the last hurdle before you can proudly call yourself a Canadian citizen. WelcomeAide is here to support you every step of the way.

Download This Form

Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download CIT0002 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.

Related internal guides

• IMM 5257 guide
• IMM 1294 guide
• IMM 1295 guide
• IMM 5409 guide
• IMM 5532 guide

Official external resources

• Download CIT0002 form (official IRCC)
• IRCC forms and guides library
• IRCC document checklists
• CRA forms and publications
• IRCC processing times

Related Resources

WelcomeAide Tools

• WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
• Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
• Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
• Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
• Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services

Related Guides

• OINP Human Capital Priorities Stream: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): All Streams Explained
• BC PNP Skills Immigration: How the Registration System Works

Official Government Sources

• IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• Immigrate to Canada — Official Programs
• IRCC Processing Times
• IRCC Visas and Entry Requirements
• Canada.ca Immigration and Citizenship Services
• Canadian Citizenship Resources