How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship (CIT 0002)

Who Can Apply for Canadian Citizenship?

Canadian citizenship is the final step in your immigration journey. Once you become a citizen, you gain the right to vote, run for office, hold a Canadian passport, and can never lose your status due to residency requirements. To be eligible, you must be a permanent resident of Canada, meet the physical presence requirement, have filed your taxes, demonstrate language ability, and pass a knowledge test (if you are between 18 and 54 years old).

Children under 18 can also apply for citizenship, but they have a simplified process. A parent or legal guardian who is already a Canadian citizen (or is applying at the same time) can include a child in their application. Minors do not need to meet the language or knowledge test requirements.

Physical Presence Requirement

The most important requirement for citizenship is physical presence. You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years immediately before you sign your application. This is approximately 3 out of the last 5 years.

How Time Is Calculated

Only days when you were physically in Canada count. If you were a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident, each day you were in Canada before your PR status counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days of credit. This means time spent in Canada on a work permit or study permit before becoming a PR can help you reach the 1,095-day requirement faster.

IRCC provides an online physical presence calculator that helps you determine if you meet the requirement. You should use it before applying to make sure you qualify.

Language Requirements

If you are between 18 and 54 years old at the time you sign your application, you must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French. The minimum level required is Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 4 in speaking and listening. CLB 4 is considered a basic level. You should be able to understand simple conversations and express yourself in everyday situations.

Accepted Language Proof

IRCC accepts several types of language proof, including:

• Results from an IRCC-approved language test (CELPIP-General for English or TEF Canada for French)
• Proof of completion of a secondary or post-secondary program taught in English or French
• Proof of achieving CLB 4 or higher in a government-funded language training program (such as LINC or CLIC)

If you are 55 or older, you are exempt from the language requirement and the citizenship test. You still need to meet all other requirements.

Filing Your Taxes

You must have filed your Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the 5 taxation years that are fully or partially within the 5 years before your application. This is a strict requirement and IRCC verifies it with the CRA. If you have not been filing your taxes, you must do so before you apply. For help with tax filing, see our guide on applying for the GST/HST credit, which also covers tax filing basics.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Use the IRCC eligibility tool to confirm you meet all the requirements. Use the physical presence calculator to verify your days in Canada. Make sure your taxes are filed and up to date.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• Completed application form CIT 0002
• Two citizenship photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Photocopies of your PR card, passport, and travel documents
• Proof of language ability (test results or other accepted documents)
• Photocopies of your Canadian tax assessments (Notice of Assessment) for the required years
• A completed physical presence calculator printout
• Supporting documents for any absences from Canada

Step 3: Complete Form CIT 0002

Download form CIT 0002 from the IRCC citizenship application page. The form asks detailed questions about your personal history, travel history, address history, and employment history over the past 5 years. Take your time and be accurate. Any errors or omissions can delay your application significantly.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

The application fee for an adult (18 and older) is $630, which includes the processing fee of $530 and the right of citizenship fee of $100. For a minor (under 18), the fee is $100. Pay online through the IRCC online portal and include the receipt with your application.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Mail your complete application package to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The mailing address is provided in the instruction guide. After you mail your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) from IRCC, typically within a few weeks.

The Citizenship Test

If you are between 18 and 54, you will be invited to take a citizenship knowledge test. The test is based on the study guide called Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. You should read this guide thoroughly before your test.

What the Test Covers

The test covers Canadian history, geography, government structure, rights and responsibilities of citizens, Canadian symbols, and the values that define Canadian society. The test consists of 20 multiple-choice or true/false questions, and you need to answer at least 15 correctly (75%) to pass. The test is usually written, but in some cases, it may be conducted orally by a citizenship judge.

You will typically receive your test date 2 to 6 months after submitting your application. The test itself takes about 30 minutes. If you do not pass, you will be given a second opportunity.

The Citizenship Ceremony

After you pass the test and your application is approved, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony. This is the final step where you officially become a Canadian citizen. During the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Citizenship, receive your citizenship certificate, and may also receive a small Canadian flag.

Ceremonies can be held in person or virtually (online). You must attend the ceremony to which you are invited. If you cannot attend, you must notify IRCC to reschedule. Do not miss your ceremony without notifying IRCC, as it could delay or jeopardize your application.

After the Ceremony

Once you have your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport. You can also register to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. Your citizenship is permanent and cannot be revoked except in cases of fraud, misrepresentation, or certain criminal convictions.

Dual Citizenship

Canada fully recognizes dual (or multiple) citizenship. You can become a Canadian citizen and keep your existing citizenship. This means you can hold passports from multiple countries. However, when you are in Canada, you are treated as a Canadian citizen, and when you are in your other country of citizenship, you are treated as a citizen of that country. Canadian consular assistance may be limited when you are in your other country of citizenship.

Processing Times

As of early 2026, the total processing time for a citizenship application from submission to ceremony is approximately 12 to 18 months. This can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications. You can check your application status through your IRCC online account.

Helpful Resources

• IRCC: Become a Canadian Citizen
• Discover Canada Study Guide
• PR Card Renewal Guide
• Guide to Your First Weeks in Canada
• How to Open a Bank Account as a Newcomer
• Applying for EI Benefits in Canada

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