How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
After 3 years (1,095 days) of physical presence as a PR in the last 5 years — plus tax filings for 3 of those years — you can apply for citizenship. The process includes an online or in-person test for adults 18–54, an interview, and a ceremony where you take the oath and receive your citizenship certificate.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official CAN sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 8 steps
- Before You Go 45 min
Count your days precisely
Use the IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — The Canadian government department that runs Express Entry, work and study permits, PR cards, and citizenship.Click for official info ↗ Physical Presence Calculator. You need 1,095 days within the 5 years before signing the application. Time as a temporary resident (worker/student) before PR counts as half-days up to a 365-day credit. Sign and date the calculator printout — the date used must match your signature date. Apply the day AFTER you cross 1,095.
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- Before You Go 1–2 weeks + study time
Translate documents and study the test in your language
Any document not in English or French — passports from non-bilingual countries, birth or marriage certificates, legal name-change records — needs a certified translation (translator must be certified by a Canadian provincial/territorial association or sworn in your country; include the original alongside). For the citizenship testCanadian citizenship test — The 20-question multiple-choice test on Canada's history, values, and institutions, for applicants aged 18–54.Click for official info ↗: IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — The Canadian government department that runs Express Entry, work and study permits, PR cards, and citizenship.Click for official info ↗ offers the test in English and French only, but the free "Discover CanadaDiscover Canada study guide — The official IRCC booklet for the Canadian citizenship test — available in English, French, and many other languages.Click for official info ↗" study guide and practice tests are available in many languages through community settlement agencies (Hindi, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish and more) — study in your language first, then drill the English or French questions. This guide itself is available in Hindi, Nepali, Português (Brasil), and Español via the dropdown above.
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- Before You Go 30 min
Check the tax and language requirements
You must have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year window (even with zero income) — CRACanada Revenue Agency — Canada's tax agency. It administers income tax, benefits like the GST/HST credit, and CRA My Account.Click for official info ↗ checks this automatically. Adults 18–54 also need proof of English or French at CLB 4+: accepted evidence includes IELTS General or CELPIP results from any time, or a transcript showing secondary/post-secondary education in English or French.
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- Fill / Prepare 2–4 hours
Complete the application package
Forms CIT 0002 plus the physical presence calculator printout, plus CIT 0171 consent/disclosure. Answer the residence questions carefully — every absence matters. Minors apply separately (CIT 0003) and can often apply with a parent or, if the parent is applying at the same time, credit the parent's presence.
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- Submit & Pay 1 hour
Pay fees and submit online
Adult fee is $630 ($100 processing is non-refundable; the $530 right-of-citizenship portion is refunded only for refused applications). Minors pay $100. Most applicants submit through the IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — The Canadian government department that runs Express Entry, work and study permits, PR cards, and citizenship.Click for official info ↗ portal. Keep every receipt and your file number for status checks.
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- Wait 6–10 months
Wait for the test invitation
Processing time runs about 8 months before the test stage, fluctuating by office and season. When invited, adults 18–54 take a 20-question multiple-choice test (pass mark 15) on rights, history, government, and law — study the official "Discover CanadaDiscover Canada study guide — The official IRCC booklet for the Canadian citizenship test — available in English, French, and many other languages.Click for official info ↗" guide and take the free practice tests. Ages 55+ skip the test but may have an interview.
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- Follow Up Same day to a few weeks
Attend the interview and ceremony
Same-day or soon after the test, an official verifies your originals and asks questions about your application. Approved applicants then receive a ceremony invitation (often weeks later). At the ceremony you take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your certificate — your PR cardPermanent Resident Card — The official proof of Canadian permanent resident status, needed for travel back to Canada on commercial vehicles.Click for official info ↗ becomes invalid at that moment, so apply for a passport and a new SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ right away.
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- Receive —
Your citizenship certificate
The citizenship certificate (a paper with your photo and a certificate number, not an ID card) is your legal proof of citizenship for life. Order your Canadian passport with it, update your SINSocial Insurance Number — Your 9-digit Canadian work and tax number. You need it to work, open accounts, and receive benefits.Click for official info ↗ record, and update your provincial health card if it shows your PR status.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do days before becoming a PR count?
Yes, as half-days — each day as a temporary resident counts as 0.5, capped at a 365-day total credit. So two years on a work permit ≈ one year of presence.
Can I apply if I was outside Canada a lot?
Only presence days inside Canada count for the 1,095 (temporary-resident credit aside). Absences also get scrutinized at the interview — have your stamps and flight records ready. IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — The Canadian government department that runs Express Entry, work and study permits, PR cards, and citizenship.Click for official info ↗ can also check whether you met your PR residency obligation during those years.
What happens if I fail the test?
You get a second attempt on a later date. Failing twice sends you to an interview with a citizenship official who assesses your knowledge verbally. Only after that can the application be refused — and you can reapply.
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