Citizenship Applications

Many Canadian permanent residents who have weathered the immigration process look forward to being granted citizenship and are eager for the day they can be sworn in as official Canadian citizens. 

Before that day comes, there are a few final steps that need to be addressed before Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approves their Canadian citizenship application.

How to get Canadian citizenship

To become a Canadian citizen by naturalization, one must first immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident. As with all Canadian immigration programs, permanent residents must meet a specific set of requirements to be deemed eligible to apply for citizenship.

1. Residency requirements:
   
   

   Applicants need to provide proof that they have been living in Canada for three years (1,095 days) out of the five years that precede their signed application with some exceptions.

2. File taxes:
   
   

   Citizenship applicants must have filed their taxes in Canada for at least three years during the five-year period before applying.

3. Pass the citizenship test:
   
   

   Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must take a citizenship test to demonstrate their knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as a Canadian

4. Demonstrate language ability:
   
   

   To become a Canadian citizen, applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of French or English.

When to apply for Canadian citizenship

Canadian permanent residents must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the past five years before applying for Canadian citizenship (with some exceptions).

Permanent residents (PR) must also ensure they meet additional minimum requirements before they are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

How to apply for Canadian citizenship

Eligible applicants will be required to pass the Canadian citizenship test, and may be asked to undergo an interview before a citizenship judge, if requested by IRCC. Once approved, applicants will attend a Citizenship Ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship, where they will officially become a Canadian citizen.