Adult Application for Citizenship

The Final Step to Call Canada Home

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone that grants you the rights and privileges of a full-fledged citizen. The application process for adults requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and demonstrating your commitment to Canada.

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone that grants you the rights and privileges of a full-fledged citizen. The application process for adults requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and demonstrating your commitment to Canada.

 

From Permanent Resident to Canadian Citizen

Citizenship is not automatically granted after becoming a permanent resident. The application process requires you to meet specific residency and knowledge requirements to demonstrate your integration into Canadian society.

 

General Requirements

  • You must be a permanent resident of Canada.


  • You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days).


  • You must have filed your income taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years.


  • If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French.


  • If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must pass a citizenship test on the rights and responsibilities of Canadians, as well as the country's history, values, institutions, and symbols.


  • You must not have a criminal record or any other legal restrictions that would prevent you from becoming a citizen.

Important Considerations

Time-in-Canada Calculation

Calculating your physical presence in Canada is a critical step. Days spent as a temporary resident (e.g., on a study or work permit) cannot be counted toward the residency obligation.


Language Proof

Acceptable proof of language proficiency includes results from approved language tests, a diploma from a secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, or proof of a CELPIP or IELTS test.


Citizenship Test

The test is based on the official study guide, "Discover Canada." Thorough preparation is essential for a successful outcome.


Citizenship Ceremony

If your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will take the Oath of Citizenship.

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Residency Calculation

We help you meticulously track and calculate your time spent in Canada to ensure you meet the residency requirement.

Document Review

We provide a comprehensive checklist and review all your documents to ensure they meet IRCC standards.

Application Strategy

Our consultants provide advice on how to best prepare for the citizenship test and interview.

Submission and Follow-Up

We ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time and can act as your representative for any follow-up with IRCC.

Canadian passport flag and citizenship certificate documents for immigration application

Important considerations

Knowledge of Canada

As part of the citizenship application process, you must demonstrate a working knowledge of Canada. This includes an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, as well as an understanding of Canada's:


  • History
  • Geography
  • Government and political system
  • Economy and laws
  • Symbols and values
Citizenship Test

The citizenship test is a key component of your application. It is a closed-book, multiple-choice or true/false test that assesses your knowledge of Canada.


  • The test consists of 20 questions and is 45 minutes long.
  • You must answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly (75%) to pass.
  • If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must take and pass this test. If you do not pass, you may be scheduled for a second written test or an interview with a citizenship officer.

Interview

A citizenship officer may interview you to verify the information in your application, confirm your language ability, and assess your knowledge of Canada if you did not pass the written test. This interview also allows them to confirm you meet the residency and other eligibility requirements.

The Citizenship Ceremony

The citizenship ceremony is a solemn event where you and other applicants take a collective pledge to Canada.


  • Oath of Citizenship: You will stand and recite the Oath of Citizenship, swearing or affirming your allegiance to the King of Canada and pledging to fulfill your duties as a Canadian citizen.


  • Certificate: You will receive your official citizenship certificate, which is your proof of Canadian citizenship. You will be required to return your Permanent Resident (PR) card at the ceremony. 
Canadian citizenship ceremony for child and family, swearing allegiance
family playing with snow in Canada for child citizenship application

Citizenship for Children

If you are a permanent resident and wish for your child to become a Canadian citizen, they can apply on their own or be included in your application. Learn about the specific requirements for children, including eligibility based on age and parent's status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Any days in Canada as a temporary resident count as half-days, up to 365 days maximum. Permanent resident time counts as full days.

Frequent travel is fine as long as you meet the 1,095-day physical presence requirement. Officers will review your travel history for accuracy.

Yes. Applicants must have filed taxes for at least 3 years within the eligibility period. Outstanding tax issues may delay approval.

Yes. Passing the test does not guarantee approval. Officers assess security, language proficiency, residence documentation, and integrity of the application.

Yes. You remain a permanent resident until your citizenship oath is completed.

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.