Apply for Canadian citizenship (all ages)
Permanent residents and eligible minors: physical presence, taxes, language and citizenship test (ages 18–54), minor streams 5(1) and 5(2), and special routes such as CAF or adoption. Fees and online vs paper below.
Canadian citizenship is usually granted to permanent residents who meet residence, tax, language, and knowledge requirements, and to eligible minors through a parent or guardian. Minors are divided into two main streams: minor 5(2) when there is a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time, and minor 5(1) when that is not the case.
IRCC encourages most people to apply online. Some situations still require a paper application, including certain Crown servant physical presence claims and when a representative will complete and submit the application on your behalf.
Adults aged 18 to 54 must normally prove language skills and pass the citizenship test unless exempt. Everyone who qualifies must attend a ceremony and take the oath, except young children as described on Canada.ca.
Fees differ for adults and minors and can change. Always confirm the current fee list, use the eligibility tools, and follow the instruction guide for your application type before you submit or pay.
- Citizenship application (online or paper package)Often required
Use the current adult/minor grant process in your IRCC account or the paper forms listed on Canada.ca for your situation.
- Proof of permanent resident statusOften required
Valid or expired PR card or other proof as instructed; you must not be subject to a removal order or unfulfilled PR conditions.
- Identity and civil status documentsOften required
Passport, birth certificates, marriage or divorce documents, legal name changes—per your document checklist.
- Physical presence / travel historyOften required
Evidence to support your residence calculation (adults); Crown servant or family members abroad may use special counting rules.
- Income tax filing (adults)Often required
You may need to have filed taxes for at least three years in the five years before you apply, when required—declare accurately in the application.
- Language proof (adults aged 18–54)
Show adequate knowledge of English or French (CLB 4 / NCLC 4 level) using accepted proof unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Citizenship test (adults aged 18–54)
Study Discover Canada; accommodations available for eligible applicants.
- Photos and biometricsOften required
Follow the specifications in your instruction guide for online or paper applications.
- Minor: parental consent and signatures
Minors 14–17 sign where required; guardians apply under minor 5(2) or 5(1) rules as applicable.
- Adults (18 and above): total fee $653.00 (as listed on IRCC), consisting of processing fee $530.00 plus right of citizenship fee $123.00. Amounts increased March 31, 2026—confirm the current fee list before you pay.
- Minors (under 18): $100.00 processing fee (confirm current amount on IRCC).
- Pay online through your citizenship application account where applicable; keep your payment receipt as instructed.
- If you do not pay the full fee, IRCC may return your application. Refund rules differ for adults (including partial refund of the right of citizenship fee in some outcomes) and minors—see IRCC.
- Group or family applications: one person may pay for everyone or each person may pay separately, per online account instructions.
- Adults (18+): You must be a permanent resident, meet physical presence (generally 1,095 days in the five years before you apply, with at least 730 days as a PR), meet tax filing rules when required, and not be prohibited. Ages 18–54 must meet language and citizenship test requirements unless exempted. You must take the oath if approved (18+).
- Physical presence: Time as a temporary resident or protected person may count for up to 365 days of presence (half-day credit per calendar day, max 365 days). Time outside Canada as a Crown servant or eligible family member may count as days in Canada. Time in prison, on parole, or on probation generally does not count.
- Minors—Minor 5(2): Apply if the minor has a Canadian parent, or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time; a parent or legal guardian applies for them.
- Minors—Minor 5(1): Apply if the minor does not have a Canadian parent and does not have a parent applying at the same time; a custodian or legal representative applies, or the minor may request to apply alone in limited cases (including online waiver rules).
- Minors under 14 do not take the oath; minors 14–17 take the oath if approved. Minors do not take the citizenship test or language test in the same way as adults.
- Online application: IRCC encourages applying online for most applicants. You must apply on paper if you claim physical presence as a Crown servant or family member outside Canada in ways that require the paper process, or if an authorized representative will complete and submit the application for you (you still create your own online account if you apply online yourself).
- Canadian Armed Forces (CAF): Members may qualify for a fast-track process with different residence and service rules—see the dedicated CAF page.
- Adopted children born outside Canada, stateless people born to a Canadian parent, and people registered under the Indian Act may follow different processes—use the matching IRCC program pages.
- Spouses of Canadian citizens: Being married to a citizen does not automatically grant citizenship; you must meet grant requirements as a permanent resident unless you qualify under another stream.
- Informational only—not legal advice. Use official IRCC eligibility tools and forms.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. Immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer before submitting an application.