What are the criteria to become a Canadian citizen?

For you to be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following minimum requirements: Be a permanent resident Proof that you can communicate in English or French (unless you’re 55yrs and above, or a minor below 18yrs) Pass a test on your knowledge and understanding of the Canadian history and the responsibilities and rights of being a citizen, in English or French Have filed your taxes for a minimum of 3 taxation years in the past 5years (if necessitated by the Income Tax Act) before your application Have physically stayed in Canada as a permanent resident for a minimum of 3 years (1,095 days) in the last 5 years prior to your application.

How many years does it take to get Canadian citizenship?

Be a permanent resident Have physically stayed in Canada as a permanent resident for a minimum of 3 years (1,095 days) in the last 5 years prior to your application.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements & Application

Canadian Citizenship Application Requirements

For you to be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following minimum Canadian Citizenship application requirements:

Be a permanent resident
Proof that you can communicate in English or French (unless you’re 55yrs and above, or a minor below 18yrs)
Pass a test on your knowledge and understanding of the Canadian history and the responsibilities and rights of being a citizen, in English or French
Have filed your taxes for a minimum of 3 taxation years in the past 5years (if necessitated by the Income Tax Act) before your application
Have physically stayed in Canada as a permanent resident for a minimum of 3 years (1,095 days) in the last 5 years prior to your application. Time spent outside Canada can also be counted if:
- You’re a PR who was working for or with the Canadian Armed Forces, public service, or the state public administration
- You spent time outside Canada with your Canadian common-law partner or spouse, or PR spouse, common-law partner, or parent who was working for or with the public service, federal administration or Canadian Armed Forces

Note that there may be more or varying requirements when you’re:

A Canadian citizen applying for an adopted child born out of Canada
Applying when you are under 18 (minor)
A former Canadian citizen looking to regain your citizenship
Applying under the fast track process as a former or current Canadian Armed Forces
A child or grandchild of a Canadian citizen

Questions About Canadian Citizenship Requirements?

If you have further questions or require assistance with Canadian Citizenship, reach out to our professional and knowledgeable team today!

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Citizenship Processing Time

How Long Does It Take To Get Canadian Citizenship After Applying?

Depending on the type of citizenship you’re applying for, it may take up to 12 months to process your application. To know how long it will take, Check Processing Time.

How To Apply For Canadian Citizenship

Check eligibility

Using the requirements given by the IRCC, check whether you meet the minimum requirements to become a Canadian citizen.

Get the necessary documents ready

The IRCC has provided a PDF checklist document that helps you prepare all the necessary documents required for the Canadian citizenship application. This document enables you to prepare and to provide all the required documents to avoid delays (if you don’t provide all the documents, the form is sent back to you).

Canadian citizenship application package

Download the citizenship package that you require and fill it out. The packages include:

Adult package (18 years and above)
A minor package (under 18yrs of age) – applied by the parent/guardian
Minor (under 18yrs) without Canadian parent applying on their own
A package for adults (18yrs and above) who served in the Canadian Armed Forces
Adoption by a Canadian citizen
A person without a state born to a Canadian parent

Make sure you download the latest application document. If you use the outdated application document, the IRCC will return it to you and request you to fill the right document.

Submit your application

After you complete the application form and pay the application fees, send it together with all the required documents by mail or courier.

Canadian Citizenship Test

Take the citizenship test

If your application is accepted, you’ll be invited to take the citizenship test on Canada’s history and the responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen a few weeks after receiving the AOR (acknowledgment of receipt). This does not apply to minors (under 18 years) and persons of 55yrs and above.

If you pass the test and meet all the citizenship requirements, you’ll receive an invitation to your citizenship ceremony.

Get Help With Your Canadian Citizenship Application

If you require assistance with Canadian Citizenship, reach out to our professional and knowledgeable team today!

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Canadian Citizenship Cost

Here are the main fees charged when applying for Canadian citizenship:

Citizenship	Right of citizenship fee	Processing fee (CAD)
Adult citizenship	530	100
Stateless adult born of Canadian parent	100
Minors (including adopted ones)		100

Other fees (in CAD) that you may incur depending on the type of citizenship include:

Search of citizenship record	75
Resume of citizenship (Adult)	530
Resume of citizenship (Minor)	100

You might not be eligible if any of the following applies:

You have a criminal record in or outside Canada
You have been issued a removal order, i.e., ordered to leave Canada
Your Canadian citizenship has been annulled
You have not fulfilled all the conditions of your PR status
You have been denied Canadian citizenship due to misrepresentation
You have ongoing criminal investigations within or outside Canada

Canadian Citizenship Checklist

Before you apply, check whether you’re eligible
Ensure that you pay the right amount of fee (Check fees on IRCC website)
Ensure that you submit all the required documents, including the checklist form

Start The Canadian Citizenship Process With Us

Our professional and experienced team can assist you through the entire process of obtaining Canadian Citizenship

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This message is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration case manager with whom you work at Jane Katkova and Associates or send an email to support@katkova.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child file a separate application for Canadian citizenship from his parents?

A minor can get a Canadian citizenship in either of the two ways. They may apply at the same time with their parents, or after at least one parent has become a Canadian citizen. Or they can apply separately, regardless of their parent’s intention to obtain citizenship. There are some eligibility requirements that your child must meet before they apply for Canadian citizenship:

The child must be under the age of 18;
The child must not have any problems with the law (this includes parole, probation, imprisonment, investigation, removal order, misrepresentation, terrorism, treason etc.)

Does education in Canada exempt me from taking a language test?

Yes, post-secondary education obtained from a Canadian institution can exempt you from taking a language test.

If I accompany a Canadian citizen abroad, does this time count towards my residency obligation to obtain Canadian citizenship?

No, you have to physically remain in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before you apply for citizenship

If at least one of the child’s parents is a Canadian citizen, is the child considered a citizen of Canada?

There are many factors to consider. To be sure about your specific situation, check out the “Am I a Canadian?” tool or its alternative.

Can I be a dual citizen of Canada and the US?

Yes, both countries permit dual citizenship.

What are the advantages of Canadian citizenship if compared to a PR status?

Canadian citizenship status has a few advantages, namely access to restricted jobs, the right to vote and run for a political office, and the ability to use the Canadian passport for travel.

Can I live in the US as a Canadian citizen?

As a Canadian citizen, you can stay in the US for up to 6 months every 12 months. After that, you will require a visa.

What are the benefits of Canadian Citizenship

Once citizenship has been granted, you will have all of the same rights as any citizen of the country. You will have the right to live and work in at any time. With this passport, Canadian citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 171 countries and territories, including Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Unites States and many more.

How We Can Help

Since 1995, we, at a Jane Katkova & Associates – Canadian Immigration, Global Mobility Experts, have been offering immigration services to people looking to move into Canada for work or otherwise. Throughout these years, we have gained experience that we use to help our clients navigate the complex immigration system smoothly with a better chance of successful application.

If you’re looking to be granted Canadian citizenship, we can help you fill out the necessary documents, pay the required fees, and prepare for your citizenship test, among other services. Let us help you attain your dreams.

Jane Katkova – Brown

Principal Counsel / Founder

Providing Immigration Services In Canada Since 1995

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This notification is solely for your information. Should you have any queries, please reach out to your designated immigration case manager at Jane Katkova and Associates, or alternatively, you can email at support@katkova.com