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Canadian citizenship application and citizenship test

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

To become a Canadian citizen you must be a permanent resident who has been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years and has filed taxes if required. Adults aged 18 to 54 must prove basic English or French and pass a citizenship test. Most people apply online. The adult fee is $653.

Who handles it

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • You must have valid permanent resident status. You cannot have a removal order or unmet conditions on your PR status. An expired PR card is fine.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before you sign your application. At least 730 of those days must be as a permanent resident.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • Days in Canada as a visitor, student, worker or protected person before you became a permanent resident count as half days, up to a maximum of 365 days.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • You may need to have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the 5 years before you apply.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show basic English or French (level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks) with an accepted certificate, diploma or test.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Applicants aged 18 to 54 take a citizenship test on the rights and duties of citizens and on Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. You are invited after you apply.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  2. Most people apply online through an IRCC account, which holds the forms and document list. Some people must apply on paper, for example if a representative fills out and submits the application for them.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  3. Most applicants then take the oath of citizenship at a citizenship ceremony, which is the final step to becoming a citizen.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Cost

  • The fee for an adult (18 and over) is $653, which includes the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee.

    Source: ircc.canada.cachecked #

  • The fee for a minor (under 18) is $100.

    Source: ircc.canada.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How many days do I need in Canada to apply for citizenship?

At least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in the 5 years before you sign your application. IRCC suggests applying with more than 1,095 days in case there is a problem with your count.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Who has to take the citizenship test?

Everyone who is between 18 and 54 years old on the day they sign their application. Adults 55 and older and children under 18 do not take the test.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Do I become a citizen by marrying a Canadian?

No. Marrying a Canadian does not make you a citizen. Spouses must meet the same requirements as every other applicant.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Can I keep my other citizenship?

Canada allows dual citizenship, but your other country may not. Ask that country's embassy or consulate whether you would lose your current citizenship.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Can I leave Canada after I apply for citizenship?

Yes, as long as you keep your PR status, can get and answer IRCC mail and emails, and can come to your test, interview and ceremony in Canada. Tell IRCC if you will be away more than two weeks in a row.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Canadian citizenship application and citizenship test", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/citizenship