LMIA FinderCanadian Citizenship
From permanent resident to citizen. Check your eligibility, prepare for the test, and understand every step of the application process.
Eligibility Checker
Answer a few questions about your PR status, time in Canada, taxes, and language to find out if you qualify for Canadian citizenship.
Practice Test
Prepare for the citizenship knowledge test with 80+ practice questions based on the official Discover Canada study guide.
Presence Calculator
Calculate your physical presence days in Canada over the past 5 years and check if you meet the 1,095-day requirement.
Citizenship Requirements
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must meet all of the following requirements.
Permanent Resident Status
You must be a permanent resident of Canada. Temporary residents, refugees, or protected persons must first obtain PR status before applying for citizenship.
Physical Presence: 1,095 Days
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before you apply. Days before PR count as half-days (max 365 half-days credited).
Income Tax Filing: 3 Years
You must have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the 5 taxation years that are fully or partially within the 5 years before you apply.
Language Proficiency: CLB 4
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
Knowledge Test (Ages 18-54)
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a citizenship knowledge test covering Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols. The test is based on the Discover Canada study guide.
No Prohibitions
You must not be under a removal order, have an unfulfilled condition related to your PR status, or be charged with, on trial for, or involved in an appeal of certain criminal offences.
Application Process
Follow these 8 steps from eligibility check to receiving your Canadian citizenship certificate.
Check Your Eligibility
Use our eligibility checker or review the requirements to confirm you qualify for Canadian citizenship before starting your application.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your PR card, travel documents, passport, language test results, tax assessments (NOAs), and two citizenship photos.
Complete the Application
Fill out the citizenship application form (CIT 0002) online through your IRCC account. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Pay the Fees
Pay the processing fee ($530) and right of citizenship fee ($100) for adults. For minors under 18, the fee is $100.
Submit and Receive AOR
Submit your application online. You will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming IRCC has received your application.
Take the Citizenship Test
If aged 18 to 54, attend a citizenship test (written or oral) on Canadian history, values, institutions, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Attend the Ceremony
Once approved, attend a citizenship ceremony where you will take the Oath of Citizenship, either in person or virtually.
Receive Your Certificate
After taking the oath, you will receive your Canadian citizenship certificate. You can then apply for a Canadian passport.
Citizenship Costs
Current fees for Canadian citizenship applications.
Adult (18+)
Minor (under 18)
Processing Time
The current estimated processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is approximately 12 months from the date IRCC receives your complete application to the date of your citizenship ceremony.
Dual Citizenship
Canada fully recognizes dual (or multiple) citizenship. You are not required to give up your existing citizenship to become a Canadian citizen, and acquiring citizenship of another country will not affect your Canadian citizenship. Many Canadians hold citizenship of two or more countries. Note that the other country may have different rules regarding dual citizenship, so it is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate of your country of origin.
Rights and Responsibilities
Canadian citizenship comes with important rights and civic responsibilities.
Rights
- Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
- Run for elected office at any level of government
- Hold a Canadian passport and travel freely
- Enter and remain in Canada without restrictions
- Access consular assistance from Canadian embassies abroad
- Pass citizenship to children born outside Canada
Responsibilities
- Obey Canadian laws at all levels of government
- Serve on a jury when called upon
- Vote in elections (a civic responsibility)
- Pay taxes honestly and on time
- Respect the rights and freedoms of others
- Help others in the community when possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Canadian citizenship answered.
Explore More Resources
Tools and guides to help you on your path to Canadian citizenship and immigration.