Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Permanent resident status | Valid PR status; a valid or expired PR card is fine; no removal order or unfulfilled PR conditions |
| Physical presence | At least 1,095 days in Canada in the 5-year period |
| Taxes | Filed in Canada, where required, for at least 3 years in the 5 years before you apply |
| Language | Ages 18 to 54: CLB or NCLC 4 in English or French speaking and listening |
| Citizenship test | Applicants aged 18 to 54 on the day they sign the application |
Counting physical presence
- The 5-year period ends on the day you sign the application and must include at least 730 days as a permanent resident.
- Each day in Canada as a temporary resident (for example on a work or study permit) or protected person before PR counts as half a day, up to 365 days.
- Time in prison, on parole or probation, or waiting for a refugee claim decision does not count.
- Online applications use the physical presence calculator in your IRCC account; IRCC encourages applying with more than 1,095 days.
Example: 730 days in Canada on a work permit before PR give a credit of 365 days; 730 days as a permanent resident then bring the total to 1,095.
Language proof and the test
- Language proof: approved test results, or a diploma, transcript or certificate from secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, in or outside Canada.
- Test content: rights and responsibilities, and Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols; the study guide is Discover Canada.
- Format: 20 multiple-choice or true-or-false questions, 15 correct to pass; 45 minutes; English or French; 30 days to take the online test after the invitation.
- If you fail: up to 3 attempts within the 30 days; after a third fail, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship official lasting 30 to 90 minutes. If you fail the hearing, the application is refused and you reapply and pay again.
Fees and process
| Item | Government fee |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 and over), processing and right of citizenship fees | C$653 |
| Minor (under 18) | C$100 |
- Check your days with the physical presence calculator.
- Apply online with your documents and pay the fee.
- Take the citizenship test when invited.
- Attend an interview with a citizenship official if invited.
- Attend the citizenship ceremony and take the oath.
After citizenship
- A permanent resident must be in Canada at least 730 days in 5 years and cannot vote; a citizen has no residency obligation and can vote.
- Canadians may hold another citizenship. Whether you keep your current citizenship is up to that country; check with its embassy before you apply.