How long must I live in Canada before applying for citizenship?

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years before you apply as a permanent resident.

How hard is the Canadian citizenship test?

The test has 20 questions based on the official Discover Canada guide; you need 15 correct (75%) to pass, and most applicants who study the guide pass.

Canadian Citizenship 2026: Requirements, Test & Application Guide

🍁 Canadian Citizenship

Data from canada.ca — updated August 12, 2026

Becoming a Canadian Citizen

Canadian citizenship gives permanent residents full rights, including the right to vote, run for office, and hold a Canadian passport. Most adult applicants must meet residency, tax-filing, and language requirements, then pass a citizenship test before attending a citizenship ceremony.

3/5 Years Physical Presence Required

18–54 Ages Requiring Test & Language Proof

$630 Adult Application Fee (CAD)

Ways to Become a Citizen

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Adult or Minor

Regular application process for permanent residents 18+ or children under 18.

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Adopted Abroad

Children adopted outside Canada by a Canadian citizen parent.

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Stateless Persons

People born stateless to a Canadian parent.

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CAF Members/Veterans

Special provisions for Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans.

📜

Indian Act Registrants

People registered under the Indian Act.

Why Become a Citizen

Vote and run in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
Hold a Canadian passport for visa-free travel to many countries
Protection from deportation, even if convicted of a crime
Eligibility for jobs that require government security clearance
Ability to pass citizenship to children born abroad (subject to limits)

⚠️

Already a citizen?

Some permanent residents are already Canadian citizens without realizing it — for example, if a parent or grandparent was a citizen. Check before applying.

Check if you're already a citizen →

Most requested

Before you apply

Check if you’re a Canadian citizen

Do you want to become a permanent resident?

Explore permanent residence programs.

Apply for citizenship

Most permanent residents will follow the regular application process for adults and children:

Apply for citizenship as an adult or minor

If you belong to one of these groups, you may also be eligible for another application type:

Adopted children born outside Canada

Stateless people born to a Canadian parent

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members or veterans

People registered under the Indian Act

Citizenship test and ceremony

Take the test

Who has to take the test, test format, test invitation, how to take the test

Citizenship ceremony and oath

Get your ceremony date, what to bring, what happens at the ceremony

Study for the test

Read online, listen to the audio version, or order a paper copy of the study guide

Other citizenship services

Apply for a Canadian passport

Get a new passport after you become a citizen

Get proof of citizenship

Apply for, replace or update your citizenship certificate

Resume citizenship

Become a Canadian citizen again after giving up your citizenship

Give up citizenship

Renounce citizenship if you no longer want to be Canadian or can’t be a dual citizen

Changes to citizenship rules and regulations

Find out what rules changed in 2009, 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2025

Get involved with your Canadian community

Reaffirmation ceremony, Canada Day, Citizenship Week

Who Can Apply for Citizenship

Most adult permanent residents must meet all of the following requirements before applying.

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Permanent Resident Status

You must hold valid Canadian permanent resident status, with no conditions or pending removal order against you.

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Physical Presence

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years right before you apply.

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Income Tax Filing

You must have filed income taxes, if required to do so, for at least 3 years within the relevant 5-year period.

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Language Ability

Applicants aged 18–54 must demonstrate adequate English or French (speaking and listening) through accepted proof.

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Knowledge of Canada

Applicants aged 18–54 must pass a test on the rights, responsibilities, history, symbols, and government of Canada.

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No Prohibitions

You must not be under a removal order, charged with or convicted of certain offences, or serving a sentence.

Fees (2025–26)

Applicant Processing Fee Right of Citizenship Fee Total

Adult (18+) $530$100$630

Minor (under 18) $100$0$100

Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current fees on canada.ca before paying.

How to Apply for Citizenship

Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you meet residency, tax-filing, language, and admissibility requirements before applying.

Gather Documents

Collect your PR card, passports, proof of physical presence, language test results, and tax information.

Complete the Application

Fill out the application form online through your IRCC secure account or on paper, and calculate your physical presence using the online calculator.

Pay the Fees

Pay the processing fee and, for adults, the right of citizenship fee at the time of submission.

Submit Your Application

Submit online or by mail. IRCC will confirm receipt and may request additional documents or biometrics.

Take the Test (if required)

Applicants aged 18–54 will be invited to take the citizenship test once initial review is complete.

Interview (if required)

Some applicants are asked to attend an interview with a citizenship official to verify eligibility.

Attend the Ceremony & Take the Oath

Once approved, you'll be invited to a citizenship ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your certificate.

Application Document Checklist

📗 Valid PR card or PR record

🛂 All passports/travel documents covering the last 5 years

🗣️ Language test results or other accepted proof (if aged 18–54)

📅 Physical presence calculation (travel history for the last 5 years)

🧾 Notice of Assessment or tax filing confirmation, if applicable

📸 Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications

💳 Proof of fee payment

👨‍👩‍👧 Marriage/birth certificates for family members, if relevant

Processing times

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Other Citizenship Services

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Canadian Passport

Apply for a passport once you become a citizen.

Learn more ↗

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Proof of Citizenship

Apply for, replace, or update your citizenship certificate.

Learn more ↗

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Resume Citizenship

Become a citizen again after previously giving it up.

Learn more ↗

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Renounce Citizenship

Give up citizenship if required (e.g. to hold another country's citizenship exclusively).

Learn more ↗

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Rule Changes

See what changed in citizenship law in 2009, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2025.

Learn more ↗

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Get Involved

Take part in reaffirmation ceremonies, Canada Day events, and Citizenship Week.

Learn more ↗

Becoming a Canadian Citizen

Ways to Become a Citizen

Adult or Minor

Adopted Abroad

Stateless Persons

CAF Members/Veterans

Indian Act Registrants

Why Become a Citizen

Most requested

Before you apply

Do you want to become a permanent resident?

Apply for citizenship

Citizenship test and ceremony

Other citizenship services

Who Can Apply for Citizenship

Fees (2025–26)

How to Apply for Citizenship

Application Document Checklist

Processing times

Fees

Other citizenship applications

The Citizenship Test

Citizenship Ceremony & Oath

Features

Other Citizenship Services

Canadian Passport

Proof of Citizenship

Resume Citizenship

Renounce Citizenship

Rule Changes

Get Involved

Most requested

Services and information