Apply for Canadian Citizenship

Eligibility Requirements and Document Checklist

If you’re looking to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Below is a complete guide to help you understand the citizenship eligibility requirements and prepare your documents.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, most applicants must:

• Be a permanent resident (PR) of Canada
• Have physically lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years
• Have filed income taxes for at least 3 years (if required)
• Successfully pass the Canadian citizenship test
• Demonstrate proficiency in English or French (CLB Level 4 or higher)
• Take the Oath of Citizenship

Additional Scenarios with Special Requirements

You may have different or additional requirements if:

• You’re applying on behalf of a minor (under 18)
• You’re a Canadian citizen adopting a child born outside Canada
• You’re a current or former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member
• You are a former citizen reapplying for Canadian citizenship
• You’re the spouse of a Canadian citizen

Important Notes for Spouses of Canadian Citizens

Being married to a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant you citizenship. You must independently meet all eligibility criteria.

Citizenship Through Parents or Grandparents

If one of your parents or grandparents is a Canadian citizen, you may already hold Canadian citizenship. You can confirm this by applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate.

Permanent Resident (PR) Status

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must:

• Hold valid PR status (you can still apply if your PR card has expired)
• Not be under review for immigration fraud or removal
• Not have any unmet conditions attached to your PR status

Check your original PR documents to ensure there are no pending issues.

Physical Presence Requirement

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years.

✅ Tip: Apply with more than 1,095 days to avoid issues with miscalculation.

You may also be able to count:

• Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person
• Time spent abroad as a Crown servant or family member of one

Income Tax Filing

You must have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period before your citizenship application, if required under the Income Tax Act.

Language Requirements

Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must prove language proficiency in either English or French.

You must be able to:

• Engage in basic conversations
• Understand simple instructions and questions
• Use basic grammar and sentence structures
• Demonstrate vocabulary sufficient for everyday communication

Acceptable proof of language ability includes:

• A diploma, certificate, or transcript from a secondary or post-secondary program conducted in English or French (Canada or abroad)
• A language test result meeting CLB 4/NCLC 4 for speaking and listening

If your documents are not in English or French, submit a certified translation with confirmation of the language of instruction.

Citizenship Test

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must take the Canadian citizenship test, which includes questions on:

• Rights and responsibilities of citizens
• Canadian history, geography, and government
• National symbols, laws, and the economy

You will receive an invitation to the test after submitting your application.

Who Takes the Test and Interview?

Take the Oath of Citizenship

You must take the citizenship oath if:

• You are 14 years or older at the time of application
• Your application has been approved

Citizenship Ceremony

You will receive an invitation to attend the ceremony via email or mail about 2-3 weeks before the date. The invitation will include:

• Date and time of the ceremony
• A video conference link (for virtual ceremony)
• Physical location (for in-person ceremony)

Prohibitions & Ineligibility

You may be ineligible for Canadian citizenship if:

• You committed a crime in Canada or abroad
• You’re serving a sentence, parole, or probation
• You are under review for immigration fraud or subject to a removal order

If unsure about your situation, consult a qualified immigration consultant or legal professional before applying.

Need Help Applying for Canadian Citizenship?

As a licensed immigration consultancy, we’re here to guide you through every step of the Canadian citizenship process — from eligibility assessment to document preparation and application submission.

📞 Contact us today to get personalized assistance with your citizenship application.