Canadian Citizenship Requirements 2025
If you meet all those requirements, the only thing that remains is doing the paperwork. It can be submitted by you personally or by an immigration consultant. Further in the text, we explain how we work and what we do for our clients, so keep on reading!
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Canadian Citizenship Under Canadian Law
Canadian citizenship is governed by the Citizenship Act, which defines who is a Canadian citizen, how you can acquire citizenship, and the circumstances under which it can be lost.
Who Is a Canadian Citizen?
A person is a Canadian citizen if they fall under one of the following categories:
- Are born in Canada (except children of foreign diplomats).
- Are born outside Canada but have a Canadian parent (with some limits).
- Become a citizen through naturalization (after living in Canada for 3 years as a permanent resident and meeting other rules).
- Are adopted by Canadian parents under special rules.
What Is Naturalization in Canada?
Naturalization is the process of becoming a Canadian citizen for people who were not born in Canada. It is covered under the Canadian nationality law.
To naturalize, a person must:
- Be a permanent resident of Canada.
- Live in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) in the last 5 years.
- Pass a citizenship test.
- Confirm minimal English or French skills.
- File taxes
- Take the citizenship oath
The key difference is that you can become a Canadian citizen even if you weren't born in Canada through the legal process of naturalization, but you can lose your citizenship if it was obtained fraudulently.
Having lived in Canada for years, and as Canadian citizenship consultants, we are confident that Canada offers excellent settlement choices within a solid environment to those who wish to become Canadian citizens. As immigration consultants we have provided a guiding path to hundreds of individuals wishing to immigrate to Canada.
Best Citizenship Consultants at Your Service
Canadian Citizenship Act is very complex and navigation through the regulations can be overwhelming. Requirements change, and it's so easy for applicants to get lost. While it's true that the DIY approach to immigration is always an option, hiring a certified immigration consultant is your safest bet as they will save you a lot of time and ultimately, money. Here is why completing your citizenship with LIVIN is advantageous and can help you avoid unnecessary delays in your case:
We Work on Accurately Filling the Application
Application forms have a lot of questions that must be truthfully answered. Missing information and not filling the application correctly may delay processing or cause return of your application. It is also crucial to give true answers to avoid misrepresentation. Hiding information, even if it is just an error and it is not intentional, may prevent you and your family from becoming Canadian citizens. Please note that if your application is rejected you will have to apply again by filling out a new application. You may have to pay fees again, too.
We Guarantee Your Documents Will be Submitted in Timely Manner
Sometimes the processing office needs some additional documents to move with your application and get you closer to a final decision. It is important to remember they are very strict with deadlines. You may be given 7-30 days to submit additional documents. Our office assures that your documents are submitted without delays and on time.
We Will Keep Track of Your Application and Will Update You Accordingly
Keeping you up to date with the status of your case is our high priority. We realize how important it is to feel informed about the progress of your case. The immigration process is stressful enough, so we make sure that you are guided by us at every stage: from your application to your oath ceremony
Permanent Resident Status
Once you become a permanent resident and get your PR card, time starts counting toward your citizenship. Before filing your application, make sure you have proof of permanent residency — Confirmation of Permanent Residence or a PR card — and that you meet the time requirement.
Please keep in mind you may be eligible to claim up to a year of time that you spent in Canada as a Temporary Resident (worker, student or visitor) or protected person towards your 1095 days. Each physical day of authorized stay counts as half a day.
My PR Card Expired. Can I apply for Canadian Citizenship?
Yes, you can apply for Canadian citizenship even if your PR card has expired. The law does not require a valid PR card — only that you have permanent resident status and meet all the eligibility criteria. You do not need to renew your PR card before applying for citizenship.
Permanent Residence Card
Time you have lived in Canada
You must have been in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) before you sign your application. IRCC encourages you to apply for citizenship with more than 3 years of living in the country in case of errors in residency calculation. You can include the time you spent in the country as a temporary resident in your calculation if it meets the criteria.
How to Count the Time Lived in Canada
Count the days you were physically present in Canada
Times, when you’ve been out of the country, are excluded (international trips, vacations etc)
You should keep track of days spent in Canada and days out for higher accuracy
Tip: Check stamps in your passports or flight tickets/travel bills. You can also use a travel journal to record your trips outside Canada. It will help you to be accurate in your physical presence calculation. Keep your records updated — it’s hard to find missing details later. Save emails, flight confirmations, and any proof of your time. Every small piece can help.
Filing income taxes
Filing the taxes is another Canadian citizenship requirement, and you need to make sure to file taxes in Canada for at least 3 years before the date you apply for citizenship to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You should have received a T4 from your employer in January or February following the end of the TAX year. Even if you lived in the country for only part of the year, you may have to file a tax return.
Do I need to upload my tax returns when applying for citizenship?
No need to upload your tax returns. IRCC gets your tax information from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). When you apply, you permit IRCC to check your tax records. This helps them confirm that you meet the tax requirements.
For more information on how to file your tax return, please check this link.
Pass a test on responsibilities, rights and knowledge of Canada
Passing this test in order to become a Canadian citizen is one of the Canadian citizenship requirements. If you are 18 to 54 years of age on the day you sign the application, you need to take the Canadian citizenship test and answer questions about the rights and responsibilities of Canada’s citizens; the country’s history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols to demonstrate your adequate knowledge.
The test has 20 questions, and you need 15 correct answers to pass. It is in English or French and takes 30 minutes. The test is constructed based on information included in the citizenship study guide that can be found here.
There are a lot of websites with sample online tests that will help you prepare for the exam.
You can learn more about the exam in below link.
Language skills, another Canadian citizenship requirement
Related Article: Language Requirements
Canada has two official languages: English and French. If you are 18 to 54 years of age on the day you sign the application, you must show you can listen and speak at a specific level in either English or French language. To become a Canadian citizen you must respect this Canadian citizenship requirement given by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
Since the outbreak of COVID, Canada has cancelled all in-person applications and instead opened up online submissions. Currently, there are two ways to submit your documents — by mailing in hard copies of your documents or submitting them online.
Documents to Submit With Your Application
You'll need the following documents:
- Application.
- A printed copy of the CIT 0407 form or your Online Physical Presence Calculation.
- Coloured photocopies of your passport pages or travel documents (for the last 5 years).
- Photocopy of documents that prove your language proficiency.
- Photocopy of two personal ID documents (e.g., driver’s license, PR card, or health insurance card).
- Two identical passport-style photos.
- Fee receipt.
For more details, please check the Documents checklist
Download Citizenship Applications for Adults
Canadian Citizenship Cost
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you will need to pay an application fee:
- Adults (18 years and older): $630 CAD (Processing fee – $530 CAD and right of citizenship fee – $100 CAD)
- Minors (under 18 years): $100 CAD
If you decide to withdraw your application before it is processed, you can get some of your fees back. However, if your application is rejected, the fees are not refunded.
Things That Disqualify You from Canadian Citizenship
You cannot apply for Canadian citizenship if you are prohibited under the Citizenship Act. For example, if you are:
- In Canada, but serving a prison sentence, on parole, or probation.
- Charged with, on trial for, or convicted of serious crimes (including war crimes, crimes against humanity, or indictable offences).
- Under investigation for or convicted of crimes like terrorism or treason.
- Under a removal order to leave Canada.
- Had a previous citizenship application refused for lying or fraud.
- Had your Canadian citizenship taken away in the last 10 years due to fraud.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Canadian Citizenship Application?
On average, the processing time is around 8 months, which includes the review of your application, the citizenship test, any required interviews, and the citizenship ceremony. Keep in mind that delays may occur depending on the specifics of your case.
The processing time for Canadian citizenship applications can change based on different factors. This includes the type of application, whether it is complete, and how quickly the authorities are processing other applications. It also depends on how easily they can check your information and how quickly you respond to any requests or concerns.
I Have an Emergency, Is It Possible to Speed Up the Application Processing?
If you need citizenship sooner, you may apply for urgent processing, but it is only available in special cases. For example, if you need citizenship for a job, to avoid losing your job, or to travel due to a family emergency.
Even if your case is exceptional, urgent processing may not always be possible. If your request is approved, it may not be completed in time for your situation. If it doesn’t qualify, your application will be processed in the usual time.
To apply for urgent processing, you must:
- Complete your application and explain why urgent processing is needed.
- Include supporting documents.
- Write "Request Urgent Processing – Grant of Citizenship" on the envelope.
- Mail your application to the provided address.
If you’ve already sent your application, fill out the web form with your details and reasons for urgent processing and attach supporting documents.
When I Officially Become A Canadian Citizen?
The citizenship ceremony is the final step to becoming a Canadian citizen. After your application is approved, you must wait for an invitation to the ceremony. At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Citizenship, which is a promise to be loyal to Canada and follow its laws. Once you take the oath, you will officially become a Canadian citizen. After the ceremony, you can apply for a Canadian passport and vote in elections.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Becoming a Canadian citizen comes with several important benefits that make life in Canada easier and more secure. Here are the key advantages:
Work anywhere in Canada
As a Canadian citizen, you can work in any job without needing a work permit. This gives you more career opportunities and the ability to live and work wherever you choose in the country.
Access to healthcare and education
Canadian citizens can enjoy access to Canada’s public healthcare system, which covers essential medical services with little to no cost. Additionally, citizens benefit from affordable education options, including lower tuition fees for universities and public schools that offer high-quality education.
Live and work freely across Canada
Citizens can live and work in any province or territory of Canada without restrictions. This allows you to explore job opportunities and settle in the area that best suits you.
Tax benefits and family support
Canadian citizens can access various tax benefits, including government support for families, seniors, and low-income individuals.
Permanent residency and family benefits
Once you are a citizen, you don’t need to worry about renewing your visa or your immigration status. Plus, if you have children born in Canada, they automatically become Canadian citizens as well, passing on the benefits to the next generation.
Ready to proceed? Discover your Canadian immigration options, and LIVIN Immigration can help you become a Canadian citizen!
