Canadian Citizenship a 2026 Guide

This guide answers the most common questions about becoming a Canadian citizen. We will walk you through what the process actually looks like, the eligibility requirements for the application steps, fees, and what to expect at the ceremony.

Whether you are just starting to explore your options or are ready to apply, here is what you need to know about becoming a Canadian Citizen.

What is Canadian citizenship?

Canadian citizenship is one of the most sought-after citizenships in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. Citizens of Canada can build their lives and grow their careers in one of the most successful countries that has ever existed. See our list of frequently asked questions to learn all you need to know about obtaining Canadian citizenship.

For the purposes of this article, we will be dealing with the process of obtaining Canadian citizenship through naturalization.

What are the requirements to become a Canadian citizen?

To become a naturalized citizen of Canada, applicants must:

• have permanent resident status;
• have resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the previous five years*;
• have filed personal income taxes for at least three years within the five-year period, if required under the Income Tax Act;
• demonstrate knowledge of Canada, and knowledge of English or French (if between 18 and 54 years of age, inclusive); and
• not be under removal order.

*Under rare circumstances, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will allow an applicant to count time spent outside Canada towards the physical presence calculation. If you resided outside Canada because your, your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or common-law partner, or permanent resident parent was employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces or the public administration of the federal government or a province or territory, these days may be counted.

What are the advantages of becoming a Canadian citizen?

Canadian citizenship bestows a number of rights. In addition to the rights held by permanent residents of Canada, including the right to live and work in any part of Canada, Canadian citizens may:

• vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections;
• run for political office;
• leave and re-enter Canada as and when they wish, without needing to accumulate residency days to maintain status in Canada; and
• apply for a Canadian passport, one of the most valuable passports in the world.

In addition, a child born to a Canadian citizen, whether that child is born in Canada or not, is automatically a Canadian citizen. And lastly, citizens don’t need to renew their immigration documentation, as a Canadian citizenship certificate is valid indefinitely.

How to get Canadian Citizenship?

1. Make sure you qualify
   Before applying, confirm you meet all the eligibility requirements: you must be a permanent resident, have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last five years, have filed your taxes as required, and be able to demonstrate knowledge of Canada and English or French (if you are between 18 and 54).
2. Gather your documents
   You will need to collect supporting documents, including proof of your physical presence in Canada, your permanent resident card, identity documents, and tax records. IRCC provides a document checklist as part of the application package.
3. Submit your application
   You can apply online through the IRCC portal or by paper. Most applicants are encouraged to apply online. Pay the required fees when you submit.
4. Take the citizenship test
   Once IRCC processes your application, you will be invited to take a citizenship test (either online or in person). The test covers Canadian history, values, institutions, and rights and responsibilities. You need a score of at least 15 out of 20 to pass.
5. Attend the citizenship ceremony
   If you pass the test, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will take the Oath of Citizenship. At that point, you officially become a Canadian citizen and receive your citizenship certificate.
   Processing times vary, so check the IRCC processing times page for the most up-to-date estimates.

Canadian citizenship fees

When you apply for Canadian citizenship, you will pay two fees:

• Processing fee: $530 CAD per adult (18 and older). This fee covers the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
• Right of Citizenship fee: $123 CAD per adult. This fee is charged once your application is approved, before your ceremony.

Total for adults: $653 CAD

For minors (under 18), only the processing fee applies — $100 CAD. There is no Right of Citizenship fee for children.

All fees are paid in Canadian dollars and must be submitted through the IRCC online portal or an authorized payment method.

Are there any additional costs besides the basic application fee for citizenship?

The government fees above are not the only costs to budget for. Here are the most common additional expenses applicants face:

• Language test: If you need to prove your English or French proficiency, you will need to take an approved language test. Depending on the test and provider, this typically costs between $200 and $300 CAD.
• Document translation and notarization: If any of your supporting documents are not in English or French, you will need to have them translated by a certified translator. Costs vary depending on the length and complexity of the documents.
• Passport photos: You will need passport-style photos to include with your application. Most pharmacies and photo studios charge between $15 and $20 CAD for a set.
• Immigration consultant or lawyer fees (optional): While you are not required to use a representative, many applicants choose to work with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer, especially if their situation is complex. Professional fees vary widely.
• Citizenship ceremony travel: Ceremonies take place across Canada and are also held virtually. If you need to travel to attend an in-person ceremony, factor in any related travel costs.

For most applicants, the total out-of-pocket cost, including fees and supporting expenses, will range from roughly $700 to $1,000+ CAD, depending on their individual circumstances.

Canadian Citizenship FAQS

How does Canada’s law on naturalization compare with other countries’ laws?

In the global context, Canada’s citizenship naturalization process is one of – if not the – most liberal of all. Canada allows for dual citizenship, does not ask new citizens to declare their intention to reside in the state, and allows residents to submit an application for citizenship within a shorter timeframe than other countries – sometimes much shorter. Canada’s laws allow non-citizen residents to live and work flexibly, while planning to eventually become Canadian citizens through a system that sets out clear, objective criteria.

Do I need to apply for permanent residence before applying for Canadian citizenship?

Except for in a few rare cases involving international adoption, all naturalized Canadians must first apply for and obtain Canadian permanent resident status. See here for information on the differences between permanent residence and Canadian citizenship.

Canada welcomes newcomers from across the world under its immigration programs, through which individuals and families may become permanent residents. If you are unsure about your options, or if you are currently in Canada with temporary status and wish to transition to permanent residence, please view our Book an Immigration Consultation page.

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Canada allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. This means that new Canadian citizens may also retain the citizenship of another country (if that country also allows dual citizenship) while enjoying the rights and privileges of being a Canadian.

Do I have to intend to reside in Canada if I want to become a citizen?

No, naturalized Canadian citizens do not have to intend to reside in Canada upon being naturalized. The opposite was previously the case, but this provision was repealed in 2017.

Do I become a Canadian if I marry a Canadian?

No, you do not automatically become a Canadian citizen if you marry a Canadian citizen. It may be possible for your spouse (the Canadian citizen) to sponsor you to become a permanent resident (see our spousal sponsorship article), after which you may eventually become eligible for citizenship. Alternatively, you may apply for permanent residence by other means (such as through an economic immigration program).

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

You can attempt the citizenship test up to three times. For self-administered online tests, all attempts must be completed in a 30-day window.

If you’re giving the test in-person or through MS Teams, and your attempt results in a failure, the local office will typically factor in time to study before scheduling the second or third attempt. Keep in mind the subsequent tests will be different from the first one.

If the third test also results in failure, the government of Canada will invite the person to appear for a knowledge hearing with a citizenship officer. During this oral hearing, the officer may assess whether this person meets all the requirements for citizenship by testing his or her knowledge of Canada, asking questions about his or her residency in Canada, and assessing English or French ability. Like the written test, the hearing also includes 20 questions and has a pass mark of 15/20.

What is the Canadian citizenship ceremony?

New citizens are required to attend a ceremony and recite an Oath of Citizenship. Once the Oath has been taken, you become a Canadian citizen. A citizenship certificate, showing the date, is presented to each new citizen as proof of citizenship. Citizens-to-be aged 14 and above are required to go to the ceremony and take the Oath. Children under 14 are not required to attend, but are welcome to do so.

Citizenship ceremonies take place virtually and at physical locations across Canada, at all times of the year. They are joyous occasions, where people from around the world join the Canadian family together.

The government of Canada provides an online resource on preparing for the Canadian citizenship ceremony.

I would like help with my Canadian citizenship application. Can a qualified person help me in my goals?

The immigration consultants we work with at Moving2Canada are happy to assist you in becoming a Canadian citizen. Simply book a consultation, and continue your journey to Canadian citizenship.

Read more: Moving Back to Canada as a Canadian Citizen