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Application Process

Steps involved in applying for Canadian citizenship, including forms, fees, and submission procedures.

Sections

Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship

Before applying, ensure you meet the following national eligibility criteria:

  1. Permanent Resident (PR) Status:

    • You must have valid PR status in Canada.
    • Your PR status must not be under review for fraud or revoked.
    • You do not need a valid PR card to apply, but your status must be valid.
  2. Physical Presence in Canada:

    • You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years before applying.
    • Time spent as a temporary resident or protected person may count toward this requirement (calculated as half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days).
  3. Income Tax Filing:

    • You must have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period, if required under the Income Tax Act.
  4. Language Proficiency:

    • Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French (Canadaโ€™s official languages).
    • Proof of language ability can include:
      • Results from an approved language test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).
      • Completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French.
      • CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) Level 4 or higher.
  5. Knowledge of Canada:

    • Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a citizenship test to demonstrate knowledge of Canadaโ€™s history, values, institutions, and symbols.
    • The test is based on the official study guide, "Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship."
  6. Prohibitions:

    • You may not be eligible if you have committed certain crimes, are under a removal order, or have been convicted of a serious offense in Canada or abroad.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You will need to collect the following documents:

  • Proof of Permanent Resident Status:
    • PR card, Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688).
  • Travel Documents:
    • Passports or travel documents covering the past 5 years.
  • Language Proof (if applicable):
    • Language test results, transcripts, or certificates.
  • Identification:
    • Government-issued ID (e.g., driverโ€™s license, health card).
  • Income Tax Proof:
    • Copies of your Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the required years.
  • Other Documents:
    • Any additional documents requested based on your situation (e.g., proof of time spent in Canada as a temporary resident).

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

  • Download and complete the Application for Canadian Citizenship (Form CIT 0002) from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
  • Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and truthfully.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

  • The total fee for most applicants is $630 (as of October 2023), which includes:
    • Processing fee: $530
    • Right of Citizenship fee: $100
  • For minors (under 18), the fee is $100.
  • Payment is made online through the IRCC website. Save the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

  • Mail your completed application form, supporting documents, and payment receipt to the appropriate IRCC office. The mailing address depends on whether you are applying as an individual or as a family. Check the IRCC website for the correct address.

Step 5: Wait for Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

  • Once IRCC receives your application, they will send you an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). This includes your unique application number, which you can use to track your application status online.

Step 6: Attend the Citizenship Test (if required)

  • Applicants aged 18 to 54 will be invited to take the citizenship test. The test:
    • Is 30 minutes long.
    • Includes 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions.
    • Requires a passing score of 15/20.
    • Can be taken online or in person.

Step 7: Attend an Interview (if required)

  • You may be asked to attend an interview with a citizenship official to verify your documents, language skills, or other details.

Step 8: Wait for a Decision

  • IRCC will notify you of their decision. If approved, you will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony.

Step 9: Attend the Citizenship Ceremony

  • The final step is the citizenship ceremony, where you will:
    • Take the Oath of Citizenship.
    • Receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
  • The ceremony may be held in person or virtually.

Processing Times

  • The current processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is approximately 19 months (as of October 2023). This includes the time for the test, interview, and ceremony.

Special Considerations

  1. Minors (Under 18):

    • Minors can apply for citizenship with or without their parents.
    • If applying alone, they must already be a permanent resident and meet the physical presence requirement.
  2. Dual Citizenship:

    • Canada allows dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your original citizenship unless required by your home country.
  3. Lost Citizenship:

    • If you were a Canadian citizen but lost your citizenship, you may be eligible to apply for reinstatement.
  4. Military Applicants:

    • Members of the Canadian Armed Forces may qualify for a fast-track process under the Fast-Track Citizenship for Members of the Canadian Armed Forces program.
  5. Online Applications:

    • IRCC is gradually rolling out online applications for citizenship. Check the IRCC website to see if you are eligible to apply online.

Costs Summary

| Category | Fee | |-----------------------------|---------------| | Adult (18 and older) | $630 | | Minor (under 18) | $100 | | Right of Citizenship Fee | $100 (included in adult fee) |


Tips for a Successful Application

  • Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy.
  • Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
  • Track your physical presence in Canada using the Physical Presence Calculator on the IRCC website.
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from IRCC.

By following this guide, you can navigate the Canadian citizenship application process with confidence. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official IRCC website: www.canada.ca.