Citizenship

Who Can Apply for Canadian Citizenship

In order to acquire Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must be a Permanent Resident of Canada.
• You must have resided in Canada for at least three of the last four years.
• You must not have any criminal prohibitions.
• You must pass the Citizenship Test and Interview.

Canada Citizenship Act – Criminal Prohibitions

You cannot become a citizen if you:

• You are ineligible if you have been convicted of an indictable (criminal) offence or an offence under the Citizenship Act in the three years preceding your application;
• Are presently facing charges for an indictable offense or an offense under the Citizenship Act, you are ineligible.;
• Are in prison, on parole or on probation;
• Are under a removal order, meaning they have been instructed by Canadian authorities to depart the country, are not eligible.;
• Are under investigation for, are charged with, or have been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity; or
• Have had your Canadian citizenship taken away in the past five years.

Passing the Canada Citizenship Test and Interview

In order to pass the citizenship test and interview, you must be able to show the following:

• Adequate knowledge of English or French.
• Knowledge of Canada, including the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and an understanding of Canada’s history, values, institutions and symbols.

What Are the Steps in the Canadian Citizenship Process?

1. Complete your application quickly and correctly with our step-by-step guidance that leads you through each question.
2. Pay the government filing fee online.
3. Gather your supporting documents and submit them with your application to CIC.
4. Upon approval of your application, report to the local CIC office to collect your card.
5. Upon approval, get sworn in at the Citizenship Ceremony.