How to Navigate the Canadian Citizenship Application Process

Welcome to the land of opportunity, hockey, and maple syrup—Canada! A country that proudly embodies diversity and multiculturalism, Canada is a place where newcomers are encouraged to reach their full potential. As you take the leap to apply for Canadian citizenship, we’re excited for your journey and honoured by your commitment to becoming a part of this great nation. Whether you're applying as a student, worker, or refugee, your desire to contribute to Canada’s vibrant social, cultural, economic, and political spheres is a big step, and we’re here to make the application process a little smoother for you.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is specifically crafted for permanent residents aged 18 and above who are ready to apply for Canadian citizenship. Although this guide provides helpful insights and explanations, it is not a legal document. If you encounter any discrepancies between this guide and the official regulations, the Citizenship Act, Citizenship Regulations, and Citizenship Regulations No. 2 will always take precedence. If you require further legal clarification, consult these official documents.

Let's get you started on your Canadian citizenship journey!

Step 1: Are You Eligible?

Before diving into the application process, ensure that you meet the necessary eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship. Here’s what you need to tick off:

• Permanent Resident Status: You must be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada.

• Physical Presence: You need to have physically resided in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the 5 years immediately before you apply.

• Income Taxes: In some cases, you may need to have filed personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period before applying.

  • Check if you need to file your taxes.

• Language Proficiency: If you're between 18 and 54 years old, you must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French.

• Knowledge of Canada: Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also show an understanding of Canadian history, institutions, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This will be assessed after you submit your application.

• Residency and Criminality: You cannot have any unresolved conditions tied to your permanent resident status, be under a removal order, or be deemed inadmissible on criminal or security grounds.

To check if you're eligible to apply for citizenship, use this eligibility tool.

Important Notes

• Registered Indians: If you are a Registered Indian applying for Canadian citizenship, please see the specific guidelines for processing your application.

• Physical Presence Calculator: The 5-year eligibility period refers to the time frame before the date you sign your application. You'll use the Physical Presence Calculator to determine your eligibility.

  Access the online physical presence calculator.

Step 2: Calculate Your Time in Canada

The next step is to calculate how long you’ve been physically present in Canada, as this is a critical component of your application.

Here’s how you can get it done:

• Use the online Physical Presence Calculator to accurately measure the number of days you've spent in Canada. Be sure to print a copy of the results and include it with your application.

• If you're unable to use the online calculator, download and complete the physical presence form (CIT 0407).

Pro Tip: Double-check your calculations! Any errors can cause delays in your application process.

Recalculating Physical Presence: In some cases, your application may be returned for the following reasons:

• Different dates on the application form and the calculator printout.
• Incorrect calculations.
• Missing times spent outside of Canada in the last 5 years.
• Failing to sign or date your application.

Always ensure that your application form and calculator printout have the same date, and use the most up-to-date form version.

Step 3: Gather All Your Documents

Once you’ve calculated your physical presence, it’s time to gather the necessary documents for your application. You’ll need to submit:

1. Original Physical Presence Calculation Printout: Submit either your online calculator printout or the completed CIT 0407 form.

2. Colour Photocopies of Passport(s)/Travel Documents: Include all pages (both valid and expired) of your passports or travel documents during the 5-year eligibility period. Ensure the biographical page (showing name, photo, and passport details) is also photocopied.

• If there’s a gap in the validity of your documents, you’ll need to explain this on the application form (Question 14).

3. Two Pieces of Personal Identification: You’ll need photocopies of two identification documents, such as:
   • Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
   • Driver’s licence
   • Health insurance card
   • Foreign government-issued documents (e.g., passport)

Note: Photocopy both sides of your identification if there’s information on both sides.

4. Language Proficiency Documents (If Aged 18-54): Provide proof of your English or French language ability. Acceptable documents include:
   • Results of a third-party language test.
   • A diploma, certificate, or transcript from a secondary or post-secondary program in Canada or abroad.
   • Proof of reaching Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher through a government-funded language training program.

If you’re unable to meet the language requirement for compassionate reasons, provide supporting evidence, such as a Waiver Request Form (CIT 0116).

5. Citizenship Photos: You’ll need to submit two identical citizenship photos that meet the specific requirements listed on the application.

6. Fee Payment: The fee for applying is $630 per adult. After paying online, print the receipt and include it with your application.

Pay the citizenship fee here.

7. Document Checklist: Include the completed Document Checklist (CIT 0007) with your application to ensure that everything is in order.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

The application form is your next stop. Here's what to keep in mind when completing it:

• Answer all the questions unless instructed otherwise.
• Download the application form (CIT 0002), fill it out on your computer, and save it to complete later if necessary.
• Once completed, print and sign the form.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

The application fee for citizenship is $630 for each adult applicant. If multiple family members are applying, you can pay all fees together.

Be sure to print your receipt after completing the online payment.

Forgot your payment system password? No worries—just reset it and continue with the application process.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once everything is ready, it’s time to send off your application! Make sure you've completed the form and included all required documents and receipts. Here's where you should send it:

By Regular Mail:

• Case Processing Centre-Sydney P.O. Box 7000 SYDNEY, NS B1P 6V6

By Courier:

• IRCC Digitization Centre - Citizenship 3050 Wilson Ave New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8

Wrapping It Up

Taking the plunge to apply for Canadian citizenship is no small feat, and we applaud your dedication to joining the Canadian family. This guide has outlined each step of the application process, and with a bit of preparation, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proud Canadian. Remember to take your time, follow each step carefully, and soon enough, you’ll be enjoying all the perks of citizenship—from voting to sipping Tim Hortons while watching hockey, eh?

Good luck on your journey to Canadian citizenship!