Steps to Becoming a Canadian Citizen
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This article will serve as a guide to aid you in preparing and applying to become a Canadian citizen.
Over the past fifty years, Canada has established a reputation for welcoming immigrants and valuing diversity. Today, more than one-quarter of Canada’s population is foreign-born, reflecting the country’s long history of immigration and multiculturalism. Immigration also plays an important role in supporting Canada’s communities and economy.
As a newcomer to Canada, your first priorities may be establishing your residence, completing official documents, finding a home, and securing employment. If you plan to make Canada your long-term home, you may also want to consider becoming a Canadian citizen.
Canadian citizenship is a multi-step process that involves meeting eligibility requirements, submitting an application, completing a citizenship test and, if approved, attending a citizenship ceremony. The information below provides a general overview of the process.
Pathways to Immigration
This application process is for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently and take part in Canadian economy. Express Entry is an online system used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.
There are 3 immigration programs managed through Express Entry:
1. Canadian Experience Class
• For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience
• Work experience must have been gained in the 3 years before application
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program
• For skilled workers with foreign work experience
• Must meet criteria for education and other factors
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program
• For skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade
• Must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification
If you’re eligible for one of the above programs, you can also apply through the Express Entry for Provincial Nominee Program. However, PNP also offers a Non-Express Entry process.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is for workers who:
• Have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
• Want to live in that provide or territory
• Want to become permanent residents of Canada
Each province and territory has its own ‘streams’ (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements.
For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target:
• Students
• Business people
• Skilled workers
• Semi-skilled workers
An important detail to note is that the Province of Quebec has its own nominee program.
Quebec-selected skilled workers
This is the application process for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada and live in Quebec.
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers and international graduates from a Canadian institution who want to work and live in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces – New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador. The program helps employers hire qualified candidates for jobs they haven’t been able to fill locally.
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a community-driven program. It’s designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating communities.
Refugees are people who are forced to leave their home countries because of serious human rights abuses. The right to asylum from persecution is an international human right.
Claim refugee protection (asylum) from inside Canada: It is possible to apply from within Canada as a refugee if someone fears persecution, or if they are in danger if they returned to their home country. It is also possible for Canadian citizens to sponsor a refugee and help them resettle in Canada.
It is also possible to sponsor family members to become permanent residents so they can live, study and work in Canada. Following are some important resources with details about sponsoring relatives to immigrate to Canada.
This list is not an exhaustive resource. Take this quiz through IRCC to discover what pathways to immigration are available to you.
Becoming A Canadian Citizen
Before applying, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements. Generally, to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must:
- Have permanent resident status
- Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before you apply
- Have filed your income taxes, if required
- Pass a citizenship test if you are between 18 and 54 years old
- Demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French if you are between 18 and 54 years old
Additional requirements apply to minors under 18. A spouse of a Canadian citizen does not automatically become a Canadian citizen and must meet the applicable citizenship requirements.
Certain circumstances may also prevent someone from becoming a Canadian citizen. You can review the full eligibility requirements on the Government of Canada’s website.
- Check Your Eligibility
- The first step is to make sure you meet the citizenship requirements. This includes requirements related to permanent residence, physical presence in Canada, taxes, language skills, and knowledge of Canada.
- Choose the Correct Application
- The application you need depends on your age and circumstances. Adults 18 and older use the Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults, while a separate application is available for minors under 18. Parents or guardians generally apply on behalf of minor children.
- Before applying, review the current application requirements and document checklist provided by IRCC.
- Complete and Submit Your Application
- Complete the appropriate application and provide the required documents, photographs, and fees. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply online or need to submit a paper application.
- Make sure to carefully review the application instruction and keep copies of the documents you submit. You may be asked to provide original documents during the process.
- Complete the Citizenship Test or Interview
- If you are between 18 and 54 years of age, you will generally be invited to complete a citizenship test. Some applicants may also be asked to attend an interview.
- IRCC will provide the information about the date, time, and location of your test or interview and will let you know what documents you need to bring.
- Attend the Citizenship Ceremony
- If your application is approved you will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony. During the ceremony you will take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your Canadian citizenship certificate. Once you become a Canadian citizen you can enjoy the right and responsibilities that comes with Canadian citizenship, including the right to vote and apply for a Canadian passport.
For information about legal supports that can help you on your citizenship journey, please visit our Community Navigator.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration requirements and application processes can change. For the most current information, eligibility requirements, application forms, fees, and processing information, consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or speak with a qualified immigration professional.
