Canada · 5 steps
Canadian Citizenship
A step-by-step guide to becoming a Canadian citizen: how to check you are ready, what to prepare for the application and the test, and what to expect at the ceremony.
Citizenship is the final step in a long journey, and it starts with careful, honest record-keeping along the way.
Are you eligible for citizenship?The main requirements for becoming a Canadian citizen, and the things that can delay your application.
Becoming a Canadian citizen is the last step of the journey for many newcomers. Citizenship gives you rights and responsibilities that permanent residents do not have. This stage explains the main requirements, so you can see how close you are.
Good to know: This page is general information only. Rules can change, and your own situation may be different. Check IRCC's "Who can apply" page and use IRCC's eligibility tool. For advice on your own case, speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
The six requirements
IRCC says that to become a Canadian citizen, you must:
- be a permanent resident
- have lived in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years
- have filed your taxes, if you need to
- prove your language skills
- pass a citizenship test
- take the oath of citizenship
You do not need a valid PR card to apply. You can apply with an expired PR card.
1. Permanent resident status
You must have PR status. IRCC says you must not:
- be under review for immigration or fraud reasons
- be under a removal order
- have unfulfilled conditions related to your PR status, such as medical screening
Before you apply, check the documents you received when you became a permanent resident, to make sure you meet any conditions.
2. Time you have lived in Canada
IRCC says you must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before the date you sign your application.
IRCC encourages you to apply with more than 1,095 days, in case there is a problem with your calculation.
Time before you were a permanent resident
You may be able to count some of the time you spent in Canada as a temporary resident, such as a visitor, student or worker. IRCC says:
- each day as a temporary resident in the last 5 years counts as half a day
- you can use a maximum of 365 days from this time
For example, if you spent two years or more in Canada on a study permit and a work permit before becoming a permanent resident, you could reach the maximum credit of 365 days. You would then need about 730 more days in Canada as a permanent resident to reach 1,095 days. Always use IRCC's physical presence calculator to check your own numbers.
Watch out: Only days spent inside Canada count in most cases. Long trips abroad can delay your application.
3. Filing taxes
IRCC says you may need to file taxes in Canada for at least 3 years during the 5 years right before the date you apply. If you filed every year since you arrived, as we suggested in the earlier stages, you will be in a good position.
4. Language skills
If you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your application, you must show you have an adequate knowledge of English or French. IRCC says this means speaking and listening skills equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4. For example, you can:
- take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics
- understand simple instructions, questions and directions
- use basic grammar
- know enough common words to answer questions
We cover how you prove this in a later stage.
5. The citizenship test
If you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your application, you must take a citizenship test. IRCC says it asks about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens and about Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. IRCC invites you to the test after you submit your application.
6. The oath of citizenship
If you are at least 14 years old and IRCC approves your application, you must take the oath of citizenship. You are not a citizen until you take the oath.
What can stop or delay an application
IRCC says that if you committed a crime in or outside Canada, you may not be eligible for a period of time. Time spent in prison, on parole or on probation does not count as time you have lived in Canada.
IRCC's advice is to wait until the situation no longer applies before you apply. If you are not sure whether a situation applies to you, speak to your lawyer or a licensed professional.
Other things to know
- Marriage does not make you a citizen. IRCC says that if you marry a Canadian citizen, you must still meet the same requirements.
- Your other citizenship. Under Canadian law, you can be a citizen of Canada and another country at the same time. However, some countries do not let you keep their citizenship if you become Canadian. The embassy or consulate of your other country can tell you whether this applies to you.
Watch out: Check your other country's rules before you apply, not after. This can affect your rights there, such as property, travel and long-term plans.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting days in Canada wrongly, or including days that do not count
- Applying with too few days, with no margin for error
- Not filing taxes in years when you were required to
- Forgetting that the language and test rules depend on your age on the day you sign
- Assuming marriage to a citizen or an expired PR card changes the requirements
- Not checking your other country's citizenship rules
- Paying someone who promises a fast result
Where to get advice
Advice about your own application must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Check that they are licensed before you pay.
Checklist
- Write down the date I became a permanent resident
- Note the days I spent in Canada as a temporary resident
- Use IRCC’s eligibility tool to see where I stand
- Check that I have filed my taxes every year
- Note my age on the day I plan to sign the application
- Check my other country’s rules about holding two citizenships
- Keep my travel dates and records in one place
- Read IRCC’s “Who can apply” page again before I apply
Last verified: 21 Oct 2026
Counting your time in CanadaHow IRCC counts your days in Canada, the difference between time before and after PR, and the records to keep.
Counting your days correctly is the most practical part of preparing for citizenship. A mistake can delay your application, so it is worth understanding the rules early and keeping good records from the start.
Good to know: This page is general information only. IRCC's own Physical Presence Calculator is the official tool. Use it, and check IRCC's "Who can apply" page, before you apply.
The basic rule
IRCC says you must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years before the date you sign your application. IRCC encourages applicants to apply with more than 1,095 days, in case of a miscalculation.
Only the five years immediately before you apply matter. Time before that five-year window does not count.
How days are counted
IRCC's calculator uses these rules:
- Days in Canada as a permanent resident: each day counts as one full day.
- Days in Canada as a temporary resident before you became a permanent resident (for example, as a student or a worker): each day counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days.
- Days outside Canada: these do not count. This includes travel for work or holidays.
- Time in prison, on parole or on probation does not count.
Only days when you were authorised to be in Canada count as temporary resident time.
An example from IRCC
IRCC's own calculator FAQ gives this kind of example. A person built up the maximum of 365 days as a temporary resident, even though they travelled outside Canada for some of that time. They then spent 764 days in Canada as a permanent resident.
- 365 days (temporary resident credit) + 764 days (permanent resident) = 1,129 days
That is more than 1,095, so they meet the requirement.
An example for a student who stays in Canada
Imagine a student who studied on a study permit, worked on a PGWP and then became a permanent resident. If they spent three years in Canada as a temporary resident before becoming a PR, half of those days would be about 548, but the cap is 365. They would then need roughly 730 more days in Canada as a permanent resident to reach 1,095. This is only an example. Use IRCC's calculator for your own numbers.
Two different "days" rules
Do not mix these up:
- To keep your PR status: you must be in Canada for at least 730 days in any 5-year period. See "Becoming a permanent resident".
- To apply for citizenship: you must be in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years, counted as above.
Meeting the first does not mean you meet the second.
Use IRCC's calculator
IRCC says its calculator is the preferred way to work out your days. It asks you to:
- list all your time away from Canada in the last five years, including trips for work or holidays
- enter your dates of becoming a permanent resident
IRCC says the calculator tells you if and when you will meet the 1,095-day requirement, which helps you decide when to apply.
You then attach the printout to your citizenship application. IRCC says you may have to recalculate if it returns your application, so check IRCC's current guide.
Tip: Use the calculator every few months, and again just before you apply. Trips abroad move your eligibility date.
Keep your records
Good records make your calculation easier and more accurate. Keep:
- your passports, including old ones, with entry and exit stamps
- your flight tickets, boarding passes and e-tickets
- a simple travel diary with the date you left and the date you returned for every trip
- your PR landing date and your permit dates from before PR
Watch out: If you cannot account for a period of time, it can cause questions. A written list kept as you go is much easier than trying to remember years later.
Plan your travel
Long trips abroad can delay your citizenship date. If you plan to travel a lot, use the calculator to check how a trip will change the date you become eligible.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting days outside Canada
- Counting all your temporary resident days as full days
- Forgetting that the cap on temporary resident credit is 365 days
- Mixing up the 730-day PR rule with the 1,095-day citizenship rule
- Applying with exactly 1,095 days and no margin
- Using an unofficial calculator
- Not keeping travel records
Where to get advice
Advice about your own application must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Check that they are licensed before you pay.
Checklist
- Write down my PR landing date
- Write down my permit dates before PR (study and work)
- List every trip outside Canada in the last five years
- Collect my passports, tickets and boarding passes
- Use IRCC’s Physical Presence Calculator and save the result
- Check my eligibility date again before I travel
- Plan to apply with more than 1,095 days
- Note the difference between the 730-day and 1,095-day rules
Last verified: 21 Oct 2026
Steps 3 to 5 are free to unlock with your email.
Language proof and the citizenship testHow to prove your language skills for citizenship (you may already have what you need), and what the citizenship test covers. Locked: opens the free unlock form
This step is part of the full pathway. to read it, with its checklist and official sources.
Two parts of the citizenship process often worry people: proving your language skills, and the citizenship test. The good news is that many graduates already have what they need for the language part, and the test is based on one free official guide.
Good to know: This page is general information only. IRCC's pages have the latest rules. Check them before you apply.
Language proof
If you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your application, you must show that you can speak and understand English or French. IRCC says the level is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in speaking and listening, which means everyday conversations and simple instructions.
Ways to prove your language skills
IRCC accepts several kinds of proof. You only need one that meets the level:
- Proof that you completed your studies in English or French. This can be a transcript, diploma or certificate from a secondary school or a post-secondary program (college or university), in Canada or abroad. IRCC says you may send it to show you graduated from an English- or French-language program.
- Results of an approved third-party language test. IRCC accepts tests from certain organisations. For English, these have included IELTS General Training and CELPIP-General. Check IRCC's current list before you rely on any test, and do not assume IELTS Academic is accepted.
- A certificate from a language training program that shows CLB 4 or higher, such as a federal LINC course or an approved provincial language program.
Tip: If you studied at a Canadian college or university in English, your diploma or transcript may already be enough. Check this before you pay for a new test.
Can I reuse my old test results?
IRCC says you may send the same third-party test results you gave in your immigration application. IRCC also says there is no expiry date for third-party language test results for citizenship applicants. This is different from the Express Entry and PGWP rules, which have a 2-year limit.
Watch out: Rules about which tests and proofs are accepted can change. Check IRCC's "language proof" page before you apply. Keep a clear copy of your documents.
The citizenship test
If you are between 18 and 54 years old on the day you sign your application, you must take the citizenship test. IRCC invites you to take it after you submit your application.
IRCC says the test:
- has 20 questions, which are either multiple choice or true or false
- is in English or French
- is 45 minutes long
- needs at least 15 correct answers to pass
- gives you 3 chances to pass
What is on the test
The test asks about:
- the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens
- Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols
IRCC says the test does not have questions to assess your English or French. If you are invited to an interview, a citizenship officer notes how well you communicate in one of the official languages.
How to prepare
IRCC says all test questions come from its official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. The guide is free. You can read it online, download the PDF or eBook, listen to the audio version or order a paper copy.
IRCC says you can start studying at any time, even before you apply.
Tip: Study a little each day, for example one section at a time, and test yourself by explaining each section in your own words. A mentor or a friend can quiz you too.
Watch out: Practice websites and apps are not made by IRCC. Use the official guide as your main source, because the test is based on it.
If you need help
IRCC says you can ask for an accommodation (such as extra time, or a different format) or a waiver (exemption) for the language requirement or the test, in certain situations. Read IRCC's pages on accommodations and waivers early if this could apply to you.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for a new language test when you already have valid proof
- Assuming IELTS Academic is accepted without checking
- Sending an unclear copy of a document
- Studying only from unofficial websites
- Leaving the study guide until after you receive the test invitation
- Not asking for an accommodation if you need one
- Trusting someone who promises you will pass the test
Where to get advice
Advice about your own application must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Check that they are licensed before you pay.
Checklist
- Check my age on the day I plan to sign my application
- Find my diploma or transcript from a Canadian college or university
- Check whether my old language test results can be reused
- Read IRCC’s page on accepted language proof
- Download or order the free Discover Canada study guide
- Make a simple study plan for each section of the guide
- Check IRCC’s pages on accommodations and waivers, if I might need them
- Keep clear scans of my language documents
Last verified: 21 Oct 2026
Applying for citizenshipWhat you will need to prepare, the fee, and the common mistakes to avoid when you apply for citizenship. Locked: opens the free unlock form
This step is part of the full pathway. to read it, with its checklist and official sources.
When you meet the requirements, you can apply for Canadian citizenship. The application is mostly about careful preparation: accurate dates, complete documents and honest answers. A small mistake can cause delays, and IRCC may return an application that is incomplete.
This page is general information only. It does not tell you how to fill in the form, and it is not advice on your own application. Always follow IRCC's current guide. For advice on your own case, speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
Before you apply
Check that you meet each requirement:
- You are a permanent resident, and none of the situations that stop an application apply to you
- You have enough days in Canada, calculated with IRCC's Physical Presence Calculator
- You have filed your taxes, if you need to
- You have language proof, if you are between 18 and 54
- You are ready to take the test after you apply, if you are between 18 and 54
IRCC encourages you to apply with more than 1,095 days in Canada, in case of a miscalculation.
Watch out: Do not apply too early. An application that does not meet the requirements on the day you sign it can be refused or returned, and you may lose time and fees.
What IRCC asks you to submit
IRCC's guide for adults lists the documents you submit with your application. Common items include:
- the printout from IRCC's Physical Presence Calculator (or IRCC's calculation form), with your time in Canada
- copies of your travel documents, such as your passports, that cover the five-year period. If you do not have these documents, or there is a gap between their validity dates, IRCC's guide says to give an explanation on the form
- foreign identity documents, such as a passport or a government-issued ID
- proof of your language skills, if you are between 18 and 54
- two identical citizenship photos
- the receipt for your application fee, paid online
IRCC's guide may list other documents for your situation, such as proof of a name change. Always check the current guide.
Tip: Collect all your passports, including expired ones, early. Many people forget they need old passports to show their travel history.
The fee
IRCC's guide lists the application fee as CAD $630 per adult, paid online. You include the receipt with your application.
Watch out: Fees change from time to time. Check IRCC's fee page on the day you apply. Never pay anyone who promises a "faster" application for an extra fee.
Online or paper
IRCC's guide explains how to submit your application and which version of the form to use. Many applicants apply online, and IRCC allows paper applications in limited situations. Check IRCC's page for the current rules, and use the newest version of the form.
Be accurate and honest
- Answer every question truthfully, and make sure your dates match your passports and your calculator printout.
- Include all your time outside Canada. Missing a trip can cause problems later.
- Do not use false documents or let anyone change dates or details for you.
False information can lead to refusal and other serious consequences.
Think about your other citizenship
IRCC's guide includes a warning about the possible loss of other citizenship. Canada allows dual citizenship, but some countries do not. The embassy or consulate of your other country can tell you whether you would lose that citizenship. Find out before you apply.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying with too few days, or with a miscalculation
- Leaving out a trip, a passport or a gap in your travel documents
- Using an old form or a photo that does not meet the rules
- Forgetting to include the fee receipt
- Missing or unclear language proof
- Not checking your other country's rules on dual citizenship
- Using a website or agent that promises a guaranteed result
- Paying someone who is not licensed
Where to get advice
Advice about your own application must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Check that they are licensed before you pay.
Checklist
- Use IRCC’s calculator and check I have more than 1,095 days
- Collect all my passports, including expired ones
- Note any gaps between my travel documents and prepare an explanation
- Check my language proof is ready
- Get two identical citizenship photos that meet IRCC’s rules
- Check the current fee on IRCC’s website
- Read IRCC’s current guide for adults before I fill in anything
- Check my other country’s rules on dual citizenship
Last verified: 21 Oct 2026
After you apply: the oath and the ceremonyWhat happens after you submit your citizenship application: the test, the invitation, the oath and your certificate. Locked: opens the free unlock form
This step is part of the full pathway. to read it, with its checklist and official sources.
After you submit your application, there is a waiting period, followed by a test, an invitation and the ceremony where you become a citizen. This stage explains what to expect, so you can stay prepared.
Good to know: This page is general information only. IRCC decides the format and dates, and they can change. Always follow the instructions in your IRCC account and invitation.
After you submit
- Check your application status. IRCC has an online application status tracker that shows the latest information, including a "Citizenship ceremony" section.
- Check your email regularly. IRCC tells applicants to look for messages from email addresses ending in @cic.gc.ca, including in the spam folder.
- Wait for IRCC's instructions. Processing times change, so check IRCC's website for current times. Be careful with anyone who promises to speed up your case.
Tip: If your address, email address or phone number changes while you wait, tell IRCC straight away, so you do not miss an invitation.
The test and the interview
If you are between 18 and 54 when you sign your application, IRCC invites you to take the citizenship test after you apply. We covered the test in the previous stage.
IRCC says that if you are invited to an interview, a citizenship officer notes how well you communicate in English or French. An interview does not always mean something is wrong. Prepare by being on time and bringing the documents IRCC asks for.
Keep meeting the requirements until the oath
You become a citizen only when you take the oath. IRCC's rules for citizenship applications say you must keep meeting the requirements until then. For example, if you lose your permanent resident status or receive a removal order, this could prevent you from taking the oath.
The citizenship ceremony
When IRCC approves your application, it invites you to a ceremony.
- IRCC says it invites most applicants to a video oath ceremony, which is a virtual ceremony. Your invitation will tell you the format, date and time.
- IRCC says it sends the invitation at least 1 week before the ceremony date.
- If the "Citizenship ceremony" section of your status tracker shows "In progress", it means IRCC is preparing your invitation.
- If you need help with the oath, you can ask for an accommodation.
What to bring
IRCC says to bring 2 pieces of personal identification. Check your invitation for the full list, and keep your documents ready the day before.
The oath
IRCC says a citizenship judge or official leads the ceremony, and the group repeats the oath after the official. If you want to swear the oath on your holy book, IRCC says you may bring it with you.
Once you take the oath, you are a Canadian citizen. IRCC gives you your citizenship certificate as proof.
After the ceremony
As a citizen, you can apply for a Canadian passport and enjoy the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Keep your certificate safe. It is an important document.
Things to think about after the ceremony:
- Check the rules of your other country of citizenship about travel, documents and status.
- Update your records with the places that need them, such as your employer and your bank.
- Learn about your rights and responsibilities, for example voting.
Watch out: Rules about passports, travel and dual citizenship differ between countries. Check them before you plan to travel on a particular passport.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not checking your IRCC account and email
- Missing a test, interview or ceremony date
- Forgetting your identification
- Changing address without telling IRCC
- Losing PR status or taking actions that could stop approval before the oath
- Not checking your other country's rules
- Trusting someone who promises a fast result
Where to get advice
Advice about your own application must come from a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer. Check that they are licensed before you pay.
Congratulations on reaching the end of this pathway
You have followed the journey from your first IELTS test to your citizenship ceremony. Every step takes patience, and each one is easier with good records and honest information.
Checklist
- Check my IRCC status tracker and email regularly
- Tell IRCC if my address, email or phone changes
- Prepare for the citizenship test using the official guide
- Keep my permanent resident status in order until the oath
- Gather two pieces of personal identification
- Check my ceremony invitation as soon as it arrives
- Decide whether I want to bring a holy book
- Check my other country’s rules about dual citizenship and passports
Last verified: 21 Oct 2026