Citizenship
Canadian citizenship is acquired by birth, descent, grant, or resumption. Most adult permanent residents apply for the citizenship grant after meeting the physical presence requirement. The process involves an application, a test for most ages, and an oath ceremony.
Reminder: IRCC.com is an independent news and information site — we do not handle applications or give advice. Verify all program details on canada.ca. For personal advice, contact a CICC-licensed consultant or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
What this section covers
- Physical presence requirement (1,095 days in 5 years)
- Tax filing requirement
- Language proof — accepted tests and waivers
- Citizenship test format and pass rate
- Discover Canada study guide chapters
- Online vs in-person oath ceremony
- Proof of citizenship certificate
- Adopted children grants (5.1 vs PR-then-grant)
- Lost Canadians and the first-generation limit
- Renunciation and resumption of citizenship
- Dual citizenship rules by country
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to live in Canada to apply for citizenship?
Adult permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years immediately before the application date. Days as a temporary resident before becoming a PR can count as half-days, up to 365 days.
Do I have to renounce my original citizenship to become Canadian?
Canada permits dual (or multiple) citizenship. However, your country of origin may not — some countries automatically revoke citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere. Check the rules of your country of origin separately.
Latest in Citizenship
4 articles — sourced from canada.ca and explained.
Canadian citizenship application 2025: complete guide to physical presence, language, and the citizenship test
Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting key requirements: 1,095 days of physical presence in 5 years, language proficiency (CLB 4 in English/French for ages 18-54), passing the citizenship test, and filing taxes. This guide covers the full process, co
Citizenship Ceremony for Black History Month 2024: Recognizing Black Canadians
In February 2024, IRCC marked Black History Month with a special citizenship ceremony recognizing Black Canadian contributions and welcoming new Black Canadians. The annual ceremony highlights the role of Black Canadians from immigration in shaping Canadian identity and history.
Bill C-3: Restored Canadian Citizenship by Descent for Most Born Abroad
After the Ontario Superior Court struck down the 2009 first-generation limit to citizenship by descent, the Government did not appeal and introduced Bill C-3 (the Act to amend the Citizenship Act, 2025). Bill C-3 restored Canadian citizenship to most descendants of Canadians born
Canadian Citizenship: Eligibility, Application, and the Citizenship Test
Permanent residents become Canadian citizens through a process that requires proof of physical presence (1,095 days in 5 years), language proficiency, a citizenship test, and an oath ceremony. The 2026 fee for adults is CAD $630 plus the right-of-citizenship fee of CAD $123.
Other immigration topics