Application for Canadian citizenship: Adults 18 years of age and older
Steps to Canadian Citizenship
Step 1: Make sure you are eligible
Step 2: Calculate how long you’ve been in Canada
Step 3: Gather your documents
Step 4: Fill in the forms
Step 5: Pay the fees
Step 6: Submit your application
Step 7: Prepare for your test
Step 8: Go to your interview and test
Step 9: Wait for the decision
Step 10: Go to a ceremony and take the oath
Appendix A: Change the sex on your document
Appendix B: “X” in the sex field on a citizenship certificate
1 Eligiblity
To be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship, you must:
be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada
have been physically in Canada for at least 1095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply
have filed personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5 year period, if required under the Income Tax Act
demonstrate you have knowledge of Canada (if you are between 18 and 54 years old when you apply)
demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (if you are between 18 and 54 years old when you apply)
not be under a removal order
not be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds
Check to make sure you’re eligible to apply
Step 2 – Calculate how long you’ve been in Canada
Use the calculator to check that you meet the physical presence requirement for Canadian citizenship and print the results. It can help prevent delays with your application.
If you can’t use the calculator, fill out the form manually: How to Calculate Physical Presence form (CIT 0407) (PDF, 1.98MB). Be sure to double check your calculations.
Step 3 – Gather your documents
Submit the following documents with your application:
original printout of your Online Physical Presence Calculation or form CIT 0407 (PDF, 1.98MB)
photocopies of all valid and expired passports or travel documents you had in the past 5 years. If you don’t have these documents or there are gaps in time between travel documents, we will ask for an explanation.
if you didn’t have a passport in the past 5 years:
photocopies of 2 pieces of government issued identification with your name, date of birth and photograph
if you had a passport in the past 5 years:
photocopies of 1 piece of government issued identification with your name, date of birth and photograph
If you are 18 to 54 years old:
Photocopies of your proof of English or French language ability if you are 18-54 years of age. Examples of what you can provide include the following:
results of a third-party language test;
diploma, certificate or transcripts from a secondary or post-secondary education program in Canada or abroad, where the language of study was English or French
proof that you have reached the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher through a government-funded language training programs.
OR
If you are 18-54 years of age and unable to demonstrate that you have the necessary English or French language ability due to a medical condition, you must submit a supporting evidence with your application. Please provide photocopies of one of the following:
An audiogram and an attestation issued by a Canadian audiologist if you are hearing impaired; or
Evidence from a medical practitioner in Canada if you have a disorder, disability or condition that is cognitive, psychiatric or physiological in nature.
Photocopy of personal identification
two (2) identical citizenship photos
The application fee of $630.00 per adult paid online. Use the Document Checklist (CIT 0007) (PDF, 1.83MB) to make sure your application package is complete. Submit the completed checklist with your application.
Step 4 – Complete the application form
It’s a good idea to fill in the forms on a computer. This helps prevent delays.
In most sections, add or remove rows as you need by pressing the plus sign (+) or minus sign (-) buttons.
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Check the box to show what official language (English or French) you want to use in person or when we communicate with you.
Check the box to tell us if you have any special needs that require accommodation. If yes, select the appropriate accommodation you require in the drop down menu.
Some examples of specials needs are:
wheelchair access
sign language interpretation (for example, deaf individuals may have a sign language interpreter to help with the assessment of “listening and speaking” ability)
personal assistance (for example, you will be accompanied by a care attendant, an interpreter, a seeing eye dog, a sighted guide, etc.)
materials in accessible formats (for example, the study guide is available in large print, audio or Braille versions).
Tell us if you applied for Canadian citizenship before
Copy the Client ID# or Unique Client Identifier (UCI) exactly as it appears on your most recent immigration document. Immigration documents include your:
Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
if there is no client ID number listed provide the document number located at the bottom right corner that begins with a W followed by 9 digits (Example: W 012 345 678)
Copy your names exactly as they appear on your most recent immigration document. Examples are listed above.
Copy your date of birth exactly as it appears on your most recent immigration document. Examples are listed above.
Copy the date you became a permanent resident as it appears on your most recent immigration document. Examples are listed above.
If you changed your name or sex designation since becoming a Permanent Resident, check the “yes” box and provide the required documents below.
Name change
Consult the information below to determine the documents that are to be included with your application.
If you have legally changed your name within Canada
Then you must submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority. The document must show both your previous and amended names.
The following documents are accepted:
Legal change of name document
Court order specifying name change
Adoption order
The following documents are accepted for changes to family name only:
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Registration or declaration of union issued by civil authorities
Revocation of declaration or annulment of union issued by civil authorities
Registration for common-law relationship, in provinces that permit changes of name for common-law relationships under their provincial/territorial law
If you have legally changed your name outside Canada and are residing in Canada
Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:
A foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
A document that links your previous name to your new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation); and
A document in the new name from Canadian provinces or territories (ex. driver's license, health card, age of majority card, senior citizen’s identification card, or social service card)
If you have legally changed your name outside Canada and are residing outside Canada
Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:
a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
a document that links your previous name to your new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation) or other foreign legal change of name document issued by foreign authorities; and
an authoritative national or state/province (or equivalent) issued photo identification document issued in the country or state/province in which you reside that displays the new name, such as:
a foreign passport or other travel documents, if you are a dual citizen;
a state/provincial (or equivalent) identification card.
If you have applied and obtained an amendment to your Record of Landing, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence due to errors made by Canadian immigration officials when recording your name, then you must submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of name.
Important information: Once processing of your application has begun a name change can only be made due to an administrative error made by the Department, or a legal change of name.
Important information: You cannot request a change of an adopted person’s name after Part 2 of the application has been submitted.
If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the request for a change of name, the name that appears on the citizenship certificate will be the name listed on the adoption order.
If you are requesting a change of sex designation, check “yes” and send us the required documents in Appendix A.
We need to know all the names you have ever used in your life, so we can verify your identity. If you used any other names other than the one being requested in your grant of citizenship application, print them in the chart. Examples: Name at time of birth, name before marriage, previous married names, married names, nick names or any other names you have used. If you have legally changed your name, see Legal Change of Name
Tell us how we can contact you. Provide your current details:
email address (if you provide an email address, we may communicate with you about your application through email where possible. If the email address belongs to a representative, you need to complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476) form)
home address (where you live)
telephone numbers (where we can phone you)
mailing address (only complete this section if your mailing address is different than your home address. If the mailing address belongs to a representative, you need to complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476) form)
Tell us if someone helped you fill out your forms. If you would also like to appoint an individual, firm or organization as your representative, you must complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476). Once you appoint a representative, all correspondence about your application will be sent to them and not to you.
For instructions on completing the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476), see: Guide IMM 5561 – Use of a Representative.
The eligibility period
Calculate how long you’ve been in Canada
The eligibility period is five (5) years before the date of your application. The minimum amount of time you need to be physically present in Canada is 1095 days within the five years immediately before applying. We encourage applicants to apply with more than the minimum requirement of 1095 days of physical presence, to account for any miscalculations of absences, or any other aspect that could lower the physical presence total below 1095 days.
You must complete and submit the printout of your Online Physical Presence Calculation. If you have not already completed this step please do so by visiting the Online Physical Presence Calculator.
Note: We strongly encourage you to use the online calculator as it is the most accurate way to check your eligibility. If you are unable to use the Online Physical Presence Calculator, you may complete the How to Calculate Physical Presence form (CIT 0407) (PDF, 1.98MB).
You may be able to use some of your time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person towards your physical presence calculation. Each day spent physically in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident within the last 5 years, will count as one half day, with a maximum of 365 days towards your physical presence.
Within the last 5 years, tell us if you held temporary resident status, or protected person’s status in Canada before you became a permanent resident.
Temporary resident status includes lawful authorization to enter or remain in Canada as a:
visitor,
student,
worker or,
temporary resident permit holder
A protected person is someone who:
was found to be in need of protection or a convention refugee by the Immigration and Refugee Board or
received a positive decision on a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
If you made a refugee claim, or were included on a family member’s refugee claim, you will not be credited time in Canada from the date of the refugee claim until you have received a positive decision confirming that you are a protected person as described above.
Check either yes or no
If you check yes, complete the chart in question 9b
Tell us exactly what status you held (visitor, student, worker, or protected person)
Tell us the day, month and year (DD/MM/YY) you were granted each status
Tell us the day, month and year (DD/MM/YY) your status ended
There are very rare circumstances that will let you count time outside of Canada towards your physical presence calculation. If you resided outside of Canada because either:
you
your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or common law partner
permanent resident parent
was employed outside Canada (not as a locally engaged person) in or with:
the Canadian Armed Forces
the federal public administration
the public service of a province or territory
Complete the Residence Outside of Canada form (CIT 0177) (PDF, 667.46KB) and submit any supporting documents requested in that form with your application.
Write all your addresses inside and outside of Canada you used during your eligibility period, including the postal codes, starting with your current home address. If you were residing, employed or attending school outside Canada, you must list all of your foreign addresses, including the postal codes or ZIP codes. Press the (+) plus button if you need more space.
Provide information that covers the entire eligibility period. Do not leave any gaps during this period and do not leave this section blank. If you do, your application will be returned to you.
Within the last 4 years, if you spent 183 days or more in another country (other than Canada), you must provide a police certificate. You must provide a police certificate for each country where you spent 183 days or more. If you cannot get a police certificate, tell us why.
Example 1
In the past 4 years, you took one (1) trip to France that lasted 200 days. You would answer “Yes” to the question and you would need to provide a police certificate from France.
Example 2
In the past 4 years, you took 10 trips to the United States of America (USA). Each trip lasted 3 weeks, for a total of 210 days. You would answer “Yes” to the question and you would need to provide a police certificate from the USA.
Example 3
In the past 4 years, you spent one year (365 days) working in Singapore. While working in Singapore, you took a trip to Malaysia (10 days) and Thailand (10 days). You would answer “Yes” to the question and you would need to provide a police certificate from Singapore. You would not need to provide police certificates from Malaysia or Thailand.
Example 4
In the past 4 years, you took one (1) trip to Europe where you visited Portugal (5 days), Spain (7 days), France (10 days), Belgium (3 days), Netherlands (3 days), Germany (21 days), Switzerland (7 days) and Italy (21 days). You took a second trip to Europe where you visited Ireland (14 days), Scotland (14 days) and England (21 days). You went to Germany for a business trip that lasted 60 days. The total time you were outside of Canada was 186 days but you were not in a single country for 183 days or more. You would answer “No” to the question and you would not need to provide police certificates from any of the countries.
Tell us what you have been doing during the eligibility period.
Complete the chart in question 11. You must list all your work and study history including English/French language training inside or outside Canada for the entire eligibility period. Press the (+) plus button if you need more space.
If you were not working because you were studying, unemployed, retired, a caregiver, homemaker or volunteering for any part of this time, provide that information, including the location.
If you were self-employed, you must provide details of your self-employment.
You must provide information that covers the entire eligibility period, being sure to account for each month. Do not leave any gaps during this period and do not leave this section blank. If you do, your application will be returned to you.
Tell us if you have a federally issued: Social Insurance Number (SIN), Temporary Tax Number (TTN), and/or Individual Tax Number (ITN). If you select yes, provide the 9 digit number.
Complete the chart and tell us which years you were required to file your taxes and which years you actually filed.
Check Yes to authorize the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to provide details of your tax filing information (including income, benefit, and residence information) to IRCC. By checking Yes you are also authorizing IRCC to collect your tax filing information from the CRA to help determine whether you meet the income tax requirement and physical presence requirement for citizenship.
Subsection 8(1) of the Privacy Act and paragraph 241(5)(b) of the Income Tax Act allows the Canada Revenue Agency to provide personal information to IRCC, with the consent of the relevant individuals. This consent is required under paragraph 2(1)(e) of the Citizenship Regulations, No. 2.
Tell us if you have had immigration, permanent resident status and/or citizenship in any other country outside of Canada, including your country of birth.
Check either yes or no.
If you check yes, complete the chart in question 13.
Tell us which countries you have held status in, and exactly what status you held or currently hold (student, employment/worker, refugee/protected person, permanent resident or citizen).
Provide the month and year (MM/YY) that you obtained each status.
If your status is no longer valid, provide the month and year (MM/YY) your status ended. If you still hold this status, indicate “current”.
Tell us if you have held passports or travel documents during your “eligibility period”.
Check either yes or no.
If you check yes, complete the chart labeled Table A in question 14 by including
the document number
the name of the country that issued the document (issuing authority)
the place (city or town) the document was issued
the date the document was issued
the expiry date of the document
If you do not have a passport or travel document that was/is valid during your eligibility period, tell us why in the box provided labeled Table B .
Check Yes to authorize the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to provide your history of travel to IRCC. By selecting Yes, you are also authorizing IRCC to collect the history of your travel from the CBSA and to use the information provided by the CBSA in order to determine your citizenship eligibility.
If you choose No, you may be asked to provide additional documents later in the process which will delay the processing of your application. Don’t contact the CBSA to request your “history of entries.”
Language requirement
All applicants 18-54 years of age MUST submit proof that demonstrates adequate knowledge of English or French (even if your first language is English or French). If you are 18-54 years of age and unable to demonstrate that you have the necessary English or French language ability due to a medical condition, this requirement may be waived. You must submit supporting evidence with your application.
If you do not have proof of language proficiency or the language level needed, you can take a government-funded language program to help you improve your language skills to get a certificate at a level of CLB/NCLC 4.
Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens level 4 is considered “Basic Proficiency” and means an individual can:
take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics
understand simple instructions, questions and directions
use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses and show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself
Choose one of the following types of language proof to submit with your application:
Results from a third-party language test
Your language test result must be equal to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB/NCLC)/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens level 4 or higher in speaking and listening. If you did the test in the past for immigration or citizenship purposes, we will accept the results even if it has expired.
Examples of third-party tests include:
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General Test (CELPIP-G) or the CELPIP-General LS (listening and speaking).
If you took the test after April 1, 2014, you must have a score of level 4 or higher in listening and speaking.
If you took the test before April 1, 2014, you must have a score of 2H or higher (i.e., 3L, 3H, 4L, 4H, 5L, or 5H) in listening and speaking.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), general training, not the academic version You must have a score of:
4.0 or higher in speaking and
4.5 or higher in listening. (Note: If the test was done before November 28, 2008, we will accept a level 4 or higher)
Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF), Test d’Évaluation du Français adapté au Québec (TEFAQ) or TEF pour la naturalisation.
If you took the test after July 1st, 2012, you must have a score of:
Niveau B1 or higher, (i.e. B2, C1 or C2) in Compréhension de l’oral and Expression orale
If you took the test before July 1st, 2012, you must have a score of:
Niveau 3 or higher in Compréhension de l’oral and Expression orale. (Note: if you took the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) before July 1st, 2012, you need a level 3 for expression orale only. This applies only to the TEF and not the TEFAQ or TEF pour la naturalisation.
We will accept the following proof if you have submitted them in the past for immigration purposes to Quebec (note: these tests align with the échelle québécoise and not officially with CLB/NCLC 4):
Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) – All test results
Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) – Level B1 or higher
Test de connaissance du français(TCF) – Niveau B1 or higher
Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ) – Niveau B1 or higher
You attended or are currently attending a secondary or post-secondary education program in English or French, either in Canada or abroad.
A degree, diploma, certificate or official transcripts from a secondary or post-secondary education program showing you studied in English or French, in Canada or abroad.
If the original document is in a different language, include:
a letter from the school showing that the language of instruction was in English or French along with
an official translation of the original document and
the address and contact information (phone number) of the education institution
You took a government-funded language training program and have achieved Canadian Language Benchmark/Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (CLB/NCLC) level 4 or higher in speaking and listening skills.
We will accept the following test results:
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada or Cours de Langue pour Immigrants au Canada (LINC or CLIC):
If you completed the LINC or CLIC course at CLB 4/NCLC 4 or higher from January 1st 2008 to October 31st, 2012:
Send a copy of the certificate with your application. If you do not have a copy of your certificate, check the box in question 15a and we will validate that you completed the course in our system.
If you completed the LINC or CLIC course on or after November 1st, 2012:
Submit a copy of the certificate you were given when you completed the course.
You completed a provincial language training program in:
Manitoba
A copy of the Manitoba Canadian Language Benchmark Report or an Adult English as an Additional Language (EAL) student progress report from Manitoba Government. Make sure your report shows speaking and listening skills are at CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher.
Quebec
Examples include:
Bulletins by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec (MIDI) or the Ministère de l’Immigration et Communautés Culturelles (old department name):
If it was issued between June 1st, 2011 and October 16, 2012, make sure your most recent assessment in interaction orale is level 4 or higher (Échelle Québécoise); or
If the version was issued after October 16, 2012, make sure your most recent assessment is in interaction orale or compréhension orale (listening) and production orale (speaking) is level 4 or higher (Échelle Québécoise).
The Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES) is issuing a Relevé des apprentissages for adults taking French training as per the “francisation à la formation générale des adultes”. You need level 4 or higher of l’échelle québécoise in speaking and listening.
British Columbia (BC)
If you took British Columbia’s English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) training in 2008 or 2009, submit an ELSA certificate showing language level CLB 4 or higher in listening and speaking. Note: certificates were not automatically issued. and you may have to contact the ELSA program directly to get a copy. We will not make the request for you.
If you took British Columbia’s English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) training in 2010 or after, we will accept an ELSA report card or an ELSA certificate issued on or before August 31, 2014, confirming language level CLB 4 or higher in listening and speaking. Note: certificates issued on or after November 1st, 2012 automatically show a CLB 4 level or higher, even if not stated on the certificate).
Ontario
Ontario Provincial Language Training Certificates from December 2013 or later. The certificate must be issued by providers of the Adult Non-Credit Language Training Program. Make sure your Ontario Adult Non-Credit language training program certificate shows you have a level CLB/NCLC 4 or higher, in speaking and listening. These certificates must be for:
English as a Second Language (ESL)/Anglais Langue Seconde (ALS)
French as a Second Language (FSL)/Français Langue Seconde (FLS); or
Citizenship and Language Training (CL)/Instruction civique et enseignement de la langue (ICEL)
Saskatchewan
Since January 2016, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education has a Statement of Language Proficiency for students of English as an Additional Language (EAL). It is based on the Common Framework of Reference (CFR) scale in listening and in speaking:
All schools in Saskatchewan from Kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) are able to issue the certificate for English as an Additional Language.
Level B1 is equal or higher to CLB 4.
If you are 18 to 54 years old and unable to meet the language requirement due to a medical condition, you must submit supporting evidence with your application. The supporting documents help decision-makers understand your situation.
If you are hearing impaired, we will accept an audiogram issued by a Canadian audiologist with a letter issued by the same audiologist that:
attests you are hearing impaired and have severe to profound hearing loss, with little or no residual hearing
explains how this affects your ability to listen and speak in English or French
We will return your whole application if you don’t include the audiogram and letter issued by the same audiologist.
If you have a disorder, disability or condition that is cognitive, psychiatric or psychological, we will accept supporting evidence from a Canadian medical practitioner. It must explain how the disability or condition affects your ability to listen and speak in English or French. We will return your application if you don’t submit this supporting evidence.
Knowledge Requirement
If you are 18 to 54 years old, you must demonstrate that you have an adequate knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. You will be scheduled to take a citizenship knowledge test after we receive your application.
If you can’t demonstrate you meet the knowledge requirement due to a medical condition, submit supporting evidence with your application.
If you have a disorder, disability or condition that is cognitive, psychiatric or psychological, we will accept supporting evidence from a medical practitioner in Canada. It must explain how the disability or condition affects your ability to study the official citizenship study guide in English or French and to take the associated citizenship test.
The supporting documents help us understand your situation. We will return your application if you don’t submit this supporting evidence.
Format: Clear and legible photocopy. Must be in English or French. For foreign diplomas, certificates or transcripts, an official translation must be provided.
To make sure you aren’t prohibited from becoming a Canadian citizen you must complete this section.
PROHIBITIONS: To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen, you must not be prohibited under the Citizenship Act. Read the situations that prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen below and select the applicable statement on the application form.
You will not be granted citizenship and cannot take the oath of citizenship if any of the following prohibitions apply to you.
Are you now:
On probation?
On parole?
Serving a term of imprisonment?
Are you now serving a sentence outside Canada for an offence?
Are you now charged with, on trial for, or subject to or a party to an appeal relating to:
An offence under the Citizenship Act or an indictable offence in Canada?
An offence outside Canada?
Are you now, or have you ever been, under a removal order (have you been asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada)?
Are you now under investigation for, charged with, on trial for, subject to or a party to an appeal relating to, or have you been convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity?
Have you directly or indirectly misrepresented or withheld material circumstances relating to this application, or in the 5 years immediately before the date of your citizenship application, were you prohibited from being granted citizenship or taking the Oath because of misrepresentation or withholding material circumstances?
In the 10 years immediately before the date of your citizenship application, was your Canadian citizenship taken away (revoked) for reasons of false representation, fraud, or knowingly concealing material circumstances?
In the 4 years immediately before the date of your citizenship application or since you submitted your application, have you:
Been convicted of an indictable offence under any Act of Parliament or an offence under the Citizenship Act?
Been convicted of an offence outside Canada, regardless of whether you were pardoned or otherwise granted amnesty for the offence?
While a permanent resident, have you:
Been convicted in Canada of terrorism, high treason, treason, or spying offences?
Been convicted outside Canada of terrorism?
Served as a member of an armed force of a country or an organized armed group and that country or group engaged in armed conflict with Canada?
WARNING: Your citizenship can be taken away (revoked) if, at the time you take the oath, you know that any of the above prohibitions apply to you.
If you read the situations that prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen and none of the situations apply to you, check the box in 16a.
If you read the situations that prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen and believe that one or more of the situations may apply to you, check box 16b, and provide details on your application form.
IRCC checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) to find out if there are any criminal or security reasons which could prevent you from acquiring Canadian citizenship.
You may need to provide fingerprints and/or court documents and/or attend an in-person interview to ensure you are not prohibited under the Citizenship Act.
Check the boxes if you authorize IRCC to provide your personal information to:
Your federal Member of Parliament (MP)
Elections Canada
Check either Yes or No to indicate whether or not you authorize IRCC to provide the following information to Elections Canada to be added to the National Register of Electors (the Register):
your name
residential and mailing address
sex
Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and
date of birth and
the date your citizenship was granted
When you become a Canadian citizen and are 18 years of age or older, you have the right to vote in federal elections and referendums. Elections Canada maintains the Register and uses it during a federal election or referendum to produce voter’s lists and to communicate with eligible voters.
The Canada Elections Act also allows Elections Canada to provide voter information to provincial and territorial election agencies for uses permitted under their respective legislations and to provide voter information (name, address, and sex only) to members of Parliament, registered political parties and candidates at election time. The UCI and the date your citizenship was granted will only be used by Elections Canada for administrative purposes, and will not be shared by Elections Canada except as required by law.
If you check Yes, IRCC will provide your name, residential and mailing address, sex, date of birth, UCI and the date your citizenship was granted to Elections Canada in order to add you to the Register, but only after you become a Canadian citizen. If you check No, IRCC will not provide your information to Elections Canada. You will still have the right to vote in federal elections and referendums, but you will have to take the necessary steps to be added to the list.
More information about the Register and its uses is available on their website. You can also call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868.
Chief Electoral officer of Quebec, if you live in this province
If you are 18 years or older and reside in Québec, indicate whether you authorize IRCC to provide the following information so that your name can be added to the Permanent List of Electors (voters) if you became a Canadian citizen:
Name
residential address and the date when you started to reside at that address
sex
date of birth
your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and
the date your citizenship was granted to the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec
Your application for citizenship will in no way be affected by your answer to this question.
The Election Act allows the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec to:
provide voter information to provincial political parties and members of the National Assembly as well as municipal and school boards to compile and update lists of electors (voters) lists for municipal and school elections, and
notify the elector in writing that their name has been entered on the permanent list of electors, requesting that the elector correct or complete the information which concerns him/her, where required.
The Chief Electoral Officer of Québec receives the UCI for administrative purposes only, while the date your citizenship was granted allows them to validate that you qualify as an elector based on the electoral laws it administers. This information is subject to no other use or communication.
If you do not provide this authorization, you will still be able to vote, but you will have to go to the revision office and present two supporting documents to register your name on the list of electors to be able to vote in a provincial, municipal or school election.
Sign and date the application form with the signature you use on other official documents. Make sure the dates and signature are the same on your application form and printout of your Online Physical Presence Calculator.
Note: Your application will be returned to you if it is:
not signed and dated
dated more than 90 days before we receive it
post-dated (dated into the future).
You must be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.
Citizenship photos
include 2 identical citizenship photos
print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo
follow the steps on the form
don’t staple, glue or otherwise attach the photo directly to the application.
Your application will be returned if you do not include 2 photos that meet the citizenship photo specifications.
Translation of documents
You must send the following for any document that is not in English or French, unless otherwise stated on your document checklist:
the English or French translation; and
an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (see below for details); and
a certified copy of the original document.
Translations may be done by a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French and the unofficial language).
If the translation isn’t done by a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada, you must submit an affidavit swearing to the accuracy of the translation and the language proficiency of the translator. A certified translator will provide both a certified translation and certified copies of the original documents.
The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:
In Canada:
a notary public
a commissioner of oaths
a commissioner of taking affidavits
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.
Outside of Canada:
a notary public
Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.
small exclamation warning signImportant information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.
Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.
Congratulations on completing your application form for an adult grant of Canadian citizenship!
Family applications: If more than one member of your family is applying for Canadian citizenship, send all of the applications together in the one envelope. The applications will be processed together. We will try to schedule family members together, but sometimes, it may not be possible
To apply for Canadian citizenship for your child (under 18 years of age), complete the Application for Canadian Citizenship — Minors (CIT 0003) (PDF, 2.32MB).
Step 5 – Pay the fees
You must pay your fees online.
The fee is $630 for each applicant 18 years of age and older applying for Canadian citizenship.
Calculating your fees
If more than one member of your family is applying for Canadian citizenship pay the fees all together.
Use this table to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. After you pay, print the receipt and include it with your application.
Application $CAN
Adult (18 and over): Processing fee ($530) and right of citizenship fee ($100) = $630
Minor (under 18): Processing fee ($100) = $100
Explanation of fees and refund
This section describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable. All payment must be made in Canadian funds.
Processing fee
Amount: $530 for each applicant applying under subsection 5(1) and $100 for each child applying under subsection 5(2).
You can’t get a refund once we start processing your application, even if you are refused.
Right of citizenship fee: Amount: $100 for each applicant over 18 years of age
You will be refunded if you don’t become a citizen.
You must pay the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee for a total of $630.
We will issue any refunds to the person on the Payer Information section of the receipt. If there is no name on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.
Incorrect fee payments
Payment issue - No fee included or insufficient fees included
We will return your application.
Note: We will only start processing your application after you return your application with the requested fees.
Payment issue - Overpayment
We will:
start processing your application, and
send you a refund as soon as possible.
Note: You do not have to ask for a refund, it will be done automatically.
Step 6 – Submit your application
Submit your complete application to:
Regular Mail Courier Address
Case Processing Centre-Sydney
GRANTS Adults
P.O. Box 7000
SYDNEY, NS
B1P 6V6 Case Processing Centre-Sydney
GRANTS Adults
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 5Z2
Processing your application
The Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney makes sure your application:
meets the minimum processing requirements
includes all the required documents
has the right fee
Your application will be returned if:
it doesn’t meet the minimum processing requirements
doesn’t include the correct fee payment
is not complete
Processing starts once we receive a completed application.
The CPC sends your application to another office for further processing.
You will get:
acknowledgement of receipt (by mail or e-mail)
correspondence asking for more information (in some cases)
Quality Assurance Program
Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:
verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
verify that your application has been completed properly.
Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.
Step 7 – Prepare for your test
You may get an invitation to write your test within weeks after we accept your application. If you have not already started, begin studying for your Canadian citizenship test. Read the official study guide
Step 8 – Go to your interview, test or hearing
We will ask you to come to our office for a review:
the original documents you submitted with your application
the passports and travel documents covering the eligibility period.
If applicable, you will be tested on your knowledge of:
English or French
Canada’s history, geography, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship (the citizenship test).
We will send you one or more of these notices:
Notice to appear to take a citizenship test
Notice to appear for an interview with a citizenship official
Notice to appear for a hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge
Important information: To avoid delays or closure of your application, tell us as soon as possible if you can’t attend a scheduled event.
Step 9 – Wait for the decision
A citizenship official will make a decision on your application.
If you do not meet all of the requirements for citizenship in the form, you will receive a decision from the official.
If you meet all the requirements for citizenship, our office will notify you in writing of the time and location of your citizenship ceremony.
Step 10 – Go to a ceremony and take the oath
If you meet all the requirements for citizenship on the form, our office will notify you in writing of the time and location of your citizenship ceremony. You will need to say the Oath of citizenship before a citizenship judge or presiding official. This is the final requirement for citizenship. Adults and children aged 14 or over must go to the citizenship ceremony and take the oath. Parents will get certificates of citizenship for their children under age 14. Children under age 14 don’t have to go, but they are welcome to do so.
You will get a Notice to appear to take the oath of citizenship. After taking the oath at the ceremony, you will get a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
For more information
Current processing times
You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.
Important information
Updating your contact information
During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number. You can do this by going to Change of address or by consulting the Help Centre.
Check application status
You can check the status of your application online. Your status will only appear online once we receive and review your application.
Find out how to remove your application status information from the Internet.
Appendix A
Change the sex on your document
Changing sex designation
If you are requesting a change of sex designation, you must submit proof to support the request. See below for the list of acceptable documents you may submit.
Documentary evidence issued in Canada
To request a change of sex designation where the documentary evidence was issued in Canada, you must submit one of the following documents issued by a provincial or territorial authority:
a legal document issued by provincial or territorial vital statistics organizations showing a change of sex designation;
a court order; or
an amended birth certificate showing a change of sex designation.
IRCC does not require proof of sex reassignment surgery to amend the sex designation on documents. However, you may, in order to support your request to change your sex designation, submit proof of sex reassignment surgery (partial or full) from a medical practitioner in good standing with the regulatory body under which they practice.
If you have an amendment to your Record of Landing, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence because of errors made by Canadian immigration officials when recording your sex, then you must submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of sex.
Note: Your provincial or territorial identification (such as a driver’s license) is not enough to process a change of sex designation. You must submit:
one of the documents listed above, or
a Request form for a Change of Sex Designation (CIT 0404) as listed below.
If you cannot get any of the documentary evidence listed above, you must submit the following document:
a Request form for a Change of Sex Designation (CIT 0404) (PDF, 1.52MB) stating:
that your gender identity matches the requested change in sex designation,
that you are living full-time in the gender corresponding to the sex designation requested to appear on the IRCC document, and
the reason why you could not submit a provincial or territorial document (see requirements for witnesses below);
Note: If you do not explain why you did not submit a provincial or territorial document, your application will be returned as incomplete.
If you are residing in Canada, the Request form for a Change of Sex Designation will need to be witnessed and sworn in the presence of:
a notary public,
a commissioner of taking oaths, or
a commissioner of taking affidavits.
If you are residing outside Canada, it must be sworn in the presence of a notary public.
Documentary evidence issued outside Canada
If your documentary evidence is issued outside Canada, you must submit the following:
a document showing a change in sex designation, such as a legal order, court order or amended birth certificate
or
a Request form for a Change of Sex Designation (CIT 0404) (PDF, 1.52MB) and
photo identification issued by the national, state or provincial (or equivalent) authority where you reside, showing the amended sex designation.
IRCC does not require proof of sex reassignment surgery in order to amend the sex designation on documents. However, you may, in order to support your request to change your sex designation, submit proof of sex reassignment surgery (partial or full) from a medical practitioner in good standing with the regulatory body under which they practice.
If you are residing in Canada, supplementary photo identification can include the following documents issued by a Canadian province or territory:
a driver's license;
a health card;
an age of majority card;
a social services card;
a senior citizen identification card.
If you are residing outside Canada, supplementary photo identification can include:
an amended foreign passport, for dual Canadian citizens; or
a national or state identification card.
Any copy of a foreign passport or national authoritative document should show:
the document type and number,
the issuance date and expiry date, and
your full name, photo and date of birth.
Note: If you are unable to provide photo identification in the amended sex designation, you must explain why (example: fear of persecution or you were not able to amend foreign documents before you amended your Canadian documents). If you do not provide photo identification and you have failed to provide an adequate reason, the application will be returned as incomplete.
Appendix B
"X" in the sex field on an immigration document
In the future, we will be introducing an "X" in the sex field. Sign up for email updates on changing your sex to X (unspecified). Until this becomes available, you may request a supporting document, free of charge that will state that your sex is unspecified.
You can request the supporting document once your application has been approved and you’ve received your citizenship certificate.
Find out how to request a supporting document with X.
Important:
If your birth certificate has a sex other than male (M) or female (F):
On your application form, identify the sex you would like displayed (M or F) until the X can be issued.
The sex chosen (M or F) on your application will be the sex printed on your certificate.
