Before you apply for Canadian Citizenship, you must check to see if you are eligible. These are a few questions that can help you determine whether or not you meet the requirements to apply for Canadian Citizenship in 2021.
Have you been a permanent resident, and been physically present in Canada for at least 3 of the last 5 years (1095 days)? YES/NO
In the last 5 years, have you been outside of Canada for more than a total of 730 days? YES/NO
Have Canadian officials advised you to leave Canada, or that you have unfulfilled conditions related to your PR status? YES/NO
Do any of the following statements apply to you? YES/NO ✗ I have a criminal record ✗ I am facing criminal charges in our outside Canada ✗ I have been ordered to leave Canada ✗ I have been refused Canadian citizenship because of misrepresentation ✗ I have had my Canadian citizenship revoked ✗ I have not met the terms and conditions of my permanent resident status ✗ Can you provide proof that know English or French? YES/NO E.g. Results from a language test (i.e. CELPIP or IELTS); diploma/certificate/transcript for a secondary or post-secondary school program in English or French; or results from a government-funded language training program with at least a CLB/NCLC level 4 ✗ Did you file your personal income taxes, if you were required to do so in the past 5 years? YES/NO
If your answers match the blue YES/NO response, you likely meet the requirements to apply for Canadian Citizenship!
Citizenship Checklist
Once you determine if you’re eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship, you can follow these steps to apply.
Calculate time spent in Canada. Use the online calculator to check that you meet the residency requirement for Canadian Citizenship. You can print these results and submit them with your application.
Get an application package. There are different application packages for different situations. The package contains a full instruction guide and document checklist.
Gather your documents. Some of the documents you may need to include, such as a copy of your passport, driver’s license, health insurance card, proof of language skills, citizenship photos, etc.
Complete the application form.
Pay application fees. Canadian Citizenship application fees include a processing fee ($530) and the right of citizenship fee ($100).
Submit your application. You can send your completed application, including all forms and documents to the Case Processing Centre for review.
Prepare for your test. You may get an invitation to write your citizenship test within weeks after IRCC accepts your application. You can follow our citizenship test prep guide to get ready for your test.
Wait for the decision.
Attend your citizenship ceremony and take the oath!
You can check the IRCC processing time calculator for an estimate of how long your application will take to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident count toward the minimum residency requirements?
Yes. Each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before obtaining permanent residence counts for one half day. Applicants can use up to 365 days to count toward the 1,095 day requirement.
Do I have to apply for citizenship as soon as I become eligible?
No. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can wait as long as you’d like to apply for citizenship. Unlike particular permanent resident programs, there are no application windows or deadlines that need to be followed.
What is a citizenship photo?
Applicants must provide two photos with their citizenship application. The photos must:
Be identical
Be printed on photo paper - matte or glossy
Have the name and address of the studio where the pictures were taken written on the back of the photo
Have the name of the applicant written on the back of the photo
Have been taken within 6 months
Be clear and taken against a white or light coloured background
Not be digitally altered (photoshopped)
Applicant must face the camera with a neutral expression
Eyes cannot be obscured in any way (by glasses or hair)
Photo size: 50 x 70mm
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
