Updated July 2026. Here’s the complete, current process for applying for Canadian citizenship — eligibility, documents, fees, the test, and the ceremony.
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold valid Permanent Resident (PR) status
- Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years
- Have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years, if required to do so
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French at CLB 4 (required for applicants aged 18-54)
- Pass the Canadian citizenship knowledge test (required for applicants aged 18-54)
How to Apply
- Log in to (or create) your IRCC Secure Account
- Complete Form CIT 0002
- Gather your documents: 2 citizenship photos, copies of your PR card and passport/travel documents, language test results (if aged 18-54), and proof of tax filing for 3 years
- Pay the fee and submit your application online
Cost
The total fee for an adult applicant is $630 CAD, made up of a $530 processing fee and a $100 right of citizenship fee. For minors under 18, the fee is $100.
The Knowledge Test
The citizenship test is now fully online by default for eligible applicants aged 18-54. It consists of 20 questions drawn from a bank of roughly 300-400, and you need at least 15 out of 20 (75%) to pass. You get up to three attempts before being scheduled for an in-person interview instead.
Want to practice first? Try our free citizenship test simulation, or read our 10 practical things to know before taking the online test.
Processing Time and the Final Step
Processing typically takes 12-18 months from submission to ceremony. The final step is attending a Citizenship Ceremony — either in person at an IRCC-designated venue or online via Zoom — where you take the Oath of Citizenship and officially become a Canadian citizen.
For the official application, see Canada.ca’s citizenship application page.
