Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Government of Canada
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Section Title: About the Department

Canadian Citizenship

Consult this section to find out how long it takes to process applications to become a Canadian citizen.

General Processing Time for Routine Applications

Currently, the total processing time for a routine application for citizenship is approximately 12–15 months. Please see further details below.

The process is divided into four (4) steps:

Step 1:

The Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney reviews your application to make sure it meets the minimum processing requirements and that the appropriate fee payment is included. If so, you will receive an acknowledgement letter. If not, your application will be returned to you.

Once you receive your acknowledgement letter, you will be able to access your case status by contacting the Call Centre.
Processing time:

This step will be completed in approximately two (2) months from the time your application is received at the CPC.
Step 2:

The CPC completes a review of your application to make sure you meet all processing requirements and have included the required documents.

Once your application has been reviewed by the CPC, you will then be able to access your case status on-line using e-CAS or by contacting the Call Centre.

See reasons why your application may be delayed.
Processing time:

This step will be completed in approximately four (4) months from the time you receive your acknowledgement letter.
Step 3:

If your application is complete,
the CPC will send it to the CIC office nearest to your home for further processing. The CIC office completes the steps necessary for a citizenship judge to make a decision on your application.

We will notify you by mail if you need to write a citizenship test.
Processing time:

This step will be completed in approximately eight (8) to ten (10) months from the time you receive your acknowledgement letter.
Step 4:

If you meet all the requirements for citizenship, we will notify you by mail of the time and place of your citizenship ceremony.
Processing time:

This step will be completed in approximately ten (10) to thirteen (13) months from the time you receive your acknowledgement letter.

Read additional information on how we process your application for Canadian citizenship.

Find out more about becoming a Canadian citizen and the requirements for citizenship.

What is a routine application?

An application is considered routine if:

  • we receive all the necessary documents and the correct fees;
  • you meet the residence requirement;
  • you are not subject to any immigration, security and criminal prohibitions
  • you pass the language and knowledge of Canada test (citizenship test);
  • you do not need a hearing with a citizenship judge.

Processing times may vary. For more information, see reasons why your application for Canadian citizenship may be delayed.

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