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About the Department » Application
Processing Times
Registering and Retaining Canadian Citizenship
Consult this section to find out how long it takes to process applications to register and retain Canadian citizenship.
General Processing Time for Routine Applications
Currently, routine applications to register and retain Canadian citizenship are processed in approximately 15-18 months. Please see below for further details.
The process is divided into four (4) steps:
Step 1:
Your application is received at the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The CPC 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 have received your acknowledgement letter, you will then be able to access your case status on-line using e-CAS or by contacting the Call Centre. |
Processing time:
It takes approximately three (3) months from the time your application is received at the CPC until the time you receive your acknowledgement letter, or your application is returned to you. |
Step 2:
The Case Processing Centre will complete the necessary steps for a citizenship judge to make a decision on your application.If additional information or documents are needed and you live in Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will contact you. If you live outside Canada, the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the area where you live will contact you. |
Processing time:
It takes approximately five (5) months from the time you receive your acknowledgement letter until the time your application is ready for review by a citizenship judge. |
Step 3:
Depending on the nature of your application, you may have to take the citizenship test. The citizenship test will determine if you meet the language and knowledge requirements to retain Canadian citizenship.
If you are required to take the citizenship test, to help you study, CIC will send you, along with your acknowledgment letter, the booklet, A Look at Canada. If you live in Canada, y ou will be notified by mail regarding the time and place of your test. If you live outside Canada, CIC will make the necessary arrangements through the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the area where you live.
An interview with a citizenship judge may also be required. Should this be necessary, you will be notified by mail regarding the time and place of your interview. If you live outside Canada, the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area will contact you to let you know how the interview will be conducted.
If you wish to withdraw your application, you must advise us before a decision on your application has been made.
See reasons why your application may be delayed.
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Processing time:
This process takes approximately seven (7) to 10 months from the time you receive your acknowledgement letter until the time your application is ready for a decision by a citizenship judge. |
Step 4:
You will be notified by mail regarding the decision on your citizenship application.
If you meet the requirements and you live in Canada, a citizenship certificate and a certificate of retention will be sent to you by mail
from the CPC in Sydney.
If you meet the requirements and live outside Canada, the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area will schedule your appointment to take the oath of citizenship and receive a certificate of Canadian citizenship.
If you do not meet the requirements, you will be informed in writing.
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Processing time:
This process takes approximately 12–15 months from the time you receive your acknowledgement letter until the time you are either notified of your appointment to take the oath of citizenship, or informed that you do not meet the citizenship requirements. |
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 or criminal prohibitions;
- you pass the language and knowledge of Canada test (citizenship test), if required; and
- you do not need a hearing with a citizenship judge.
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