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Becoming a Canadian Citizen

Here is useful information about becoming a Canadian citizen. Read this page to decide if you are ready to take this step.

To become a Canadian citizen, you must:

• be 18 years of age or older;
• be a permanent resident of Canada;
• have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years before applying;
• be able to communicate in either English or French;
• know about Canada; and
• know about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Adults must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the four years preceding the application. Please note that you cannot meet the residence requirements for citizenship without a minimum of 2 years as a permanent resident. Time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident may be counted toward becoming a Canadian citizen if it falls within the four-year period. To find out if you meet the residence requirements to become a Canadian citizen, you can use the residence calculator.

A child (under 18 years of age) must be a permanent resident of Canada to apply for Canadian citizenship. To apply on behalf of your child, you must either:

• already be a citizen; or
• apply for citizenship at the same time.

Children do not need to have lived in Canada for three years before applying.

Citizenship Test
If you are between the ages of 18 and 54, you must pass a citizenship test. For more information on Canada and the citizenship test, read the on-line study guide A Look at Canada.

Who cannot become a Canadian citizen?
Before you apply, you should make sure that you are eligible for citizenship. You cannot become a Canadian citizen if you:

• are under a removal order (instructed by Canadian officials to leave Canada);
• are now charged with an indictable offence or crime or an offence under the Citizenship Act;
• have been convicted of an indictable offence or crime, or offence under the Citizenship Act, in the past three years;
• are now in prison, on parole, or on probation;
• have been in prison, on parole, or on probation for a year or more in the past four years;
• are under investigation for, or are charged with, or have been convicted of a war crime or crime against humanity; or
• had your Canadian citizenship taken away (revoked) in the last five years.

Please note that time spent in prison, on parole or on probation may not be counted toward becoming a citizen.

Applying for Citizenship
Find out about applying for citizenship.

Read more about citizenship in the brochure How to Become a Canadian Citizen.