Proof of citizenship: How to apply

To apply for a citizenship certificate, you must do the following:

1. Obtain an application kit.
2. Read the guide.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
5. Mail the application form and documents.

1. Obtain an application kit.

The application you need is the Application for a Citizenship Certificate:

• If you live inside Canada—Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Inside Canada
• If you live outside Canada—Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Outside Canada

You can download and print the application kit you need from Find an application form or guide in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.

You can also ask for an application to be mailed to you.

• If you are in Canada, contact the Call Centre (see Contact Us at the top of this page).
• If you are outside Canada, contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area.

2. Read the guide.

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible for a citizenship certificate before you apply.

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.

The application kit contains instructions. Read those instructions, and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.

First-time applicants

If this is the first time you have applied for a citizenship certificate, you will need to send the original or a clear and easily readable certified copy of the required documents.

If those documents are not in English or French, you must provide the original documents or clear and easily readable certified copies, a translation of them, and an affidavit from the person who did the translation. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Previous applicants

If you have had a citizenship or naturalization certificate in the past, you must send the original of all previous certificates, as well as any pink transmission copies you still have. However, you may provide photocopies of all other required documents.

If those documents are not in English or French, you must also provide a translation of them and an affidavit from the person who did the translation. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Along with the specific documents that apply to your situation, you must include the following with your application:

• two pieces of identification (for example, a driver’s licence or a provincial/territorial health card), at least one of which contains your photo
• two signed citizenship photos, done according to the instructions in the guide and
• the original receipt of payment (form IMM 5401) showing that you have paid the $75 fee (see below).

4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.

The fee is $75.

You can pay the fee at most banks in Canada.

You can pay fees:

• at most banks. If you use this method, you must get an original receipt of payment (form IMM 5401) to bring with you when you pay. This form is not available online. You must have it mailed to you. See Order a receipt of payment (IMM 5401) in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
• online through Pay application fees in the Quick Find section on the right-hand of this page. Once you have paid your fees online, you must print a receipt of payment form and include it with your application. Be sure to print the actual receipt, not the “payment confirmation form” page. See Payment of fees on the Internet in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more information.

If you live outside Canada and do not want to pay online, or if your credit card is not compatible with the online payment system, you can make your payment directly to the Canadian consular mission (embassy, high commission or consulate) responsible for your area. The consular mission determines an acceptable method (cheque, money order, cash). The application processing fee is payable in Canadian funds only.

5. Mail the application form and documents.

If you live in Canada, mail your completed application form and the required documents to

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Case Processing Centre–Proof
P.O. Box 10000
Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 7C1

If you live outside Canada, mail your completed application form and the required documents to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area.

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Related Links

• Payment of fees on the Internet
• Order a receipt of payment (IMM 5401)