Naturalization
Become a Canadian citizen
Current status
File income tax for the last 3 years
Knowledge of Canada
Pass the knowledge test and take the Oath of Citizenship
if between 18 to 54 years old
Residency requirement
Process timeline of naturalizing and becoming a Canadian citizen
Application submission
Submit the citizenship application to IRCC when residency and other requirements are met.
Citizenship test
Applicants are required to pass the citizenship test and attend an interview with a citizenship official to verify the application.
Decision
Application approved, the applicant above 14 years old receives an invitation for a citizenship ceremony.
3 months after passing the test
Have Canadian status
The applicant officially becomes a Canadian citizen after taking the Oath of Citizenship.
Crucial elements affect the decision
Benefits of becoming a Canadian citizen
Work and study
Ability to run for office or work in governmental positions
Right to vote
Have the ability to vote in an election of members of the Parliament
Canadian Passport
Enjoy the privileges of a Canadian passport while traveling
Sponsorship
Ability to sponsor relatives if the conditions are met
Benefits
Access to the full benefits for Canadian
Mobility right
Live and work anywhere without residency restrictions
Medical
Access to high-quality modern public health care as same as Canadian
Education
Free or lower tuition for children depends on the level of education
Important requirements the applicant should note
- Naturalization is the process of obtaining Canadian citizenship for eligible permanent residents.
- In addition to the benefits available to permanent residents, Canadian citizens can have a Canadian passport (visa-free to many countries), the right to vote and are not required to meet residency obligations as permanent resident.
Basic requirements
- More than 18 years old
- Have valid permanent resident status in Canada
- File income tax for the last 3 years
- Pass the citizenship test (if under 55 years old)
- Take the Oath of Citizenship (if under 55 years old)
Length of residency
Physically present inside of Canada for at least 3 years (1095 days) within the last 5 years, include
- All time on permanent resident status
- Half day on temporary resident or refugee status, prior to becoming a permanent resident, accumulate up to a maximum of 1 year ( equivalent to 2 years on temporary resident status)
- Half day of departure or arrival, counted as 1 day if traveling outside Canada on permanent resident status
The minimum time to become a Canadian citizen is 4 years, including 2 years on a temporary resident status (visitor, student, worker, TRP holder, protected person) counted as 1 year and 2 years on permanent resident status, if living continuously in Canada
Language
At least CLB 4 for listening and speaking skills if under 55 years old, assessed by 1 of 4 language proficiency tests within the last 2 years:
