Canadian Citizenship: Requirements, Test & Application Process

Updated January 25, 202610 min read

After obtaining permanent residence, you can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship. This guide covers the requirements, the citizenship test, and the application process.

Eligibility Requirements

To become a Canadian citizen, you must:

1.Be a permanent resident of Canada

2.Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the 5 years before applying

3.Have filed your taxes for at least 3 years during the 5-year period

4.Demonstrate language ability in English or French (CLB 4 or higher) — applies to applicants aged 18–54

5.Pass the citizenship test — covers Canadian history, geography, government, rights, and responsibilities — applies to applicants aged 18–54

6.Not be under a removal order or have certain criminal prohibitions

Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (student, worker) before becoming a PR counts as half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days.

The Citizenship Test

The test is based on the study guide Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.

Format:

•20 multiple-choice or true/false questions

•You need at least 15 correct answers (75%) to pass

•Duration: 30 minutes

•Taken online or in-person

Topics covered:

•Rights and responsibilities of citizenship

•Canadian history (Indigenous peoples, Confederation, wars, Confederation)

•Government structure (federal, provincial, municipal)

•Geography of Canada

•Canadian symbols and institutions

•The Canadian economy

If you fail: You can retake the test. If you fail twice, you may be scheduled for an interview with a citizenship officer.

Application Process

Step 1: Confirm eligibility using the online tool on the IRCC website

Step 2: Gather documents — PR card, travel history, language proof, identity documents, photos

Step 3: Submit online application and pay fees ($630 for adults, $100 for minors)

Step 4: Receive acknowledgement of receipt (AOR)

Step 5: Take the citizenship test (if applicable)

Step 6: Attend the citizenship ceremony — take the Oath of Citizenship

Step 7: Receive your citizenship certificate

Processing Times: Currently 5–14 months from application to ceremony.

Dual Citizenship

Canada allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. You do not have to give up your original citizenship to become Canadian.

However, check whether your home country allows dual citizenship — some countries require you to renounce your other citizenship.

Important: As a dual citizen, you must enter Canada with a valid Canadian passport.

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