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;
- know about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship;
Please note that 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 together as a family.
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;
- are now charged with an indictable criminal offence;
- have been convicted of an indictable criminal offence in the past three years;
- are now in prison, on parole, or on probation;
- are being investigated for or have been convicted of war crimes;
- had your citizenship revoked in the last five years.
Please note that time spent in prison, on parole or on probation may not be counted towards 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.