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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;
• 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.