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Guide

How to apply for Canadian citizenship (adults)

To apply for Canadian citizenship as an adult, first check that you meet the requirements. Then fill out the application (most people can apply online), pay the fee and submit it with your documents. After that, IRCC checks that your application is complete, sends you an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR), and invites you to the citizenship test if you are 18 to 54. Some people are also invited to an interview. For most people, the last step is the citizenship ceremony.

Checked against canada.ca on November 1, 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on canada.ca before you act.

Step 1: Check that you are eligible

To become a Canadian citizen as an adult (18 or older), canada.ca lists these requirements:Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)

  • Be a permanent resident (PR).
  • Have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 5 years before the date you sign your application.
  • Have filed income taxes in Canada, if you needed to.
  • Prove your language skills in English or French (adults 18 to 54 only).
  • Pass the citizenship test (adults 18 to 54 only).
  • Take the oath of citizenship.
  • Not be under a prohibition. Most prohibitions are due to criminal and security reasons.

Step 2: Choose online or paper

Most applicants can now apply online, and IRCC encourages it. Applying online has built-in checks that help catch mistakes, and you get a confirmation email when you submit. If you apply on paper, it will take longer for IRCC to begin processing your application.Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)

You must apply on paper if your physical presence calculation includes time outside Canada as a Crown servant (or as a family member of one), or if you want your representative to complete and submit your application for you.

Adults can apply online together as a family or a group. Each adult has their own online account and must sign and date their own application. A parent or legal guardian can also create an application for a minor in their account.

To count your days in Canada, online applicants use the physical presence calculator in their online account. Paper applicants can use the online calculator and print the result, or fill out the form How to Calculate Physical Presence (CIT 0407).Source: canada.ca, Apply for citizenship: Calculate your physical presence (opens in a new tab)

Step 3: Gather your documents

If you apply online, the list of forms and documents you need is in your online account. If you apply on paper, canada.ca lists these required documents for adults:Source: canada.ca, Canadian citizenship for adults: Forms and documents to apply on paper (opens in a new tab)

  • The document checklist (CIT 0007) and the application form for adults (CIT 0002).
  • Colour photocopies of the identity pages of all your passports and travel documents during your eligibility period.
  • Your physical presence calculation.
  • Proof of your language skills, if you are 18 to 54 when you sign the application. Examples include proof of education in English or French, or an accepted language test result.
  • Photocopies of 2 pieces of personal ID, each with your name, photo and date of birth.
  • 2 identical colour citizenship photos that follow IRCC's specifications.
  • Your fee receipt.
  • Depending on your situation, more documents, such as police certificates, translations of documents that are not in English or French, name change documents or the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).

Step 4: Pay the fee and submit

The adult fee includes a processing fee and a right of citizenship fee. As of November 1, 2026, IRCC's fee list shows $653 per adult and $100 per minor. Check the fee list for the current amount before you pay.Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)Source: IRCC, Fee list (opens in a new tab)

If you don't pay the full fee, IRCC returns your application. Online, the payment section of your online account has the instructions. On paper, you print the receipt and include it with your application.Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)

On paper, date the form on the day you sign it, and send it soon after. IRCC returns paper applications it receives more than 90 days after the date on the form. It also returns applications that are incomplete.

Step 5: What happens after you apply

While you wait, tell IRCC if you change your address or contact information, or if you plan to leave Canada for more than 2 weeks in a row. You can leave Canada after IRCC receives your application, but you must keep your PR status and be available in person in Canada for your test (if you are 18 to 54), interview and ceremony.Source: canada.ca, After you apply (opens in a new tab)

Processing times vary. IRCC publishes current processing times on canada.ca, and they depend on things like the type of application, whether it is complete, and how long you take to respond to requests.Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, After you apply (opens in a new tab)

Do you need a representative?

No. Using a representative is your choice. A representative can be unpaid or paid, such as a family member, friend, lawyer or consultant. Using one will not draw special attention to your application or guarantee that it is approved.Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)

This page is general information, not immigration advice, and Pass15 is not part of the government. For questions about your own situation, check with IRCC or a licensed (authorized) immigration representative.

Common questions

Can I apply for Canadian citizenship online?
Most applicants can. You must apply on paper if your physical presence calculation includes time outside Canada as a Crown servant (or as a family member of one), or if you want your representative to complete and submit your application for you.Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)
What is the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR)?
It is a letter or email that IRCC sends after it receives your application and checks that it is complete. It means IRCC has started processing your application. It has your application number and unique client identifier (UCI). The confirmation email you get after applying online is not the AOR.Source: canada.ca, After you apply (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)
Can my spouse and I apply together?
Yes. Online, adults can apply as a family or a group if each of you is eligible to apply and to apply online. Each adult has their own online account and signs their own application, and 1 adult in the group submits all the applications together. On paper, put all the applications and receipts in the same envelope if you want IRCC to process them together. If at least 1 application in the group is incomplete, IRCC returns all of them.Source: canada.ca, How to apply (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, After you apply (opens in a new tab)
Can I leave Canada after I apply?
canada.ca says you can, as long as you keep your PR status, can receive and reply to IRCC's mail and emails (usually within 30 days), and are available in person in Canada for your test (if you are 18 to 54), interview and ceremony. Tell IRCC if you plan to leave for more than 2 weeks in a row.Source: canada.ca, After you apply (opens in a new tab)
When will I be invited to the citizenship test?
If you are 18 to 54, IRCC sends an email invitation within a few weeks or months of the day you submit your application.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship test: how it works (opens in a new tab)