Apply for Canadian citizenship
Three years in Canada out of the last five, your taxes filed, and a 20-question test. Most of it is online now, and it's $653 per adult. Leave yourself a buffer of days before you apply.
The steps
- 30 min
Step 1: Run the physical presence calculator
You need 1,095 days in Canada in the five years before you apply, at least 730 of them as a permanent resident. Days here before PR (on a work or study permit) count as half days, up to 365. IRCC advises applying with more than the minimum, so don't cut it fine.
- 10 min
Step 2: Check your taxes are filed for at least 3 of the 5 years
The form asks whether you had to file each year, and whether you did.
- 20 min
Step 3: Sort out language proof if you're 18 to 54
Speaking and listening at CLB 4 in English, or NCLC 4 in French. A diploma or transcript from schooling in English or French can count; otherwise an approved language test.
- 1½ hr
Step 4: Pay and apply online
$653 per adult, $100 per child. Pay first, upload the receipt, then sign and submit in your online account.
- 4 hr
Step 5: Study Discover Canada
It's the only official study guide. The test is 20 questions in 45 minutes, you need 15 right, and you get three tries.
- 45 min
Step 6: Take the test online when you're invited
You get a 30-day window. Use a laptop, desktop or tablet with a webcam, in Chrome or Safari. Phones and VPNs aren't allowed, and the timer can't be paused, so pick a quiet 45 minutes.
- 1½ hr
Step 7: Take the oath
The last step: in person or by video, whichever your invitation says. Everyone 14 and over takes the oath.
Written by Helg and community members, not by any government. Check the official sites before you pay for anything.
General information, not legal or professional advice. Fees and rules change — check the linked official pages.