Canadian Citizenship Application - Eligibility, Documents, Test
Permanent residents who have lived in Canada long enough can apply to become Canadian citizens. We count your physical presence days, check tax filing and language proof, and prepare the application for you to sign and submit online. Our fee is CAD 500, IRCC fees are paid separately.
Think you have enough days for citizenship? Write to us - we will check before you apply.
We reply in messengers within one business day.
What we do for your citizenship application
The citizenship application looks simple, but most of the risk sits in one number - your days in Canada. IRCC counts every trip over the last 5 years, and if the count is off, the application can be returned or refused.
So we start with your travel history and tax filing, and only then fill out the application.
We go through your trips day by day and calculate your physical presence, including half-days for time in Canada before you became a permanent resident, up to 365 days.
We check whether you had to file Canadian taxes for 3 of the last 5 years, and which language proof you can use if you are 18 to 54.
We prepare the online application, copies of your identity and PR documents, and police certificates or name change documents if you need them.
We explain what to expect from the citizenship test, interview and ceremony, and help with IRCC requests while you wait.
Who can apply for Canadian citizenship
Marrying a Canadian does not make you a citizen - spouses meet the same requirements as everyone else. The main ones are below.
Main requirements
You need valid PR status. An expired PR card is fine, as long as you have not lost your status.
At least 3 years of physical presence in the 5 years before you sign, with at least 730 days as a permanent resident. Time in prison or on probation does not count.
Canadian taxes filed for 3 of the 5 years if you had to file. Adults 18 to 54 show English or French at CLB 4 and pass the citizenship test.
A child under 18 with a Canadian parent, or a parent applying at the same time, does not need the day count. Others meet the 1,095-day rule themselves.
How the citizenship application works
IRCC processing times change regularly, current ones are on the IRCC processing times page. You can check your own days with the IRCC physical presence calculator.
You can travel after you apply, but keep your PR status, answer IRCC letters on time, usually within 30 days, and be in Canada for the test, interview and ceremony.
Common reasons citizenship applications get delayed
Most problems come from the day count and from missing tax returns. This is what we check before you apply.
Your PR card expiring soon and citizenship still months away? See PR card renewal - you may need a valid card to travel while you wait.
Want to apply for citizenship without surprises?
Discuss your situation with an immigration lawyer.
ReLocate is a team of immigration lawyers. For almost 20 years we have supported clients in immigration matters and assisted with complex visa applications. We specialize in immigration law, passport and visa regulations, and border control procedures.
A team of lawyers will work on your case
Canadian citizenship application cost
Our fee is CAD 500 per application. You pay IRCC fees directly. Prices for other services are on our prices page, permanent residence options are on the Canada PR page.
IRCC fees are paid separately
| Adult 18 and over (processing fee and right of citizenship fee) | 653 CAD |
| Minor under 18 | 100 CAD |
* According to the IRCC fee list, checked in November 2026. Fees change, we check them again before you apply.
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