Frequently asked questions: Applying for citizenship

Why is CIC making this change? Why now?

CIC is making this change for two reasons. First, it ensures the citizenship certificate is only used as an official status document, rather than an identity or travel document. Second, directly communicating citizenship status to partners electronically helps prevent fraud and makes it more difficult for the certificate to be altered or counterfeited.

This change provides us with the opportunity to make the process for demonstrating citizenship more secure than was the case with the wallet-sized citizenship card, which was susceptible to fraud. Rather than investing in updating the citizenship card, we’ve created a system whereby partners who need to confirm citizenship may do so directly with CIC. This option is more secure and requires less investment than replacing outdated equipment.

The change was made now in order to save the cost of replacing outdated equipment and materials that were used to create cards that had a history of being fraudulently reproduced.

When will this change take effect?

CIC will stop producing the wallet-sized citizenship certificate as of February 1, 2012. The new certificate will be rolled out incrementally throughout the month of February.

Some new citizens go directly from their ceremonies to a Passport Canada office to apply for a Passport. Will this be possible with the new certificate?

Recipients of the new certificate will have to wait a minimum of two business days after their citizenship ceremony before they can use their new document to apply for services such as a passport. This is because after the certificate is issued, CIC officers need time to enter information about the certificate’s holder into the Global Case Management System, which is then retrieved by the portal. Each certificate will contain a unique number, barcodes and other information about its holder, and it will be reflective of the citizen’s file at CIC. This allows other government departments to verify citizenship information directly with CIC. This, in turn, reduces the possibility of fake Canadian citizenship certificates and citizenship fraud to receive the associated benefits.

What will the new citizenship certificate look like?

The new certificate will be printed on an 8 ½ by 11 inch piece of paper and contain the following information:

Front of Certificate

Design

• A large colour graphic of the Arms of Canada appears at the centre-top of the document, a light blue background of tightly-spaced small fleurs-de-lis is in the centre, and a large red maple leaf is at the centre-bottom.

Data Elements

• citizen’s name
• text pronouncing the individual as a Canadian citizen
• effective date of citizenship
• certificate number
• Minister’s signature and title

Back of certificate

Design

• A black and white printout of the following data elements:

Data Elements

• Oath of Citizenship
• certificate number
• effective date of citizenship
• CIC unique client identifier
• citizen’s family name
• citizen’s given name(s)
• citizen’s date of birth
• citizen’s sex
• two one-dimensional barcodes; one containing the certificate number and one containing the citizen’s date of birth
• a note advising that the document is not to be folded or laminated

Can I still use my old certificate?

Yes, you will still be able to use your old wallet-sized certificate as a status document and to apply for services such as a passport.  Citizenship cards issued before February 1, 2012, remain valid.  They will continue to be invalid for travel purposes.

Why did the study guide change?

The citizenship study guide was rewritten to better tell the story of Canada. Discover Canada focuses on the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, and on Canada’s history, military contributions, symbols, values and institutions. More emphasis has been placed on facts about government and politics. It gives potential citizens, and all Canadians, more information on what it means to be a Canadian citizen.

Did the citizenship test change because of the new study guide?

Yes. We revised the test, based on the new citizenship study guide, Discover Canada. The new test questions reflect the content in the new study guide, and include a broader focus on Canada’s history, identity and values. The test questions are both factual and conceptual. Citizenship applicants will begin being tested on the new guide as of March 15, 2010.

The old study guide had sample test questions to help applicants prepare for the test. Will the new study guide have any sample questions?

Yes, Discover Canada has sample questions, which are posted on the CIC website.

Is the new citizenship test harder?

The new citizenship test has a wider range of material than the old guide. You can expect to be asked factual questions about Canada, as well as questions that test your understanding of Canada as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

What happens if I fail the written test?

If you do not pass the test, you are sent a notice to appear for an interview with a citizenship judge. During this interview, the judge will determine whether or not you meet all the requirements for citizenship—including knowledge of your rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen, residency in Canada and an adequate knowledge of English or French.

What is meant by “adequate knowledge of English or French”?

In order to acquire Canadian citizenship, you must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of English or French, Canada’s two official languages. Adequate knowledge of English or French means the ability to speak one of Canada’s official languages well enough to communicate with people. An applicant must know enough English or French to understand other people and for others to understand them.

The citizenship knowledge test and your interaction with CIC staff will be used to assess if you have an adequate ability to communicate in either English or French. CIC staff will observe

• your ability to understand basic spoken statements and questions, and
• your ability to communicate basic information or respond to questions.

For example, as part of your interaction with departmental staff or as part of your written test or your interview with a citizenship judge, you will be expected to:

• answer simple questions on familiar topics, using short sentences;
• show that you know enough words for basic everyday communication;
• tell a simple story about everyday activities;
• speak about something you did in the past (or will do in the future);
• give simple everyday instructions and directions; and
• express satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

What does the new citizenship law that came into effect on April 17, 2009, do?

The new law simplifies citizenship rules by:

• restoring or giving Canadian citizenship to many who never had it or lost it due to previous laws;
• limiting Canadian citizenship to the first generation born to Canadian parents outside Canada; and
• allowing people adopted outside Canada by Canadian parents between January 1, 1947 and February 14, 1977 to apply for a grant of citizenship.

How does the new law simplify citizenship?

The previous law required people born in the second or subsequent generations outside Canada to submit an application to retain (keep) their citizenship, and to either live in Canada for one year or prove a substantial connection to Canada before their 28th birthday. If they did not do either of these things, they would have lost their citizenship, sometimes without even knowing. The old law was criticized for being complicated, confusing, and leading to uncertainty for many people about their citizenship status. The new law simplifies rules by eliminating this requirement.

What does limiting Canadian citizenship to the first generation born to Canadian parents outside Canada mean?

The limitation affects the way people acquire Canadian citizenship outside Canada. It means that, in general, children born outside Canada on or after April 17, 2009, will only be Canadian at birth if they are born to a Canadian parent who was either born in Canada or became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident and subsequently being granted citizenship (also called naturalization).

The limitation may also affect children adopted by Canadian parents outside Canada, depending on the way in which they obtained, or will obtain, their citizenship. See New Citizenship Law and Adoption and Frequently Asked Questions on Adoption for more information.

*Some naturalized citizens became citizens by descent by operation of law on April 17, 2009.  If you think this may apply to you and you need more information, please contact us.

Why is the Government doing this?

Under the old rules, it was possible for Canadians to pass on their citizenship to endless generations born outside Canada. To protect the value of Canadian citizenship for the future, the new law limits—with a few exceptions— citizenship by descent to one generation born outside Canada.

How does the new law affect children born to a Canadian parent who is working outside the country for the Canadian government or a Canadian province or serving in the Canadian military?

All first-generation children born to a Canadian parent outside Canada will automatically be Canadians.

In addition, all children born to a Canadian parent who is working outside the country for the Canadian federal or provincial governments, or serving in the Canadian Forces, will be Canadian, regardless of the generation in which they were born outside Canada.*

However, it is important to note that the children of diplomatic or military personnel will have limits on their ability to pass along Canadian citizenship to their own children if those children are born outside of Canada. This means that their children born outside Canada (the grandchildren of diplomatic or military personnel) will not be Canadian, unless:

• one Canadian parent is working outside the country for the Canadian federal and provincial governments, or serving in the Canadian military; or
• one parent was born or naturalized in Canada (naturalized means they immigrated to Canada and were later granted citizenship).

*This exception does not apply to Canadians employed as locally-engaged staff.

I was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent. Will my children be Canadian?

In general, if your children are born in Canada, they will be Canadian. If your children are born outside Canada on or after April 17, 2009, they will be Canadian only if their other parent was born in Canada or became a Canadian citizen by immigrating there as a permanent resident and subsequently being granted citizenship (also called naturalization).

If your children are born outside Canada while you are working outside Canada for the Canadian government, a Canadian province, or serving outside Canada with the Canadian Forces, they will be Canadian. (This exception does not apply to Canadians employed as locally-engaged staff outside the country.)

Some naturalized citizens became citizens by descent by operation of law on April 17, 2009. If you think this may apply to you and you need more information, please contact us.

Can I obtain Canadian citizenship for my children born outside Canada after April 17, 2009, if they are not automatically Canadian citizens at birth? How?

You may sponsor your children to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents, if you and your children meet the normal requirements for sponsorship. After they become permanent residents, you can immediately apply for a grant of citizenship on your children’s behalf if they are under 18. (These children are not subject to the regular three-year residency requirement.) Children who follow this route must meet the usual requirements for immigration and citizenship.

If you live outside Canada and wish to sponsor your child, in most cases you must provide evidence that you will live in Canada once your child becomes a permanent resident. This could, for example, include a letter from an employer or proof of having rented or bought a home in Canada.

Find about more about how to sponsor your child.

Won’t this new change result in children who are stateless? What is the Government doing about that?

It is possible that some people born to a Canadian parent outside Canada in the second or subsequent generations may not acquire citizenship from either of their parents or the country of their birth because of the laws of that country. As a result, they may be stateless.

If they intend to live in Canada, people who are stateless may be eligible to be sponsored in the family class for permanent residence. As such, they would come to Canada as permanent residents. As soon as children under 18 become permanent residents, Canadian parents can immediately apply for a grant of citizenship on their children’s behalf. (These children are not subject to the regular three-year residency requirement.)

Generally, to be allowed to sponsor their children, parents must be residing in Canada. Canadian citizens residing overseas may sponsor their dependent children if they will reside in Canada when their children become permanent residents. However, CIC recognizes that in some limited cases, the new citizenship law may have a negative impact on Canadian families with strong ties to Canada who are residing temporarily overseas and who are unable to meet sponsorship requirements. Although these families intend to return and reside in Canada when their work term or contract is complete, they may not be in a position to return immediately when their children become permanent residents. The inability to meet this requirement to sponsor may pose particular difficulties in cases where their children are stateless, or where the children’s citizenship seriously limits a family’s ability to travel freely. Under these circumstances, parents may apply to sponsor their children in the Family Class and request humanitarian and compassionate consideration, providing as much detail as possible about their personal situation in their application.

Find out more about how to sponsor your child.

Obtaining citizenship under the new stateless provision exists as an additional measure. To be eligible to obtain citizenship under the new provision, a person born outside Canada on or after April 17, 2009, must meet the following criteria:

• have a birth parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of the person’s birth;
• be less than 23 years of age;
• have resided in Canada for at least three years during the four years immediately before the date of application;
• have always been stateless; and
• have not been convicted of a security, organized crime, or terrorism-related offence.

Who will acquire citizenship or have it restored under the new law?

The new law automatically restores or gives citizenship to many who lost it or never had it due to previous laws. For instance, certain people who became Canadian citizens on or after January 1, 1947, when the first Citizenship Act took effect, and who then lost it, now have their status restored retroactively to the date they lost it.

Others, who have never been Canadians, but who are part of the first generation born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, became Canadians under the new law. Their citizenship is retroactive to their date of birth.

Those born in Canada to a foreign diplomat, those who renounced their citizenship with Canadian authorities, and those whose citizenship was revoked by the Government because it was obtained by fraud do not benefit from the new law.

Note: Under the old law, people who were born outside Canada on or after February 15, 1977, to a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada, were required to apply to retain (keep) their citizenship before their 28th birthday. If these people turned 28 before April 17, 2009, and did not take steps to retain their citizenship, it was not restored under the new law.

Will people who automatically become citizens under the new law be able to renounce Canadian status if they don’t want it?

Yes. People who automatically became citizens on April 17, 2009, are able to renounce their Canadian status if they wish to do so. This could be the case if a person’s foreign citizenship was negatively affected by them becoming Canadian on April 17, 2009. A streamlined renunciation process is available, at no fee, to adults born before
February 15, 1977, who automatically become Canadian under the new law and who are citizens of another country.

Find out how to renounce your Canadian citizenship using the streamlined renunciation process.

Can the grandchildren of Canadian diplomats born outside Canada after April 17, 2009, obtain citizenship if they are not automatically Canadian citizens at birth? How?

These children may be sponsored by their parents to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents under the Family Class, if they meet the regular requirements for sponsorship. After they become permanent residents, parents can immediately apply for a grant of citizenship on their children’s behalf if they are under 18. (Minor children are not subject to the regular three-year residency requirement.) Children who follow this route must meet the usual requirements for immigration and citizenship.

This avenue is open to all children born to Canadian parents in the second or subsequent generation outside Canada, provided they meet the regular requirements for sponsorship.

A grandparent residing in Canada can sponsor a grandchild who is under 18 and orphaned who is not married or in a common-law relationship.

If you live outside Canada and wish to sponsor your child, in most cases you must provide evidence that you will live in Canada once your child becomes a permanent resident. This could, for example, include a letter from an employer or proof of having rented or bought a home in Canada.

Find about more about how to sponsor your child. 

Is the Government of Canada doing anything to help Canadians working outside the country in the private sector whose children are born in the second or subsequent generations abroad and are not automatically Canadian at birth?

Children born outside Canada who do not obtain citizenship by descent under the new law may still have a route to Canadian citizenship through the sponsorship process. Generally, to be allowed to sponsor a child as a member of the family class, Canadian parents must be residing in Canada or demonstrate that they will live in Canada when their children become permanent residents. Find out more information about sponsorship.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada recognizes that in some limited cases, the new citizenship law may have a negative impact on Canadian families with strong ties to Canada who are residing temporarily overseas and who are unable to meet sponsorship requirements. Although these families intend to return and reside in Canada when their work term or contract is complete, they may not be in a position to return immediately when their children become permanent residents. The inability to meet this requirement to sponsor may pose particular difficulties in cases where their children are stateless, or where the children’s citizenship seriously limits a family’s ability to travel freely. Under these circumstances, parents may apply to sponsor their children in the Family Class and request humanitarian and compassionate consideration, providing as much detail as possible about their personal situation in their application.

Requests for humanitarian and compassionate consideration are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and many factors may be considered, including time spent in Canada, establishment in this country (e.g. employment, volunteer work), family ties to Canada and the best interests of any children directly involved.

Important note: parents of children who are not born Canadian, but who have access to another citizenship that allows them to travel freely, should, wherever possible, wait until they are ready to return to and reside in Canada before sponsoring their children to immigrate to Canada through the regular process. (Children may have access to another citizenship through the other parent or by being born in another country.)

Find about more about how to sponsor your child.

My children were born before April 17, 2009, in the second generation outside Canada, but I haven’t yet applied for their proof of citizenship (also called citizenship certificate). Now that the new law is in effect, does this mean that they are not Canadian?

No. Anyone who was a citizen when the law came into force will keep their citizenship, regardless of the generation in which they were born, and regardless of whether they were ever issued a proof of citizenship. You can apply for a proof of citizenship for your child at any time, from inside or outside Canada.

Find out more about how to apply for a proof of citizenship.

I was born in the second generation outside Canada and will turn 28 after April 17, 2009. Do I still need to take steps to retain my Canadian citizenship before my 28th birthday?

No. Everyone who was a citizen when the law came into force will keep their citizenship, even if they were born in the second or subsequent generations outside Canada. The new citizenship law eliminates the need for those born outside Canada in the second or subsequent generations to retain their citizenship. However, if someone who was born in the second generation outside Canada turned 28 before April 17, 2009, and did not take steps to retain their citizenship, they are no longer considered a citizen as of their 28th birthday.

The new law will not restore their citizenship. People who ceased to be Canadian citizens can apply to resume their Canadian citizenship.

Find out more about how to apply to resume your citizenship.

I am the parent of a child adopted outside Canada. After April 17, 2009, will my child be able to pass on his or her citizenship to a child that he or she adopts or gives birth to outside Canada?

It depends on a number of factors.

If your adopted child obtained citizenship through the direct route, he or she will not be able to pass on citizenship to a child that he or she adopts or gives birth to outside Canada. However, your adopted child’s child (your grandchild) may acquire citizenship through their other parent, if that parent was born in Canada or was granted citizenship (through naturalization) after immigrating to Canada. This means that your child is treated the same way as children born to a Canadian parent outside Canada.

But, adopted children continue to have another route to citizenship, which involves being sponsored to come to Canada and then getting citizenship through a regular grant (naturalization), like any other immigrant. If your adopted child followed this process and got citizenship through a regular grant, he or she will be able to pass on citizenship to a child that he or she adopts or gives birth to outside Canada, regardless of the status of the other parent.

Find out more about the new citizenship law and adoption.

I brought my adopted child to Canada as a citizen using the law that came into effect in December 2007, which made it easier for children adopted outside Canada by Canadian parents to become citizens (called the direct route to citizenship). Will my child be able to do the same for a child that he or she might adopt outside Canada in the future?

It depends on the citizenship status of the other parent of your adopted child’s child (your grandchild). Your adopted child who came to Canada through the direct route to citizenship would be able to use this same route to obtain citizenship for his or her adopted child if the other adoptive parent was born in Canada or was granted citizenship (through naturalization) after immigrating to Canada.

What options are available for children who do not have access to the direct route to citizenship on or after April 17, 2009?

Children who do not have access to the direct route to citizenship may be sponsored as permanent residents, if the parents intend to live in Canada. Once these children become permanent residents, their parents can immediately apply for a regular grant of citizenship on their behalf. (These children are not subject to the regular three-year residency requirement.) Children who follow this route must meet the usual requirements for immigration and citizenship.

If you live outside Canada and wish to sponsor your child, you must provide evidence that you will live in Canada once your child becomes a permanent resident. This could, for example, include a letter from an employer, a letter of acceptance to a Canadian educational institution, or proof of having rented or bought a home in Canada.

Find out more about how to sponsor your child.

If I sponsor my adopted child to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident, how long will it take to process his or her application for citizenship once he or she becomes a permanent resident?

Currently, the total processing time for a routine application of citizenship for a minor is approximately 9‑12 months.

If I plan to adopt a child outside Canada, what are my options for obtaining citizenship for my child?

Depending on your citizenship status, you have two routes to obtain citizenship for your child. Each route has a different impact.

1. Citizenship by grant though direct route
   
   As of December 23, 2007, you can apply for citizenship for your adopted children without first having to sponsor them to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. The law was changed as a result of adoptive parents asking the Government for a more direct route to citizenship for their child.
   
   Eligibility for the direct route
   
   As of April 17, 2009, adopted children are able to take this direct route to citizenship only if one of their parents:
   • was born in Canada; or
   • became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada and was later granted citizenship (also called naturalization).
   Children adopted outside Canada who take the direct route to citizenship will be treated just like any child born outside Canada to a Canadian parent. This means that if that adopted person has, or adopts, a child outside Canada, that child will not be Canadian at birth or eligible for a citizenship grant using the direct route unless the child’s other parent was born or naturalized in Canada. Find out more about applying for citizenship for an adopted child under the direct route.
   
   
2. Regular citizenship grant (naturalization)
   
   You can also sponsor your child to come to Canada as a permanent resident, and the child can acquire citizenship through a regular grant, like any other immigrant. Children who follow this route must meet the usual requirements for permanent residence and citizenship. This is also called citizenship by naturalization.
   
   Eligibility for the regular citizenship route
   
   All children adopted outside Canada by a Canadian parent are eligible for the regular citizenship route, even if their parent was born outside Canada and was never naturalized in Canada.
   
   Impact of taking the regular citizenship route
   
   Children adopted outside Canada who come to the country as permanent residents and obtain citizenship through a regular grant are subject to the same rules as anyone born or naturalized in Canada. This means that any children born to Canadians outside Canada would automatically acquire Canadian citizenship, and any children adopted outside Canada by Canadians would be eligible for a grant of citizenship through the direct route, without having to first become permanent residents. Find out more about how to sponsor your child. Once your child is a permanent resident, find out how to apply for their citizenship through a regular grant.

Why are some naturalized Canadians born outside Canada discovering that they cannot pass on citizenship to their children?

Some naturalized Canadians are finding out that they cannot pass their citizenship on to their children because the new law makes them citizens by operation of law retroactive to their date of birth, as they were born in the first generation outside Canada to a Canadian parent. Any children born to them outside Canada on or after April 17, 2009, would be born in the second generation outside Canada. The amended Citizenship Act limits citizenship to the first generation born outside Canada.

This situation applies to certain people who, although born outside Canada to Canadian parents, may not have qualified for citizenship by descent under the previous law or lost citizenship, and who, at some point before April 17, 2009, applied for and were granted citizenship or received a special grant of citizenship (they became naturalized Canadians). However, with the changes to the Citizenship Act these naturalized Canadians are now considered to have been Canadian citizens since birth (citizen by descent) because at least one parent was a Canadian citizen born or naturalized in Canada when they were born. 

Under the new law, with few exceptions, persons who were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent in the first generation are all considered citizens by descent even if they applied for and were granted citizenship in the past.

How do I change my address information after I have submitted my application for citizenship?

If you reside in Canada, see Change my address to change your address information online. You can also contact the Call Centre.

If you reside outside Canada, contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for the area where you live.

How much does it cost to apply for Canadian citizenship?

The fee for adults is $200. The fee for children under 18 is $100.

Does my adopted child automatically become a Canadian citizen?

No, your child does not become a citizen automatically.

An application must be submitted to Citizenship and Immigration Canada in order for the adopted child to be granted Canadian citizenship.

In December 2007, an amendment to the Citizenship Act came into effect that allows foreign born children adopted by Canadian citizens after February 14, 1977 to become Canadian citizens without first having to become permanent residents. For the adopted person to be eligible for citizenship, certain requirements must be met, including the submission of a completed application for citizenship.

When the citizenship law changed on April 17, 2009, the option to apply for Canadian citizenship became open to all people adopted outside Canada by a Canadian parent on or after January 1, 1947.

However, the new law also limits citizenship by descent to one generation born outside Canada. This means that as of April 17, 2009, adopted children are able to take the direct route to citizenship only if:

• One of their parents was born in Canada, or
  
• One of their parents became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada and was later granted citizenship (also called naturalization).

Children adopted outside Canada who take the direct route to citizenship will be treated just like any child born outside Canada to a Canadian parent. This means that if that adopted person has, or adopts, a child outside Canada, their child will not be Canadian at birth or eligible for a citizenship grant using the direct route, unless the other parent was born or naturalized in Canada.

Find out more about the new law and who is affected.

Find out what the impact the first generation limitation has on adoption.

Find out how to apply for Canadian citizenship for your child or yourself if you were adopted by a Canadian citizen on or after January 1, 1947.

For more information, please see Intercountry adoption.

Do I become a Canadian when I marry a Canadian?

No. Marriage to a Canadian citizen does not give you citizenship. You must first apply and obtain permanent residence, then apply for Canadian citizenship and meet the same requirements as any other person seeking citizenship in Canada.

How do I find someone to represent me or help me complete my application?

You do not need a representative to help you apply for Canadian citizenship or any other citizenship process. The use of a representative is a personal choice.

What if my application for citizenship is turned down?

If you do not meet all the requirements for becoming a Canadian citizen, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will send you a letter explaining why you cannot become a citizen right now and what you can do next.

Will I get my money back if I am turned down for citizenship?

The fee for an adult application for citizenship is $200. It includes the $100 right of citizenship fee. If you are not granted citizenship, we will send you a refund for this $100 fee only.

A child cannot become a citizen unless one parent is already a citizen or becomes one at the same time. The child’s fee is not refundable. If you are not already a Canadian citizen, make sure you meet all the requirements before you apply for your child.

All other fees for citizenship services are not refundable.

Where can I find out the status of my citizenship application and the processing time?

To check the status of your application, see:

• Client Application Status, or
• Contact the Call Centre.

You can find information on application processing times online.

Can I apply for citizenship on behalf of a child if I am not the parent?

A child’s legal guardian may apply for citizenship on behalf of the child if the child has at least one Canadian parent (natural or adoptive). If a child has a Canadian legal guardian but no Canadian parent (natural or adoptive), the child is not eligible for citizenship.

I am still a citizen of another country. Will I lose that citizenship if I become a Canadian?

Under Canadian law, a Canadian is allowed to be a citizen of another country as well. Some countries, however, will not let you keep their citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. The consulate or embassy of your other country of citizenship can let you know if this applies to you.

Please see What is dual citizenship? and Renouncing citizenship.

Can I apply in person?

No. Applications for citizenship must be mailed to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

For persons residing outside Canada, applications for proof of citizenship, renunciation of citizenship, resumption of citizenship and retention of citizenship must be mailed to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area.

Do I get credit for time I spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident?

Yes, in some cases. You may be credited with time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident, to a maximum of one year. This is calculated at a rate of one half day for every day you were in Canada and only for the four-year period before your application will count. For example, if you were in Canada as a student for one year before you were granted permanent resident status, you will be credited with six months for the time you spent in Canada as a student.

The residence requirement for citizenship is calculated as follows.

Within the four years immediately before the day you sign your application, every day that you were not a permanent resident is counted as half a day, and every day that you were a permanent resident is calculated as one day. Note that you cannot meet the residence requirements for citizenship without a minimum of two years as a permanent resident.

Only the previous four years (immediately before the day you sign your application) are considered. Any time before this period is not counted toward your residency calculation. For example, if you mail your application on January 1, 2007, your residency calculation starts on January 1, 2003, even if you lived in Canada before 2003.

For more information, see the Residence Calculator.

Can I apply for citizenship now, even though I will not have three years of residence until next month?

No. You must have accumulated at least three years of residence (1,095 days) on the day you sign your application. Otherwise, the application will be returned.

Can I apply even if I have been absent temporarily from Canada?

When calculating your eligibility for citizenship, you must subtract your absences from Canada. Only a citizenship judge can determine if you meet the residence requirements if you apply with fewer than 1,095 days of physical presence.

If you apply with fewer than 1,095 days of presence in Canada, a citizenship judge will evaluate the nature of your residence in Canada. You will be asked to complete a residence questionnaire and provide evidence that establishes residence in Canada, and you might be asked to appear in person before a citizenship judge. When you apply with fewer than 1,095 days of presence in Canada, your application will take longer to process and may be refused by the citizenship judge.

Deciding to apply with fewer than 1,095 days of presence in Canada is a personal decision that should be made carefully and take into account your personal circumstances. If your application is refused because you did not have enough days in Canada, you will then have to fill out another application form and pay the fee to go through the entire process again.

For more information, see the Residence Calculator.

When can I apply for citizenship?

You must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days). You must also be at least 18 years old and have permanent resident status. There are a few other requirements you must meet. See Becoming a Canadian citizen: Who can apply for more information.

What is dual citizenship?

Every country decides who it considers to be a citizen. Dual citizenship is when you are recognized as a citizen by more than one country.

You do not apply for dual citizenship and there is no certificate.

Since February 15, 1977, Canadians have been allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship.

If you are a Canadian citizen who became a citizen of another country before that date, you should contact the Call Centre for more information. If you are outside Canada, contact the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate for more information.

If you are a permanent resident but not a Canadian citizen, you should check with the embassy of your country of citizenship to find out about their rules before applying for Canadian citizenship.

For more information about dual citizenship, see the brochure Dual Citizenship, available on the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website.

What does “naturalization” mean?

“Naturalization” refers to the process by which a permanent resident of Canada applies for and obtains Canadian citizenship. Someone who goes through this process is called a “naturalized” citizen. Naturalized citizens have the same rights and responsibilities as citizens born in Canada, including the ability to pass citizenship on to children born or adopted outside of Canada.

Do children have to write a test and take the oath?

Children who are under the age of 18 at the time of application do not have to write the citizenship test. Only people between the ages of 18 and 54 have to write the citizenship test. If you are 55 or older, you do not have to write the test.

Children under the age of 14 do not have to take the oath. Only people aged 14 and older have to take the oath.

What happens if I miss my scheduled citizenship test, my interview with a citizenship judge or my scheduled ceremony?

We will mail you letters telling you when and where to go for your citizenship test and for your citizenship ceremony.

If you do not appear for your scheduled citizenship test, we will mail you a letter telling you that because you missed your citizenship test, you are now scheduled to appear for an interview with a citizenship judge.

If you miss that interview, another interview will be scheduled for you and you will receive a notice of that second scheduled date by registered mail.

If you do not attend the second scheduled interview, your file will be closed.

If you do not attend the citizenship ceremony and do not contact the citizenship office within 60 days, your file will be closed. You will then have to fill out another application form and pay the fee to go through the entire process again.

How long will it be before I am notified to write the citizenship test?

You can check the status of your application online. You can also check the status of your application by contacting the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre.

You should begin to study for the citizenship test when you receive the study guide Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship You will get this guide in the mail once your application is accepted for processing.

You will receive a letter telling you when and where to go for a test. If you move to a new address, you must inform us. You can update your address online, or you can contact the Call Centre.

What if I cannot attend the citizenship test I am scheduled for?

Notify the citizenship office immediately and another citizenship test will be scheduled as soon as possible. If you do not appear for the test and do not notify the citizenship office, you will be scheduled for an interview with a citizenship judge.

You will receive two notices to appear for an interview:

• The first notice will be sent to you by regular mail advising of the date and time for an interview.
• If you do not appear for the interview on the scheduled time and date, a second and final notice will be sent to you by registered mail. This second notice will give you a new time and date for an interview to occur at least seven days later.

If you do not appear at this second scheduled date and time for an interview, your application will be considered abandoned and your file will be closed. You will then have to fill out another application form and pay the fee to go through the entire process again.

I have a visual, learning or hearing disability. Can I get assistance to take the test?

Yes, assistance is available. You should indicate your disability and what assistance you need on the application.

• If you have a visual disability, you may request that the study material be made available in large print, audio or Braille format. You may also have an oral interview instead of a written test. Indicate your requirements on the application.
• If you have a learning disability, you should indicate this on the application. You may submit a medical opinion form available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The form must be signed by your physician with your application, or wait until a CIC official requests that you obtain one. The physician should indicate the nature of the disability and the requirements (language or knowledge) that you cannot meet because of the disability or condition. A citizenship judge will decide whether to ask the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to waive any requirements.
• If you have a hearing disability, include a note on the application form asking for American Sign Language (ASL) or Quebec Sign Language (QSL) interpretation for the test, interview (if necessary) and ceremony. CIC will arrange to have an interpreter present.

Can I reapply if I fail both the test and the oral interview?

Yes. If you are not approved, you may appeal the judge’s decision to the Federal Court of Canada, or reapply as soon as you feel ready to meet all the requirements. There is no waiting period before you can reapply.

Does my elderly relative have to learn everything?

All citizenship applicants should try to meet the language and knowledge requirements. Citizenship classes may be available in your community.

The Citizenship Act provides for exceptions in some of the requirements for citizenship. For example, people aged 55 or older do not have to meet the language and knowledge requirements, and do not have to write the citizenship test.

Do children have to attend the citizenship ceremony?

Children who are 14 and older must attend the citizenship ceremony to take the oath of citizenship. Children under the age of 14 are not required to take the oath of citizenship but are welcome to attend if they wish.

How long will I wait between my citizenship test and the ceremony?

This period may vary but, generally, the ceremony takes place a few weeks after you pass the test. The citizenship office will mail you a notice giving the time, date and place of the ceremony.

You must attend the ceremony and take the oath of citizenship to receive your citizenship certificate.

What if I am unable to attend the ceremony?

Contact the citizenship office immediately. You will be rescheduled for another ceremony as soon as possible.

If you do not come to the ceremony and do not contact the citizenship office within 60 days, your application will be considered abandoned and your file will be closed.

You cannot take the oath outside Canada.

What will happen during the ceremony?

Many people will be taking the oath with you. The citizenship judge will speak briefly about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.

You will then take the oath of citizenship, which will be administered by the citizenship judge. After taking the oath, you become a citizen. The judge will give you a certificate of Canadian citizenship.

Can I resume my citizenship?

Yes. If you were a Canadian citizen in the past, but gave up, or renounced, your citizenship to take the citizenship of another country, you may resume your Canadian citizenship. To do this, former Canadians must obtain permanent resident status and live in Canada for at least one year before applying for citizenship.

Former Canadians who lost citizenship as a minor (under the age of 21) between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, do not have to become a permanent resident and live in Canada for one year in order to resume citizenship. They can apply immediately.

On April 17, 2009, the law will change and many former Canadians will reacquire citizenship without having to make any application. Former Canadians who do not become citizens under the new law may still apply to resume citizenship after meeting the current requirements.

Find out more about the new law and if you will reacquire your Canadian citizenship.

How do I renounce my citizenship?

Some countries do not allow dual citizenship. If you are a citizen or want to become a citizen of a country that does not allow dual citizenship, you may have to renounce, or give up, your Canadian citizenship. This requires a formal application to renounce your citizenship. To Find more information, see renouncing citizenship.

If you renounce your Canadian citizenship, you will lose all the rights and privileges of Canadian citizenship. For example, you will lose the right to travel under a Canadian passport. If you remain in Canada or if you want to return to Canada as a permanent resident, you will have to go through immigration procedures.

Could I be a Canadian citizen and not know it?

In general, if you were born in Canada, you are a Canadian citizen. This may not apply if you were born in Canada and at the time of your birth, one of your parents was in Canada with diplomatic status and your other parent was neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident.

You may also be a Canadian if you were born in another country after February 14, 1977, and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.

Under the previous law, if you were born in another country after February 14, 1977, to a Canadian parent who was also born in another country to a Canadian parent, you needed to take steps to retain your citizenship before turning 28 years of age.

On April 17, 2009 the law changed to end the need to retain citizenship for many people. However, people born outside Canada who were subject to the retention rules and who turned 28 before the new law came into force would have lost their citizenship if they did not take steps to retain it.

Also, if you were born outside Canada and your parent was a Canadian citizen when you were born, your child born in another country on or after April 17, 2009 will not be a Canadian citizen by birth, unless the child’s other parent:

• was born in Canada; or
• immigrated to Canada and was granted citizenship.

Find out more about the new law and who is affected.

You may be a Canadian if you were born in another country before February 15, 1977, and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.

When the new law came into effect, Canadian citizenship was restored to many people who lost it in the past. If you were born in another country, between January 1, 1947 and February 15, 1977, and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen when you were born or is someone who regained citizenship under the new law, you may also be a Canadian citizen under the new law. Find out if you are a Canadian citizen under the new law.

For more information, see proof of citizenship.

How do I find out if my child born outside Canada is a Canadian citizen?

If your child was born outside Canada after February 14, 1977, and you were a Canadian citizen when the child was born, your child is automatically a Canadian citizen.

Under the previous law, if you were also born in another country after February 14, 1977, to a Canadian parent your child may have needed to take steps to retain their citizenship before turning 28 years of age.

On April 17, 2009, the law changed to end the need to retain citizenship for many people. However, people born outside Canada who are subject to the retention rules and who turned 28 before the new law came into effect would have lost their citizenship if they did not take steps to retain it.

Also, if you were born outside Canada and your parent was a Canadian citizen when you were born, your child born in another country on or after April 17, 2009, will not be a Canadian citizen by birth, unless the child’s other parent:

• was born in Canada; or
• immigrated to Canada and was granted citizenship

Find out more about the new law and who is affected.

For more information, see proof of citizenship.

How do I get a Canadian citizenship certificate?

If you apply for Canadian citizenship, you will receive a citizenship certificate when you become a citizen. Any Canadian citizen can apply for a citizenship certificate.

For more information, see proof of citizenship.

How do I replace a lost or stolen Canadian citizenship certificate?

If your citizenship certificate was lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement.

For more information, see proof of citizenship.

How do I find out if there is a record of my Canadian citizenship?

You can ask for a search of citizenship records to verify if you were issued a citizenship or naturalization certificate. For more information, see search of records.

If you want this information for someone else, you need that person’s consent, unless the person is deceased.