Application for Canadian citizenship under subsection 5(1) — Adults 18 years of age and older (CIT 0002)

Table of Contents

This is not a legal document. For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act and Regulations, as applicable.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

Application package

This application package consists of:

  • an instruction guide and
  • the required forms

The instruction guide is a tool that provides:

  • the information you must know about this application before sending it to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and
  • assistance with how to fill out the forms and the required supporting documents

Read the instruction guide thoroughly and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

The forms are specifically designed with questions that will assist the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses the following symbols to indicate information of particular importance.

Required step
What you must do to have your application processed.
Important information
Important information that you need to be aware of in order to avoid delays or other problems.
Get more information
Where to get more information.
Note:
Tips that will assist you with this application.

The application process

The instructions provided in this guide follow the basic steps you will need to know to complete your application.

  1. Gather documents
  2. Complete the application
  3. Pay the fees
  4. Mail the application

Before you apply

Who may use this application?

This application is meant for:

  • persons aged 18 years of age or older
  • permanent residents (landed immigrants) of Canada
  • persons having met the citizenship residence requirements

Citizenship residence requirements

The Citizenship Act requires a person to reside in Canada 3 years (1095 days) in the four (4) years immediately before the date of the application.

How do I calculate my residence?

Each applicant must complete either

Note. Are you applying too early? If you apply before you meet the residence requirement you will not qualify for citizenship. Your application will be returned to you and you will have to re-apply later.

What are the other requirements for citizenship?

You must:

  • be able to understand and speak basic English or French, and
  • know about:
    • Canada’s history
    • geography
    • government, and
    • the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Note: you will need to pass a written and/or oral test (persons 55 years of age and over are exempt from taking the written/oral test).

You must not:

  • be subject to any prohibition under the Citizenship Act (see section 7 of the application form CIT 0002), and/or
  • be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada).

Family applications

If more than one member of your family is applying for Canadian citizenship, send all the applications together in the same envelope. The applications will be processed together.

The content below is offered in PDF format. For more information or to download the appropriate viewer, check the Help page.

To apply for Canadian Citizenship for your child

Complete the Application for Canadian Citizenship — Minors (CIT 0003) (PDF, 531 KB).


Important information

Possible loss of other citizenship

You could lose your present nationality or citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, you should contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country of your present nationality before you apply for Canadian citizenship.


Important information

Citizenship process for adopted persons

Canada’s citizenship law was amended to allow persons adopted by Canadian citizens to apply for citizenship directly, without first having to apply for permanent residence (citizenship adoption process). To access this process, the Canadian adoptive parent must be born in Canada or have naturalized before the adoption took place (became a citizen after arriving in Canada as a permanent resident).

However, if you were adopted by a Canadian citizen who was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, then you cannot apply through the citizenship adoption process. You also cannot apply through the citizenship adoption process if your parent is a Canadian citizen because he or she became a citizen through the citizenship adoption process.

If you are a permanent resident and you were adopted outside Canada by a Canadian citizen who was born in Canada or naturalized before the adoption took place, you can apply for citizenship through a regular grant (this application) or you can apply for citizenship through the citizenship adoption process.

The table below demonstrates the requirements which must be met for both types of applications, as well as the effect each option has on future children.

Requirements Citizenship adoption process – Adult Grant of citizenship (Naturalization) – Adult
Be a Permanent Resident No Yes
Take the oath of citizenship No Yes
Background verifications (security, criminality and immigration) No Yes
Residence (1095 days in the past 4 years) No Yes
Knowledge and language (test) No Yes

This table compares the differences between the two processes regarding future generations of Canadian Citizens, depending on the two streams of applications.

Future generations Citizenship adoption process – Adult Grant of citizenship (Naturalization) – Adult
Ability to pass on citizenship to future children born outside Canada No Yes
Ability to have foreign-born adopted children to become Canadian citizens through the citizenship adoption process No Yes

The application process

Action you must take: Complete and submit CIT 0002
Gather all required documents, pay the fees, fill out the application forms and mail your completed package as outlined in this guide.
CPC-S process: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) checks your application
Did you include the fee receipt, the photos, the completed signed and dated application form in your package?
CPC-S process: If yes, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you
CPC-S process: If no, your application is returned to you. End of process.
CPC-S process: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) assesses the application
CPC-S process: If your application is complete, it will be forwarded to the nearest CIC office
CPC-S process: If the application is incomplete, it will be returned to you. End of process.
Local CIC Assessment: The Local CIC will invite you for a citizenship test
Local CIC Assessment: If you pass and meet all the other citizenship requirements, a letter inviting you to a citizenship ceremony is mailed
Local CIC Assessment: If you do not pass and do not meet the citizenship requirements, you will be invited attend an interview with a Citizenship Judge
Local CIC Assessment: If you pass, a letter inviting you to a citizenship ceremony is mailed
You will attend the citizenship ceremony to take the oath of citizenship where you will
receive your certificate

Legend

Action you must take
CPC-S process
Local CIC Assessment

Step 1. Gather documents

What documents are required?

The table below outlines the documents that you need to include with your application. You must also use the Document Checklist included at the end of the form (CIT 0002) to assist you gathering the necessary documentation.

Note. If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear, your application may be returned to you.

Note: Additional documents may be required during the processing of your application.

  1. Immigration documents
    • Record of Landing (IMM 1000), or
    • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) and
    • Permanent Resident Card (PRC) if you have one

    Immigration documents that prove your status as a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada.

    Permanent Resident Card: you must provide a photocopy of both sides, if you have one.

    Note: You must provide all of these documents in your possession. If any of these documents are no longer in your possession, please explain why.

    Format: Clear and legible photocopy

  2. Two (2) pieces of personal identification

    Both pieces of identification should show your name and date of birth, one of which must have your photo on it.

    Examples include:

    • a Canadian driver’s licence
    • a Canadian health insurance card
    • a copy of your passport page containing your photo and personal details, etc.

    If there is information on both sides of your personal identification documents, provide a photocopy of both sides.

    Note: Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards, bank cards and credit cards are not acceptable pieces of identification.

    Format: Clear and legible photocopy

  3. Payment receipt

    For more information. Step 3. Pay the Fees

    Receipt showing total payment of application fees for individual or family members applying together

    • by Internet (receipt printed from Internet), or
    • at a financial institution (Original form IMM 5401)

    Format: Receipt printed from Internet & Original IMM 5401

  4. Additional documents (as required)

    Possible documents are:

    • translations of documents that are not in English or French
    • affidavit by a translator
    • supporting documents to prove a name change
    • supporting documents to prove a date of birth correction

    Format: Clear and legible photocopy

  5. Calculation of residence

    Print out of the On-line Residence Calculator

    or

    How to calculate Residence (CIT 0407) form

    Calculation of your residence fully completed, dated and signed.

    Format: Original

Legal name change

If you have legally changed your name, you must provide documentation showing the use of both old and new names.

The name on the citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on your immigration document unless:

  • you have legally changed it after arriving in Canada, or
  • you are requesting a different name for your citizenship certificate and you can provide supporting documents.
  • If you have legally changed your name
    then you must provide a copy of
    • an approved amendment to your immigration document, or
    • a provincial legal change of name document, or
    • a provincial adoption order indicating your new name.
  • If you are requesting a name change that is not significant (for example a slight change in spelling)
    then you must provide a copy of one of the following that reads exactly the same as the name you are requesting:
    • a provincial health card, or
    • a provincial driver’s licence, or
    • an official school record issued by the provincial department responsible for education.
  • If you are requesting a name change that is significant (more than a slight change in spelling)
    then you must provide a copy of
    • the provincial documents noted above
      and
    • linking documents showing the use of both old and new names, and the basis for the change. Examples of linking documents include:
      • marriage certificate
      • foreign change of name document
      • divorce judgment
      • adoption order, or
      • foreign passport showing both names.

Important information. No name change requests after processing has begun.
You cannot request a name change after your application has been submitted. If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the name requested, the citizenship certificate will reflect the name indicated on your immigration document.

Date of birth correction

The date of birth on your citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on your immigration document unless you:

  • have corrected your date of birth on your immigration document or
  • have legally changed it after arriving in Canada or
  • are requesting a different date of birth for your citizenship certificate and you can provide supporting documents.
  • If your date of birth has been corrected on your immigration document
    then you must provide a copy of
    • an approved Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM  5292 or IMM 5688), and
    • your new corrected Permanent Resident Card (if you have one).
  • If you have legally changed your date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order
    then you must provide a copy of
  • If you did not change your date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order
    and
    your date of birth has not been corrected on your immigration document
    then you must provide a copy of

Important information. You cannot request a change in your date of birth after your application has been submitted. If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the date of birth requested, the citizenship certificate will reflect the date of birth indicated on your immigration document.

Important information. If you do not have a provincial/territorial court order changing your date of birth, you must first request an amendment to your immigration document before requesting a different date of birth on your citizenship certificate.

For more information. For information on amending your immigration document refer to the guide Request to Amend the Immigration Record of Landing or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM  5218)

Quebec government documents

The following documents issued by the government of Quebec before January 1, 1994 are not accepted

  • baptismal certificates
  • birth certificates, and
  • marriage certificates.

For more information. If you are currently in possession of one of these certificates you must obtain a new document by contacting the office of the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec by visiting their website.

Translated documents

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by

  • the English or French translation, and
  • an affidavit from the person who completed the translation.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country in which the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified members in good standing of one of the provincial or territorial organizations of translators and interpreters of Canada do not need to supply an affidavit.

Important information. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Family member is defined as being a: parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Your application will be returned to you if you do not include the translation of your documents and an affidavit from the translator.


Note

Photographs

You must:

  • provide two (2) identical citizenship photographs (except Renunciation applications, only one (1) photo is required);
  • print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo (passport size photo);
  • follow the steps explained on the form; and
  • do not staple, glue or otherwise attach the photo directly to the application.

Your application will be returned to you if you do not include the two (2) photos that meet the citizenship photo specifications.

Step 2. Complete the application

Filling out the application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application form.

The following is the form that must be filled out and submitted:

Note. It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.


Note

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections.  If any section is not applicable to you, write “N/A” (“Not applicable”).  If your application is incomplete it will be returned to you.

Note:  If you need more space for any section, use an extra sheet of paper and indicate the number and/or letter of the section you are completing and submit it along with your application.

Section 1

Question 1A
Would you like to receive service (correspondence, interview) in English or in French?
Question 1B

Check the box to indicate if you have any special needs. If yes, please explain.
Special needs are described as:

  • wheelchair access
  • sign language interpretation
  • personal assistance (for example, you will be accompanied by a care attendant, an interpreter, a seeing eye dog, a sighted guide, etc.)

Section 2

Question 2
If you have applied for Canadian citizenship before, write when you last applied.

Section 3

Question 3A

Write your last name (surname/family name) and given name(s) exactly as they appear on your immigration document. These include your:

  • Record of landing (IMM 1000)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
  • Permanent Resident Card (PRC)
Question 3B

Have you legally changed your name or are you requesting a different name on your citizenship certificate?
If yes:

  • see Name change section in this guide in “Step 1. Gather Documents”
  • print the family name and given name(s) you request to appear on citizenship certificate.

Note: A request for a different name is subject to approval by CIC.

Question 3C

Write if you:

  • have used another name in the past (such as your birth name, maiden name, married name), or
  • are known by a name other than the one you listed above (such as a nickname or community name).

Section 4

Question 4A

Write your:

  • date of birth exactly as it appears on your immigration document, and
  • place of birth, including the city or town and country.

Are you requesting a different date of birth on your citizenship certificate?

If yes, see Date of birth correction section in this guide in Gather Documents.

Note: A request for a different date of birth is subject to approval by CIC.

Question 4B

Check the box or indicate your:

  • sex (whether you are male or female)
  • height (how tall you are), either in centimeters or feet/inches
  • eye colour, and
  • legal marital status.

Important information. Important information. This information must be completed for our records. Sex, eye colour and height will be shown on your citizenship certificate.

Section 5

Question 5A

Write your current home address, complete with:

  • street address
  • city or town
  • province or territory
  • postal code
Question 5B
If your mailing address is different from your home address, write your complete mailing address.
Question 5C
List the telephone number(s) where you can be reached.
Question 5D
Write how long you have lived at your current home address.

Section 6

Question 6A

Write the date when you became a permanent resident (landed immigrant).

To find this date, refer to your:

  • Record of Landing – IMM 1000 (box 45)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence – IMM 5292 (box 45)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence – IMM 5292 (Personal Details)
  • Permanent Resident Card (on the back of your card)
Question 6B
Write the date when you first came to Canada to live.
Question 6C

Check or write if you are a citizen of any other country.

If yes, list the country (countries).

Question 6D

Write if you obtained permanent residence in another country since becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

If yes, list the country (countries) and the date you obtained this status.
Question 6E

Write all your addresses for the last four (4) years.

If you were residing, employed or attending school outside Canada, you must also list all your foreign addresses.
Question 6F

You must list all your work and education history for the past four (4) years and must account for each month.

If you were seeking work, retired, homemaker, volunteering, etc. please specify under “Work/Education”, and put N/A under “Employer or school attended”. Please also indicate in what city and country.
Question 6G

Check which method you used to calculate your residence and attach the appropriate form. You can use the Online Residence Calculator printout from the Internet or the form at the end of the application package – How to Calculate Residence.

Section 7

Question 7A-F

Answer all of the questions by checking yes or no. For any yes responses provide details and if applicable, attach court documents.

Note: CIC checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) to find out if there are any criminal or security reasons which could prevent you from acquiring Canadian citizenship.

You may be required to provide fingerprints and/or court documents to ensure that you are not prohibited under the Citizenship Act. Also, your entry to Canada and your status will be verified with Canadian officials.

If conditions were imposed at the time you were granted permanent resident status that you have not complied with, you should contact your local CIC office to clarify this situation before applying for citizenship.

Section 8

Question 8A

Check whether you authorize CIC to provide your name, address, gender and preferred official language to your federal Member of Parliament so that he or she can send you a letter of congratulations once your Canadian citizenship is granted.

Question 8B

Check either the Yes box or the No box to indicate whether or not you authorize Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to give your name, address, gender and date of birth to Elections Canada to be added to the National Register of Electors (the Register). When you become a Canadian citizen and are 18 years of age or older, you have the right to vote in federal elections and referendums. Elections Canada maintains the Register and uses it during a federal election or referendum to produce voters lists and to communicate with eligible voters.

If you check the Yes box, CIC will give your name, address, gender and date of birth to Elections Canada to be added to the Register, but only after your Canadian citizenship has been granted. If you check the No box, CIC will not give your information to Elections Canada.

You will still have the right to vote in federal elections and referendums, but you will have to take the necessary steps to be added to the list.

More information about the Register and its uses is available at www.elections.ca. You can also call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868.

Question 8C

Check whether you reside (live) in Quebec.

If yes, indicate whether you authorize CIC to provide your name, address, gender and date of birth to the Chief Electoral Officer of Québec so that your name can be added to the Permanent List of Electors (voters).

If you do not provide the authorization, you will have to go to the revision office and present two supporting documents to register your name on the list of electors to be able to vote in a provincial, municipal or school election.

Section 9

Question 9

Sign and date the application form with the signature you currently use on other official documents.

Note. Your application will be returned to you if:

  • the form is not signed and dated,
  • stale-dated (dated more than 90 days before CIC receives it),
  • post-dated (dated into the future).

Note: You must be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.

Section 10

Question 10

Indicate whether you had assistance in completing this form, either from:

  • an individual (including a family member, a friend, a volunteer, a consultant, a lawyer, etc.)
  • a firm (company), or
  • an organization.

If yes, the person who completed the form for you must:

  • print their name and address
  • sign their name, and
  • write the date the form was signed.

Step 3. Pay the fees

Calculating your fees

If more than one member of your family is applying for Canadian citizenship pay the fees all together.

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. Fees must be included with this application.

Type of application Number of persons Amount per person Amount due
Adult (18 years of age and over)   x $200  
Child (under 18 years of age)   x $100  
Total Payment:  

Explanation of fees and refund

The following table describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable. All payment must be made in Canadian funds.

Processing fee

Amount: $100 for each applicant

Non-refundable once processing has begun, regardless of the final decision.

Right of Citizenship Fee

Amount: $100 for each adult applicant

Refundable if your application is refused.

Note: We will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt. If there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.

Incorrect fee payment

Payment issue - No fee included

CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with requested fees.

Payment issue - Insufficient fees included

CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with requested fees.

Payment issue - Overpayment

CIC will:

  • start processing your application, and
  • send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You do not have to request a refund, it will be done automatically.


Important information

Payment method options

Preferred method of payment

Payment of fees online is the preferred method of payment.

On-line fee payment

Resources required

You can pay your fees on-line if you have:

  • a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express)
  • access to a computer with an Internet connection
  • a valid e-mail address
  • access to a printer (you will need to print the receipt)

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay using the Internet.

  1. Go to the CIC website.

    • Select Pay application fees in the I need to… section on the right hand side of the page.
    • Select Pay my fees on-line under related links.

  2. Follow the on-line instructions.

    At the end, click on the button to print the CIC official receipt with barcode.

    Note. Do not exit without printing the receipt (page)!

  3. Fill in the Payer Information Section by hand.

  4. Attach the bottom portion (copy 2) of this receipt to your completed application.

Proof of payment

The receipt printed off of the Internet in step 2 of the instructions above will serve as your proof of payment.

Obtaining an original receipt form–Inside Canada

You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) by ordering through our website.

Fee payment at financial institutions

If you do not wish to pay using the Internet, payment must be made at a financial institution in Canada. The financial institution will let you know what method of payment it accepts. There is no banking charge to pay at a financial institution.


Note

The only acceptable forms of payment are on-line or through a financial institution in Canada. If you send any other form of payment your application will be returned.

Availability

For clients located inside Canada only.

Resources required

A payment receipt form (IMM 5401) can be ordered through our website.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay at a financial institution in Canada.

  1. Calculate the total fee amount to be paid using the chart Calculating your fees at the beginning of this section.

  2. Fill out one (1) payment receipt form (IMM 5401).

    Important information. An original payment receipt form (pink and white) must be used. A photocopy is not acceptable.

    For more information. See: “Obtaining an original receipt form – Inside Canada” in this section.

  3. Insert the total amount paid on line 09 Citizenship or Immigration Services Fees.

    Important information. Do not complete the top two portions of the receipt. These will be completed by the financial institution.

  4. Fill in the Payer Information section on the back of the payment receipt form.

    Do you already have an open file and know the client identification number (client ID) that we have assigned to you?

    • If yes, enter the number in the box provided for that purpose.
    • If no, leave that box empty.

  5. Bring the receipt form and your payment to the teller (cashier) at the financial institution. Do not present your application, only your receipt form.

    The teller (cashier) will:

    • stamp and enter the amount paid in the upper two portions of the receipt form, and
    • give you the top two portions of the form.

    Important information. Do not make payment using the automated teller machines or on a financial institution website.

  6. The following list indicates what you should be doing with the different parts of the IMM 5401 receipt.

    • Copy 1 (top): Keep for your records.
    • Copy 2 (middle): Attach to your completed application.
    • Copy 3 (bottom): The financial institution will keep the bottom part.

Proof of payment

Completed payment receipt form (Original form IMM 5401)

Obtaining an original receipt form–Inside Canada

You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) by ordering through our website.

Step 4. Mail the application

Where to mail the application

Mail your completed application in a stamped envelope addressed as shown below:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)
Sender (top left of the envelope)
 (Your name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)
Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Case Processing Centre – Sydney
Grant Adults
P.O. Box 7000
SYDNEY, NS
B1P 6V6

Courier address:
Case Processing Centre, Sydney
Grant Adults
47-49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 5Z2

If you are sending more than one application

If you are sending more than one application (for example, applications for family members), you may send one receipt to cover all applications. Mail the receipt (if applicable) and all applications together in one envelope so that they will be processed together.

Note: If you are sending more than one application (for example, family members), and one of the applications is incomplete, all the applications will be returned to you.


Note

Reminders…

Make sure to use the Document Checklist and include it with your application

Here are some reminders to avoid your application being returned to you :

  • You must be eligible for citizenship the day before you sign the application.
  • You have answered all questions on the form or wrote “N/A” (Not applicable) for any question or section that is not applicable to you.
  • You have signed and dated the form. Make sure before you send it that it is not stale-dated (dated more than 90 days before CIC receives it) or it is post-dated (dated into the future).
  • You have included copies of your immigrant documents: Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) and both sides of the Permanent Resident Card if you have one.
  • You have included photocopies of both sides of two (2) pieces of personal identification, one of which must have your photo on it.
  • You have included two (2) photos according to the citizenship photographs specification.
  • You have included proof of payment and exact fees.
  • You have included original translation and an affidavit by the translator for any documents that are not in English or French.

What happens next?

The Citizenship process

The table below presents the phases of the Citizenship process of a routine application. In some cases, processing may take longer.

Phase – File Creation

The Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney makes sure your application

  • meets the minimum processing requirements and
  • that the appropriate fee payment has been made.

What you receive:

  • Acknowledgement of receipt
  • The citizenship study guide (one study book per family)

If your application does not meet the minimum requirements it will be returned to you.

Phase – Initial Review

The CPC reviews your application to make sure you

  • meet the requirements to start processing your application and
  • have included the required documents.

Phase – Decision

  • The CPC sends your application to the CIC office nearest to your home for further processing.
  • The CIC office completes the steps necessary for a citizenship judge to make a decision on your application.
  • You will be asked to come to the CIC office for a review of the original documents you submitted in support of your application, as well as all passports and travel documents relevant to the four year period preceding your application. If applicable, you will be evaluated on your knowledge of English or French and on your knowledge of Canada’s history, geography, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

What you receive:

  • Notification to appear to take a citizenship test and/or
  • Notification to appear for an interview with a citizenship official and/or
  • Notification to appear for a hearing with a citizenship judge

Phase – Ceremony

If you meet all the requirements for citizenship, the CIC office notifies you by mail of the time and place of your citizenship ceremony.

What you receive:

  • Notification to appear to take the oath of citizenship
  • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship

Processing Time

Processing times can change. You can obtain general processing times for citizenship applications on our website at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/cit-processing.asp


For more information

Current processing times

Processing time can change. You can obtain current processing times on our website.


Important information

Updating your contact information

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by:

  • going to www.cic.gc.ca, click on Change address in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of the page; or 
  • see “How to Contact CIC” at the end of this Guide.

Checking application status on-line

You can check the status of your application on-line by doing the following:

  1. Log on to our website.
  2. Go to Check My Application Status in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of the page.
  3. Then click on Client Application Status and follow the instructions provided.

Note:  Your application status will only appear on-line once the application is received at the Visa Office and the initial review by CIC is completed.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

  • only available to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and
  • not disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) on our website.

What you should be doing now

During the processing period, if you are between the ages of 18 and 54, you may wish to

  • prepare for a citizenship test and/or interview on Canada’s history, geography, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship based on the study guide and
  • work on your English or French if necessary.

Quality Assurance Program

Our quality assurance program randomly selects applications for a special review. If selected you will be asked to attend an interview with a Citizenship and Immigration official so that we can:

  • verify the documentation you submitted is accurate,
  • verify that your application has been completed properly.

Note: You will be notified in writing should your application be selected.

How to contact CIC

Within Canada

CIC Call Centre:
1-888-242-2100 (toll-free)

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time

If you are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, or you have a speech impediment and use a text telephone, you can access the TTY service from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. your local time by calling: 1-888-576-8502 (in Canada only).