Becoming a citizen: How to apply

To become a Canadian citizen, you must do the following:

  1. Obtain an application package.
  2. Read the instruction guide.
  3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
  4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
  5. Mail the fully completed application form and documents.

1. Obtain an application package.

If you are an adult (age 18 or older), you need this form:

If you are applying for your children (under age 18), you need this form:

You can apply for your children at the same time as you apply for yourself, or after you have become a citizen.

2. Read the instruction guide.

Read the instruction guide carefully before you complete the citizenship application form.

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.

The application package contains instructions. Read those instructions, complete the form and attach photocopies of your documents. Do not send the originals. You will have to show the originals when you come for your test or interview, so remember to bring them with you.

We will only begin to process your application package if it is complete. If your application package is not complete, the application form, documents and payment receipt will be returned to you as incomplete and you will have to resubmit.

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

To ensure you submit a completed application, read the instruction guide and the Document Checklist at the end of the application form.

4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.

The application processing fee is payable in Canadian funds only. The fee for processing your form and your children’s forms is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible and ready to become a citizen before you apply.

Note: You can use one receipt for your entire family as long as you send all the application forms in the same envelope.

To pay your fees on the internet, you must:

  • Have a PDF Reader.
  • Have a printer.
  • Have a valid email address.
  • Pay with a Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express® credit card.
  • Print the “receipt of payment” page and include it with your application.
  • Pay your fees on the Internet when you are ready.

To pay your fees at a financial institution in Canada, you must:

  • Obtain an original payment receipt form (IMM 5401). Order it online or contact the Call Centre.
  • Fill the receipt form and bring it with you when you go to pay your fees.
  • Include the completed payment receipt form (IMM 5401) with your application.

For more detailed instructions, read the application guide.

5. Mail the fully completed application form and documents.

If you apply for more than one person and want your applications processed together, you can submit all the forms and documents in the same envelope. If the applications are sent in different envelopes, they will be processed separately.

Note: If your application is signed more than three months before we receive it or if it is dated into the future, we will send it back to you. You must be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.

Mail your completed application form, along with the required documents, to:

By regular mail:
Case Processing Centre – Sydney
Grant Adults
P.O. Box 7000
Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 6V6
Canada

By courier:
Case Processing Centre – Sydney
Grant Adults
47-49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 5Z2

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