Proof of citizenship: How to apply

To apply for a citizenship certificate, you must do the following:

  1. Obtain an application package.
  2. Read the 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.

The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application for a citizenship certificate.

2. Read the guide.

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form.

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

The application package contains instructions. Read those instructions, and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.

First-time applicants

If this is the first time you have applied for a citizenship certificate, you will need to send the original or a clear and easily readable certified copy of the required documents.

If those documents are not in English or French, you must provide the original documents or clear and easily readable certified copies, a translation of them, and an affidavit from the person who did the translation. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Previous applicants

If you have had a citizenship or naturalization certificate in the past, you must send the original of all previous certificates, as well as any pink transmission copies you still have. However, you may provide photocopies of all other required documents.

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 is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible for a citizenship certificate before you apply.

Payment of fees on the Internet is the preferred method of payment.

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.

To pay your fees at the Canadian consular mission (embassy, high commission or consulate) responsible for your area, you must:

  • Find out which method of payment is required. The consular mission determines the payment method (cheque, money order, cash).

For more detailed instructions, read the “Pay the fees” section of the application guide.

5. Mail the fully completed application form and documents.

If you live in Canada, mail your completed application form and the required documents to

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Case Processing Centre–Proof
P.O. Box 10000
Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 7C1

If you live outside Canada, mail your completed application form and the required documents to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area.

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