Becoming a citizen: How to apply

To become a Canadian citizen, 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 application form and documents.

1. Obtain an application package.

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

• Application for Canadian Citizenship – Adults

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

• Application for Canadian Citizenship – Minors

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 guide.

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

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

The application form 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.

If your documents are not in English or French, you can provide a photocopy of the originals, a translation of them and an affidavit from the person who did the translation. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

To apply as an adult, you will need to include the following with your application:

• proof of permanent residence
  • A Record of Landing (IMM 1000)—a document that is sometimes folded and stapled into your passport—if you became a permanent resident before June 28, 2002; or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or 5509)—if you became a permanent resident on or after June 28, 2002
  • A permanent resident card, a copy of both sides, if you became a permanent resident after June 28, 2002, or if you obtained a permanent resident card as an existing permanent resident
• two pieces of identification (for example, a passport, a driver’s licence, or a provincial/territorial health card), at least one of which contains your photo
• two signed citizenship photos, done according to the instructions in the guide and
• the receipt of payment (form IMM 5401—see below) showing that you have paid the $200 fee (which includes a $100 right of citizenship fee and a $100 processing fee).

To apply on behalf of your child, you will need to include:

• your child’s long-form birth certificate or the child’s adoption order showing the names of the adoptive parents
• your child’s Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or 5509)
• your child’s permanent resident card, a copy of both sides, if your child has one
• two pieces of identification for the child, such as school records, a provincial/territorial health card, or an immunization record
• two citizenship photos of the child, done according to directions in the guide and signed by the child if he or she is aged 14 or older and
• the original receipt of payment (form IMM 5401—see below) showing that you have paid the $100 fee.

If you are a legal guardian applying on behalf of a child, you must also provide legal documentation proving guardianship.

4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.

Payment of fees on-line is the preferred method of payment.

If you do not wish to pay using the Internet, payment must be made at a financial institution in Canada.

You can pay fees:

• online through Pay my application fees in the I Need To… section on the right-hand of this page. Once you have paid your fees online, you must print a receipt of payment form and include it with your application. Be sure to print the actual receipt, not the “payment confirmation form” page. See Payment of fees on the Internet under Related Links at the bottom of the page for more information;
• at most banks in Canada. If you use this method, you must get an original receipt of payment (form IMM 5401) to bring with you when you pay. This form is not available online. You must have it mailed to you. See Order a receipt of payment (IMM 5401) under Related Links at the bottom of the page.

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

5. Mail the 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.

Remember to:

• sign and date the application form
• sign your photos
• have any child who is 14 years of age or older sign her or his photos and countersign the application form
• include the photos
• include the receipt of payment (IMM 5401)
• include the completed and signed application form and
• include photocopies of all documents.

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

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Case Processing Centre - Sydney
P.O. Box 7000
Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 6V6

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.

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Related Links

• Payment of fees on the Internet
• Order a receipt of payment (IMM 5401)