Applying for citizenship

Canadians are proud to hold one of the most prized citizenships in the world.

Every year about 170,000 people become new citizens of Canada.

If you want to apply for Canadian citizenship or change or confirm your citizenship status in Canada, there are steps you may need to take.

A new citizenship study guide entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship was introduced on November 12, 2009. This could affect you if you are currently studying for your citizenship test. For more information, please see the frequently asked questions about the new study guide and the citizenship test.

Note: On April 17, the law changed and many former Canadians reacquired citizenship. Find out more about the new citizenship rules and who is affected.

Learn about:

• Becoming a citizen
  Information on the requirements you must meet to become a citizen of Canada, and the steps to follow
• Citizenship for adopted people
  Information on the citizenship process for adopted people.
• The citizenship test
  What you need to know about Canada in order to pass the citizenship test, and what to expect during the test
• The citizenship ceremony
  What you need to know about the citizenship ceremony after you have completed all the steps toward becoming a Canadian citizen
• Resuming citizenship
  What you need to know if you gave up your Canadian citizenship in the past and want to become a Canadian citizen again
• Renouncing citizenship
  The steps to take if you must give up your Canadian citizenship
• Proof of citizenship
  Information on the citizenship certificate—a wallet-size card that provides proof you are a citizen of Canada
• Search of records
  How to search the citizenship records of Canada for information you may need during an application process
• Frequently asked questions
  Answers to questions Citizenship and Immigration Canada is often asked about citizenship
• New citizenship rules
  Information for those born outside Canada or with questions about their citizenship

---