Resuming citizenship: How to apply

To apply to resume your Canadian citizenship, 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.

The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.

2. Read the guide.

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to resume your Canadian citizenship before you apply.

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

The application form 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 citizenship, 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 applied for citizenship in the past, you may provide photocopies of the required documents.

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

Include the following documents with your application:

• proof of former Canadian citizenship (a birth certificate, citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate)
• proof of loss of citizenship (a naturalization certificate from another country, renunciation certificate, etc.)
• 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
• proof of residence in Canada for at least one year, if applicable (for example, rent receipts, employment records or utility bills)
• 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 $100 fee.

4. Pay the fees and get the necessary receipt.

The fee is $100.

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 in the Related Links section 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) in the Related Links section at the bottom of the page.

If you live outside Canada and do not want to pay online, or if your credit card is not compatible with the online payment system, you can make your payment directly to the Canadian consular mission (embassy, high commission or consulate) responsible for your area. The consular mission determines an acceptable method (cheque, money order, cash). The application processing fee is payable in Canadian funds only.

5. Mail the application form and documents.

Mail your completed application form and the required documents to

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

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)