Processing Times: Grant of Citizenship

The table below shows the time required to process routine Canadian citizenship applications. Processing times are based on how long it took to process 80 percent of all cases between October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012.

Note: If it has been longer than the time shown above since you applied and you need more information, please contact the Call Centre. However, please note that Call Centre agents cannot speed up the process of your application nor make decisions on your case. Call Centre services are only available for people inside Canada.

Learn about:

• The citizenship application process
• Why your application for Canadian citizenship can be delayed

What is a routine application?

An application is considered routine if:

• we receive all the necessary documents and the correct fees;
• you meet the residence requirements;
• you are not subject to any immigration, security or criminal prohibitions;
• you meet the language requirements for citizenship;
• you pass the knowledge-of-Canada test (citizenship test);
• you do not need a hearing with a citizenship judge; and
• you are not asked to provide additional documents such as fingerprints, a residence questionnaire or documents proving residence in Canada.