Citizenship

What are the requirements for becoming a Canadian citizen?

To become a Canadian citizen, you must

• be a permanent resident
• have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
• have filed your taxes, if you need to
• pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada
• prove your language skills

Depending on your situation, there may be additional requirements.

Find out if you’re eligible

What is dual citizenship?

Every country decides whom it considers to be a citizen. If more than one country recognizes you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship.

You don’t apply for dual citizenship, and there is no related certificate. Canadians are allowed to take foreign citizenship while keeping their Canadian citizenship.

Ask the embassy of your country of citizenship about its rules before applying for Canadian citizenship.

For more information

• Travelling as a dual citizen

Do I become a Canadian citizen when I marry a Canadian?

No. Marrying a Canadian citizen doesn’t give you citizenship.

If you want to become a Canadian citizen, you must follow the same steps as everyone else. There isn’t a special process for spouses of Canadian citizens.

You must meet several requirements to apply for citizenship. You must be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years right before the date you applied. This includes time as a

• permanent resident
• temporary resident (lawfully authorized to remain in Canada)
• protected person

Your Canadian spouse can sponsor you to become a permanent resident if you

• don’t live in Canada, or
• aren’t a permanent resident

You may apply for citizenship if you

• are a permanent resident
• have been physically present in Canada long enough
• meet the other requirements

There are different rules to determine if children of Canadians born outside Canada have Canadian citizenship.

For more information

Application processing times

I’m Canadian, but my child was born outside Canada. Are they Canadian?

Your child is likely a Canadian citizen if at least 1 parent (legal parent at birth [opens in a new tab] or biological parent)

• was born in Canada, or
• became a naturalized Canadian citizen before the child was born

To find out for sure, apply for a citizenship certificate for your child.

Your child is not automatically a Canadian citizen if they’re an adopted child born outside Canada.

Can I count any time I’ve spent outside of Canada toward the physical presence requirement when applying for citizenship?

You can count time spent outside Canada toward the physical presence requirement for citizenship if you

• were a permanent resident employed in or with the
  • Canadian Armed Forces
  • federal public administration
  • public service of a province or territory
• lived outside Canada with your Canadian spouse or common-law partner or permanent resident spouse, common-law partner, or parent who was employed in or with the
  • Canadian Armed Forces
  • federal public administration
  • public service of a province or territory

This doesn’t include employment as a locally engaged person.

The physical presence requirement only uses time after

• becoming a permanent resident
• your common-law relationship began (for calculating residence with a common-law partner)

Find out how to calculate your physical presence

Do I have to use the travel journal?

No, using the travel journal is optional. You don’t need to submit it with your application.

When you apply for a permanent resident card or citizenship, you need to be able to tell us about all your trips outside Canada during certain periods of time. We created the travel journal to help record the dates and destinations of your trips.

If I’m applying for citizenship, do I still have to submit the physical presence calculation if I submit the travel journal?

You must always submit your calculation if the application is for

• an adult (18 or older)
• a minor (under 18) who has
  • at least 1 Canadian parent, or
  • a parent who’s also applying for Canadian citizenship at the same time

We’ll return your application if you submit it without your calculation.

You don’t need to submit the travel journal with your application. It’s for your personal use only (to help you complete the physical presence calculation).

If I’m transferring through different countries at the airport, or by car or train, do I need to record it in my travel journal?

If you don’t leave the airport during your stop, then you don’t need to record that country in your travel journal.

If you leave the airport, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, you should record the date and destination in the travel journal.

If you’re traveling by car or train, you’ll need to record dates and destinations of the countries you passed through.

How do I get more copies of the travel journal?

You can print more copies of the travel journal.

What is a non-routine application?

We consider your application non-routine if:

• you asked to change your personal information, such as:
  • name
  • sex or gender identifier
  • date of birth
• you missed a:
  • test
  • interview
  • hearing
• we need you to submit extra documents, like:
  • fingerprints
  • residence documents
• we asked you to come to another interview or hearing after you attended your interview

We also consider your citizenship application non-routine if you:

• failed a test
• didn’t meet the language requirements during your interview

For more information

• How are IRCC processing times calculated?

Can I get my citizenship application processed urgently?

Yes, we can process applications for citizenship services urgently in some situations.

We’ll review your application to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify, we can’t guarantee we’ll process your application urgently.

Find out when and how to apply urgently to

• become a Canadian citizen (grant of citizenship)
• get a Canadian citizenship certificate (proof of Canadian citizenship)
• ask for a search of citizenship records
• resume your Canadian citizenship
• give up (renounce) Canadian citizenship

My citizenship application is being processed. How will the 2017 legislation changes affect my application?

If we received your completed application before October 11, 2017, then only some of the changes will apply to you.

Language and knowledge requirements

If you were a minor (an applicant between 14 and 17 years of age at the time you applied) you won’t need to meet language requirements or take a knowledge test.

If you were between 18 and 54 years old when you applied, you will still need to meet the language requirement and pass a knowledge test.

If you were between 55 and 64 years old when you applied, you won’t need to meet language requirements or take a knowledge test.

If you have received a notice to appear for a knowledge test or language assessment, IRCC will be contacting you about the next steps in your application.

Time spent in Canada

The changes to the amount of time you must be physically present in Canada do not apply to you. You must meet the physical presence requirements that were in place at the time you submitted your application.

I hired a representative before June 11, 2015 and my citizenship application is still in process. Can they continue to act as my representative?

Yes. As long as your citizenship application was received and deemed complete before June 11, 2015, any person who is advising or representing you can continue throughout the duration of that specific application (or until four years has passed).

Who can represent me on my citizenship application?

If your citizenship application is received after June 10, 2015, any paid representatives you may have hired must be authorized to do so. This would include members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, lawyers or notaries including paralegals and students at law.

How much does it cost to apply for Canadian citizenship?

View our application fees list for adults and children under 18.

I am a citizen of another country. Will I lose that citizenship if I become a Canadian?

Under Canadian law, you can be both a Canadian citizen and a citizen of another country.

However, some countries won’t let you keep their citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen.

The consulate or embassy of your other country of citizenship can tell you whether this applies to you.

What photos do I need to include with my citizenship application?

You need to provide photos if you’re applying to:

• become a Canadian citizen:
  • if you’re applying on paper: 2 identical printed photos
  • if you’re applying online: 1 digital photo
• get proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate):
  • if you’re applying on paper: 2 identical printed photos
  • if you’re applying online: 1 digital photo
• renounce (give up) citizenship: 1 printed photo

Your photos must meet our requirements such as size, colour and information must be written on the back of the photo. We’ll return your application if your photos don’t meet the specifications.

Check the citizenship photo specifications for more information.

Can I leave Canada after I mail my citizenship application?

Yes. You can leave Canada after we receive your application.

If you need to leave Canada and want to stay eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must:

• make sure that you live in Canada long enough to keep your Permanent Resident (PR) status
• be a permanent resident (when you apply)
• not lose PR status before you take the Oath of Citizenship
• bring your PR card with you when you leave Canada so you can return easily

Make sure your PR card won’t expire while you are outside Canada.

We usually only mail letters, notices and other documents to addresses in Canada. In some cases, you may receive an email from us. You must reply to these letters or emails within a specified amount of time. If you don’t reply within the time frame and don’t provide an acceptable reason for not being able to keep your appointment with us or providing requested information, we may stop processing your application.

You must attend appointments and other events at our offices, like your:

• citizenship test (for applicants 18 to 54 years of age)
• interview or hearing
• ceremony

These events only take place in Canada. If you can’t attend the appointment or event, you must either e-mail or write to the local office that sent you the event notice. You can also use the online web form to contact us.

What if I cannot attend my citizenship appointment with IRCC? Can I reschedule it?

Yes. If you are not available on the date and time of your appointment, write us a letter of explanation. Send this letter to the IRCC office that scheduled your original appointment. You can send this letter by mail, or online, using this Web form. We will reschedule your appointment on a different date.

If you do not attend your appointment, you must contact us within a certain amount of time. The notice we sent you inviting you to the appointment will tell you when you must contact us. Use this Web form and tell us why you missed your appointment. If you do not contact us in time, we will close your application. You will have to apply again and pay the required fees.

Where can I find out the status of my citizenship application and the processing time?

To check the status of your application, you can:

• Step 1: Check the processing times.
• Step 2: Check the status of your application online through the Client Application Status service.
• Step 3: If normal processing time for your application has passed, you may contact the Call Centre to verify the status of your application.

Find out more about improvements to our processing times and reducing the backlog.

What does my citizenship application status mean?

How do I withdraw my application for citizenship services?

This depends on how you applied.

You may be able to get a refund for some or all of your fees. Find out if you can ask for a refund.

If you applied online

Use the web form to cancel or withdraw your online application.

If you applied on paper

Send us:

• form CIT 0027E Withdrawal of Citizenship Application (PDF, 600 KB)
• a copy of the fee receipt

We recommend that you keep a copy of the withdrawal form for your records.

Put the form and a copy of the fee receipt in an envelope. Write “Withdrawal of Application” on it.

If you submitted your application to a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate, mail your withdrawal request there.

If you sent your application to CPC-Sydney and we haven’t transferred it to a local IRCC office, mail your withdrawal request to:

If we transferred your application to a local office

• mail your withdrawal request to that office
• you’ll find contact information for the office processing your application in the letter we sent you

Contact us using the web form if you don’t know

• if we transferred your application or
• which office is processing your application

What can I do if my citizenship application is refused?

You can apply for Canadian citizenship again. This new application must include all the required forms and documents, including a new application fee. There is no waiting period before you can reapply. However, you should make sure you meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship before you reapply.

If your citizenship application is refused, you may also seek judicial review of the decision by the Federal Court of Canada. This is not an appeal of the decision. You have thirty (30) days from the date on the refusal letter to apply.

My citizenship application was returned to me. Do I have to recalculate my physical presence (time lived in Canada) before I resubmit it?

If you applied online

Yes, you need to update your calculation in your online account before you resubmit your application.

On the “Physical presence calculator” section, you’ll find a question that asks, “Has anything changed in your physical presence in Canada between [last calculation date] and [yesterday’s date]?”

If yes (you left Canada or served a sentence in that time range):

• update these sections where applicable:
  • Time spent outside Canada
  • Time spent serving a sentence
• click on the “Calculate my physical presence” button to recalculate your physical presence

If no (you didn’t leave Canada or serve a sentence), click on the “Calculate my physical presence” button.  

If you applied on paper

Check the letter we sent with your incomplete application. It tells you if you have to recalculate your physical presence.

You must recalculate your physical presence if your application was returned because

• your calculation is incorrect
  • Double-check your calculation.
  • Include all the times you spent outside Canada during your 5-year eligibility period (5 years before the date you sign your application).
• you didn’t sign or date your application form
• the application date in your application form and physical presence calculation are different (they must be the same)
• you submitted an outdated application form
  • Use the newest version of the form.
• it’s dated either
  • more than 90 days before we received it, or
  • into the future (post-dated)

Make sure the application date in the calculator and date of signature on the application form are the same.

Do I need to ask the Canada Border Services Agency for a history of entries when applying for citizenship?

No. Provide consent by checking the “Yes” box for question 14B “Have you held travel documents and or passports during your eligibility period” on your citizenship application. This will give us permission to get your history of entries from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It will also take less time than you asking the CBSA for your history.

We use your history of entries to make sure that you have been in Canada long enough to qualify for citizenship.

If you do not provide consent by checking the “Yes” box, you may be asked to send a request for personal information to the CBSA to get your history of entries. Doing this may make the time to process your application longer than the routine processing times for citizenship.

What happens if I check “Yes” on Question 14B (“Consent to the CBSA and IRCC”) on the application for citizenship?

When you check “Yes”, you are giving us permission to get your history of entries from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). We need this information to process your citizenship application.

You must check this box because one government department cannot share your personal information with another department without your permission. If you do not check the “Yes” box, you may be asked to request your history from the CBSA and then send it to us. This process takes longer and may make your application take longer than the routine processing times for citizenship.

Can I submit an old version of the application form for Canadian citizenship?

It depends on the application and how old the form is.

The newest version is always available in your application package.

You can find the version date on the bottom left corner of the form. For example, “CIT 0002 (01-2019)” means the version date is January 2019.

If you submitted a form older than October 2020 or 2017

• we’ll return your application
• you’ll have to resubmit your application with the newest version of the form

If you used the correct form and we returned the application to you as incomplete, you

• can resubmit your application with the same form once you get the missing information or document
• don’t need use the newest form to resubmit your application

Who has to take the citizenship test?

Everyone between the ages of 18 and 54 at the time they apply for citizenship must take the citizenship test. We use the test to determine if you have adequate knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

If you are 55 or older when you apply, you do not have to take the test. If you turn 55 during the processing of your application, you still have to take the test since you were under 55 when you signed your application.

Is the citizenship test difficult?

The citizenship test covers the range of topics and subjects found in the citizenship study guide entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. You should study this guide to prepare for the test. On the test, you can expect to see questions that ask about:

• facts and ideas presented in Discover Canada;
• your understanding of Canada’s history, symbols, institutions and values; and
• the rights, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

Does the study guide have sample questions to help me prepare for the citizenship test?

Yes, you can find study questions for the citizenship test in Discover Canada.

When can I take my online citizenship test or retest?

You can only take your test or retest during the 21-day period shown on your invitation. You must wait until you receive your invitation. You can’t access the test until we invite you.

• You don’t need to contact us to get an invitation.
• If you need a retest, it usually takes us 4 to 8 weeks to reschedule you, but it may take longer.
• We’re working as quickly as we can to invite all eligible applicants to take the test.
• If you contact us, we won’t have further information or invite you sooner.

After you receive your invitation, you

• must complete the test within 21 days of the start date in the invitation
• can take the test at any time during the 21-day period (including weekends and holidays)
• get only 1 chance to take the test for each invitation you receive

You cannot sign in to the test

• outside the 21-day period shown on your invitation, or
• after you submit the test

My application status says I’ve been scheduled for an online test. Why haven’t I received an invitation?

This means we have scheduled your test and that the invitation is on its way to you. You must wait until you receive the invitation before you can take the test.

If you haven’t received your invitation by the “start date” in the citizenship application tracker, send an email to IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Where can I find my online test invitation?

We’ll send the invitation to the latest email address you gave us. This can be the email provided

• in your application, or
• through the web form

To avoid missing the invitation,

• check your junk or spam folders
• look for an invitation from an email address that ends in “@cic.gc.ca”

If you or your representative did not give an email address in the application,

• you can give one by using our web form, or
• we’ll call you
  • check your voicemail messages regularly

Read the invitation (a PDF attachment in the email) for detailed instructions.

In my invitation, the time between the online test “start date” and “end date” is not 21 days. What should I do?

Contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca with

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• a screenshot or attachment of the test invitation (the PDF in your invitation)
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

I need to take the online test again. How long will it take you to reschedule my test?

It usually takes us 4 to 8 weeks to reschedule your test, but it may take longer.

• We’re working to send invitations as quickly as we can.
• Due to the impacts of COVID-19, we can’t tell you when you’ll get the retest invitation.

You don’t have to contact us. If you contact us, we won’t have further information or reschedule you sooner.

We can reschedule your test if you

• did not pass your first test
• had a technical issue
• missed your test
• could not take the test due to an emergency
• asked us to reschedule you

I missed my online citizenship test. Can I reschedule it?

If you miss the test,

• email the office that sent you the test invitation and provide a reasonable explanation
  • The email is in the Rescheduling section of your invitation.
• we will reschedule you for another test
  • It usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks to reschedule a test, but it may take longer.

Can I take the online test outside Canada?

Yes, you can take the test outside Canada.

If you get your invitation and plan to take the test while you’re outside Canada, send an email to the address in the Eligibility section of your invitation.

In your email,

• put “Outside Canada – Citizenship Test” in the subject line
• in the body of your message, include
  • your full name
  • your application number
  • the start and end date for your test

We’ll contact you with your next steps after we receive your email.

Can I take the online test in a public library or with a public computer?

Yes, you may take the test in a public library or with a public computer, as long as you’re doing the test by yourself in

• a quiet location with good lighting
• the same location where you took the pictures of your photo identification (ID) and yourself

How do I request accommodations for the online citizenship test?

Contact the email address in the Accommodation section of your test invitation. Your email must include

• a detailed explanation of what you need
• any supporting documents, if applicable
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

I signed in to the online test, but the page shows a “You can’t take the test right now” message. What should I do?

You may see this message if you signed in either

• before you got your test invitation or
• outside your 21-day period of test access

You can’t sign in before you get the test invitation. The invitation will explain that you have a 21-day period to access the test and include the start and end dates of your access.

You also can’t sign in outside this period or after you submit the test.

If you’re within the correct 21-day period and still see the message, make sure you entered the correct information, including

• application number
• unique client identifier (UCI)

You’ll find the application number and UCI in your test invitation.

If you still have issues signing in, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

I submitted a group or family application. How will we access the online test?

For family or group applications, each person will get their own

• application number
• unique client identifier (UCI)
• test invitation

If you used the same email, all test invitations will be sent to that address.

Check the test invitation to find the person’s individual application number, UCI and test dates.

What do I do if I get a “403 Error” message when I sign in to the online test?

If you get this error message, try

• turning off your virtual private network (VPN)
• disabling your browser extensions
• using a different device
• using a different Internet connection (for example, use a different Wi-Fi network), or
• waiting a few hours or until the next day to take the test, if you can

If you still have issues signing in, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

When I sign in to the online test, why do I see a blank screen or a message that my browser isn’t supported?

To access the test, use Chrome or Safari.

If you’re already using these browsers, try:

• updating your Chrome or Safari to the latest version
• disabling your browser extensions if you have any
• clearing your browser’s cookies and cache
• if you use Chrome, turning off hardware acceleration and restarting the browser
• restarting your browser
• restarting your device
• reinstalling your browser and keeping all the default settings
• using a different device to take the test

If you still have issues signing in, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Why do I have to sign in again when I get the online citizenship test link?

You will need to sign in again to reconfirm your identity after you click the test link before you take a photo of your personal identification.

Find out more about why you have to sign in again and all the steps to access the online citizenship test.

Do I have to start the online test immediately after I take a photo of myself?

You don’t have to. If you’re not ready to start the test after you take your picture, you may close your browser. When you’re ready, you’ll need to sign in again and get a new test link.

You must still complete the test within 21 days from the date in your test invitation.

Find out more about what happens before you start the test

Can I ask someone to help me sign in to the online test?

Yes. You can ask someone (such as a family member) to help you sign in and access the test.

The person who helps you can’t

• be in the photos you take of your personal identification (ID) and of yourself
• stay with you once you start the test

What if I decline the privacy notice for the online test?

You’ll go back to the sign-in page. If you declined by mistake, enter your application number and UCI again to continue.

If you don’t want to accept the privacy notice, you won’t be able to continue to the online test. You may have to wait until in-person tests resume. To reschedule your test, email the office that sent you the test invitation. The email is in the Accommodation section of your invitation.

Find out more about accessing the online citizenship test.

What if I don’t agree with the terms and conditions of the online test?

If you don’t agree with the terms and conditions, you can’t continue. You will go back to the sign in page.

You can email the office that sent you the test invitation (the email is in the Accommodation section of your invitation). You may need to wait until in-person tests resume (date to be determined).

Find out more about accessing the online citizenship test.

Who gets the online test link when I click the “Email me the test link” button?

When you click the “Email me the test link” button, we’ll send the test link to your email address or your representative’s email address. This is the same email you provided

• on your citizenship application form, or
• through the web form or our call centre, if you changed your email before you received the test invitation

If you change your email after you receive the invitation,

• it will take time for us to update your email
• we cannot guarantee the test link will go to your new email
  • you may need to check your old email address

Find out more about who gets the test link.

I clicked the “Email me the test link” button but don’t get the online test link. What should I do?

First, check the spam and junk folder. If the test link isn’t there, you can ask for another link by clicking the “Resend the test link” button.

Find out more about what to do if you still don’t get the link.

What do I do if my online test link expires?

The test link expires after 15 minutes. If your link expired, sign in again to get a new test link.

Find out more about how the test link works.

Will I get the online test link if I have a representative?

If you provided your representative’s email address in your application, they’ll get the test link. You can ask us to send the test link to your email address.

I got disconnected during the online test. Can I use the same test link to return to the test?

Yes, you can. If you have multiple test links, use the latest test link you received.

If you go past the 30-minute time limit while disconnected,

• our system will automatically submit your test and all answers you selected up to that point
• you won’t see your test result when you sign in
• you can contact the email address in the Rescheduling section of your test invitation to get your result, telling us
  • a detailed explanation of the issue
  • that you want to get your test result
  • your application number
  • your unique client identifier (UCI)

I accidentally clicked the “Resend the test link” button. Do I have to use the new online test link?

Yes. If you clicked the “Resend the test link” button multiple times, use the latest test link you received. When a new test link is sent, the old one will no longer work.

My webcam isn’t working and can’t connect to the online test system. What should I do?

Find out how to fix webcam issues in

• Chrome browser
  • You can’t take the test with Chrome on iPad at this time.
• Chrome operating system (OS) and Chromebook
• Mac OS and Safari browser
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• a tablet

If you still can’t fix the issue, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

My webcam is working, but it can’t connect to the online test system. What should I do?

When this happens, you may see the error message “We could not connect to your webcam for monitoring, please check your webcam and internet connection and try again.”

To solve this issue, try using a different device to take the test.

If you can’t return to the test within 30 minutes (the test’s time limit), contact the email in the “Rescheduling” section in your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• a detailed explanation of the issue and how you tried to fix it
• if you have a different device to take the online test
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

We’ll reschedule your test once we review your email.

It usually takes us 4 to 8 weeks to reschedule your test, but it may take longer.

During the online test, my webcam shows a black or static image. What should I do?

Try using a different device to take the test.

If you can’t return to the test within 30 minutes (the test’s time limit), contact the email in the “Rescheduling” section in your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• a detailed explanation of the issue and how you tried to fix it
• if you have a different device to take the online test
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

We’ll reschedule your test once we review your email.

It usually takes us 4 to 8 weeks to reschedule your test, but it may take longer.

What kinds of photos do you need from me for the online test?

At steps 6 and 7 of your sign-in process, you must take photos of your

• personal identification (ID) and
• your face

If you ask someone else for help, the person who helps you can’t be

• in the photos you take
• there with you once you start the test

What should I do if I can’t retake the photos for my online test?

If you need help or you’re not able to retake your photos, contact IRCC.CitOnlineTest-TestenligneCit.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.

In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Can I retake my online test photo (of my ID or myself) after I approve it?

You can retake the photo after you approve it only if you have not started the test. To do this:

1. Wait for at least 15 minutes until your current test link expires.
2. Sign in again using the original test link in your invitation.

If you’ve already started the test, you cannot retake the photo after you approve it.

What should I do if the online test photo of my personal identification (ID) or face is unclear?

You can

• move your ID closer to the webcam
• change your webcam setting or brightness
• adjust the lighting of your test location, or
• use a different device

Your photos must be clear and easy to see. Make sure that the biographical information on your ID is easy to read.

If we can’t clearly see your photos,

• your test result may be invalid
• you may have to take the test again

I took a picture of my face instead of my personal identification (ID) for the online test. What should I do?

If you accidentally took a picture of your face instead of your photo ID at step 6 of the sign-in process, you don’t have to contact us.

We’ll

• review your test result and
• contact you with your next steps

Depending on the result of our review, your test result may be invalid and we may send you a new invitation.

our capacity).

You don’t need to contact us to reschedule your test. If you contact us, we won’t have further information or schedule you sooner.

Do I have to download the online test photos that I take of my ID and myself?

You do not need to download the photos. You can download them if you want to. It’s optional.

When do I get my official online test result?

Once you submit the test, the result page will immediately display your score. You need to get at least 15 out of 20 questions correct to pass the test. This score is not your official test result.

After you take the test, one of our officers will review your result to make it official. They’ll record your official test result as 1 of 3 options:

• Pass
• Fail
• Invalidated

Your result is only official after this review.

Your application status will show as “completed” if you received a pass or a fail.

Your status will show “in progress” if your

• test hasn’t been reviewed yet
• test was cancelled and rescheduled
• results were invalidated

Depending on your official result, your updated application status will be 1 of 4 options:

• Decision made on your application
• Invitation for an interview
• Invitation for a retest
• Invitation for a hearing

Find out more about how and when you’ll get your official test result.

You can also check your application status.

I got disconnected and can’t see my online test result. What should I do?

In this situation, the test system may have automatically submitted your answers. To get your test result, contact the email in the Rescheduling section of your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• a detailed explanation of the issue
• that you want to get your test result
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Do I get a confirmation email after I complete the online test?

We won’t automatically send you a confirmation email. As a confirmation, you can print or email the test result page to yourself using the buttons at the bottom of the page.

I forgot to print or email the online test result to myself. How do I get my test result?

Contact the email in the Rescheduling section of your test invitation. In your email, tell us

• that you forgot to print or email your test result
• that you want your test result
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

Do I have to report my online test result to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)?

No, you don’t have to contact us after you submit the test. Our database records your answers and test result automatically.

What are my next steps after taking the online test?

If you pass the test

You may have to do an interview with a citizenship officer. If you have to do an interview after the test, it will happen

• after we review your submitted test
• approximately 8 weeks after you get your official test result

Otherwise, wait until you are invited to the citizenship ceremony.

If you don’t pass the test

What you’ll need to do will depend on how many times you have not passed.

Find out more about what to do after you take the test.

I’ve completed the online test, but my application status is outdated. What should I do?

This is because we still need time to further review and officially confirm

• your answers
• your test result
• the photos our system took through your webcam

Once we complete the review, we’ll update your application status.

You don’t have to contact us or do anything further. If you contact us, we won’t update your application status sooner.

Why did I get another test invitation after I passed the online test?

You may be receiving another invitation because

• your previous test result is invalid, or
• you had a technical issue with your webcam

Read the invitation to find out why we’re asking you to take the test again.

If you think you’re getting another invitation by mistake, contact the email in the “Rescheduling” section of your test invitation. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation that you received another invitation by mistake
• an attachment of the retest invitation
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

I’m taking the online test with Microsoft Teams. Who do I contact if I need help?

Contact the office that sent you the test invitation by replying to your invitation email. In your email, include

• a detailed explanation of how you need help
• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)

What do I do if I’m disconnected during the online test?

If you’re disconnected,

• return to your test as soon as possible
  • You have 30 minutes to take the test, and the timer continues while you’re disconnected.
• use the same test link to return to the test (you have to sign in again if it expires)
• the questions may appear in a different order when you reconnect

Make sure your Internet connection is stable during the test.

Find out more about what to do before and during your test.

I clicked the “Exit” button or closed the page by mistake during the online test. What do I do?

You can always sign in again as soon as possible. Even if you left in the middle of your test, the 30-minute timer will continue. When 30 minutes have passed, the system will automatically submit your test with any answers you selected.

If you’re not able to complete the test due to technical issues or emergencies, you may have to

• do an interview with our officer
• retake the test via videoconference if necessary

Find out more about what to do before and during your test.

What personal information do you collect for the online test?

The personal information we collect includes

• your application number
• your unique client identifier (UCI)
• a photo of your identification (ID)
• a photo of your face
• webcam photos our system takes as you complete the test
• your test result
• your browser activity (for example, if you open other tabs or windows when you are taking the test)

After I apply for citizenship, how long will it be before I write the citizenship test?

Due to COVID-19, we cancelled

• all in-person citizenship tests
  • We’re now inviting some applicants to take the citizenship test online.
  • If you can’t or don’t want to do the online test, you may wait until in-person tests resume (date to be determined).
• most retests, interviews and hearings (including videoconference hearings)
  • Wait for us to contact you.
  • If you need to change your appointment, contact the office that sent the invitation.
    • The contact information is in the letter we sent.

The time between submitting your application and writing the citizenship test can be different for everyone. It depends on your case and on our processing times.

We will mail you a notice letting you know the time and location of your test. This is your official confirmation that you will be taking the citizenship test.

Check your application status to see when we mailed your notices.

If you move to a new address, you must tell us. Update your address online.

If you need urgent processing, check to see if you qualify.

What if I cannot attend my citizenship appointment with IRCC? Can I reschedule it?

Yes. If you are not available on the date and time of your citizenship test, the notice inviting you to the test will tell you how to contact us to reschedule it.

Learn more about what to do if you miss your citizenship test.

Can I bring my child to the citizenship test?

No, only the person scheduled for the test can be in the testing room. However, children can wait in the area outside the testing room if they are with a caregiver at all times.

You can’t leave your child alone in the waiting area to wait for you. If you have a child, plan to have someone care for them while you take your test. If you can’t arrange child care, let us know and we’ll reschedule your test date.

What should I do if I missed my citizenship test?

Due to COVID-19, we cancelled

• all in-person citizenship tests
  • We’re now inviting some applicants to take the citizenship test online.
  • If you can’t or don’t want to do the online test, you may wait until in-person tests resume (date to be determined).
• most retests, interviews and hearings (including videoconference hearings)
  • Wait for us to contact you.
  • If you need to change your appointment, contact the office that sent the invitation.
    • The contact information is in the letter we sent.

The steps you should take if you did not attend your citizenship test depend on if we sent you:

• a first notice to write the test,
• a final notice to write the test, or
• a notice to re-write the test.

I was sent my first notice to write the test

If this was the first time you were asked to write the test, you can:

• contact us to let us know you missed the test, or
• wait to be automatically rescheduled for another date.

Contact us

You have 30 days from the test date to contact us and let us know why you missed the test. Write us a letter explaining why you missed the test. Send this letter to the IRCC office that scheduled your original appointment. You can send this letter by mail or online, using this Web form.

The local office handling your application will decide if you have a valid reason for missing the test.

If your reason is valid, we will send you another notice with a new test date. (We will consider this new notice as another first notice in case you miss this new date, but have a valid reason for not attending.)

If your reason is not valid, we will treat you the same as someone who missed the test and did not contact us. (See “Be rescheduled automatically” below.)

Be rescheduled automatically

We will automatically reschedule you for a new date to write the test if you did not attend the test and you:

• did not contact us to let us know, or
• did not have a valid reason for missing the test.

We will send you a new notice telling you the new test date. This will be your final notice to write the exam.

This new test date will usually be two weeks or more after the date of the test you missed.

I received a final notice to write the test, but I missed it

You must contact us within 30 days of the test date if you:

• missed your first test,
• received a final notice to write the test, and
• missed that test, too.

The notice inviting you to the new test date will tell you how to contact us.

The local office handling your application will decide if you have a valid reason for missing the test.

If your reason is valid, we will send you another final notice with a new test date.

We may close your application for citizenship if:

• you do not contact us within 30 days, or
• you do not have a valid reason for missing the test.

You will have to apply for citizenship again and pay the required fees.

You failed the test and were scheduled for a second test

You must contact us within 30 days of the test date if you:

• failed the citizenship test the first time you took it,
• were scheduled to re-write the test, and
• missed that date.

The notice inviting you to the re-write the test will tell you how to contact us.

The local office handling your application will decide if you have a valid reason for missing the test.

If your reason is valid, we will send you a new notice to re-write the test.

We may close your application for citizenship if:

• you do not contact us within 30 days, or
• you do not have a valid reason for missing the test.

You will have to apply for citizenship again and pay the required fees.

When do I know if I passed the citizenship test?

Due to COVID-19, we cancelled

• all in-person citizenship tests
  • We’re now inviting some applicants to take the citizenship test online.
  • If you can’t or don’t want to do the online test, you may wait until in-person tests resume (date to be determined).
• most retests, interviews and hearings (including videoconference hearings)
  • Wait for us to contact you.
  • If you need to change your appointment, contact the office that sent the invitation.
    • The contact information is in the letter we sent.

We will give you the results of your test right after you take it.

If you pass and meet the others requirements for citizenship, we may give you a citizenship ceremony date at the same time we give you the results. If we do not, we will mail you a letter with the date and time of your ceremony. You will receive this letter two to four weeks before the ceremony. The ceremony will normally take place within six months after you pass the test.

If you do not pass the exam the first time, you can write it again. If you pass the second time, we will either give you the date or mail you a letter, just like we would have if you have passed the first exam.

If you are asked to attend a hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge, we will send you a letter after the hearing. This letter will tell you if the officer or the judge has decided to grant you citizenship and, if so, the date of your ceremony.

What happens if I fail the written citizenship test?

Due to COVID-19, we cancelled

• all in-person citizenship tests
  • We’re now inviting some applicants to take the citizenship test online.
  • If you can’t or don’t want to do the online test, you may wait until in-person tests resume (date to be determined).
• most retests, interviews and hearings (including videoconference hearings)
  • Wait for us to contact you.
  • If you need to change your appointment, contact the office that sent the invitation.
    • The contact information is in the letter we sent.

If you do not pass the written test, but you meet the other criteria for citizenship, we will schedule you for a second test. This second test will usually take place 4-8 weeks after your first test, but the delay may be longer. If you are not available to take the test on that date, you must let us know.

If you do not pass the second test, we will send you a notice telling you to appear for a hearing with a citizenship officer. During this hearing, the citizenship officer may assess whether you meet all the requirements for citizenship. During an oral interview, the citizenship officer may:

• test your knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship;
• ask questions about your residency in Canada; and/or
• assess if you have adequate knowledge of English or French.

If you are asked to attend an interview, but applied for citizenship with your family by sending your applications in the same envelope, your application will be processed separately from your family's unless you want them to be processed together.

How long will I wait between my citizenship test and the ceremony?

In most cases, the ceremony takes place 3 to 4 months after you pass the test.

• The timeframe may vary by application.
• If your application is non-routine
  • you may have to attend a hearing with a citizenship officer or judge, even if you pass the test
  • it may take longer than 3 to 4 months before you can go to the ceremony
• Wait for us to invite you to the ceremony.

You can also check your application status.

Can I bring my child to the citizenship ceremony?

If your child is not becoming a Canadian citizen at the ceremony

This can be because your child is

• not a Canadian citizenship applicant or
• scheduled to attend a different citizenship ceremony (not with you)

Follow the instructions below based on the type of ceremony you’ll attend.

If your child is an applicant who’s becoming a Canadian citizen at the same ceremony as you

Follow the instructions below based on the age of your child.

Find out who must attend the ceremony

What does “adequate knowledge” of English or French mean when applying for citizenship?

The Citizenship Act requires that citizenship applicants have “an adequate knowledge of one of the official languages of Canada.” Canada’s two official languages are English and French.

We define “adequate knowledge” as having a Level 4 speaking and listening ability. To measure your ability, we use the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC). This level means you can, in English or French:

• understand simple:
  • questions
  • directions
  • instructions
• use basic grammar, including:
  • tenses
  • simple structures
• show that you know enough common words and phrases to:
  • express yourself
  • answer questions
• take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics

For more information

• How we measure your language ability

How do you measure how well I can speak English or French when applying for citizenship?

To measure if you have adequate knowledge of English or French we use:

• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC)

You must reach CLB/NCLC Level 4 or higher to get Canadian citizenship.

CLB/NCLC is the official standard used in Canada to describe, measure and recognize how well adult immigrants can communicate in their second language. We use this standard to make sure we evaluate everyone the same way.

The ways we measure how well you can speak and listen in English or French include:

• reviewing the documents you send in with your application to prove you can speak and listen in English or French at Level 4 (if you’re 18 to 54 years of age) 
• noting how well you communicate when you talk to staff or a citizenship officer during your interview

Using the CLB/NCLC, a citizenship officer will make the final decision if you have adequate knowledge of English or French.

What language level do I need when I apply for citizenship?

If you are between the ages of 18 and 54 on the date you sign your application, you must meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks Level 4 (CLB 4) or higher in speaking and listening.

This means to become a Canadian citizen you must show that you have an adequate knowledge of English or French by providing, with your citizenship application, proof that you can speak and listen in English or French at CLB/NCLC 4 level or higher.

Learn how we measure your ability to speak and listen in English or French using CLB/NCLC.

What documents can I use to prove that I meet the citizenship language requirement?

You can send us one of a number of different documents to show that you meet the language requirement, including:

• the results of an IRCC-approved third-party test
• proof from certain government-funded language training programs
• proof of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, in Canada or abroad

For information on other forms of proof accepted, see:

• acceptable language proof tool (wizard) 
• complete list of acceptable documents

You need to reach level 4 or higher to apply for citizenship. We use your documents to determine if you have reached this level for speaking and listening in English or French.

We will review the language proof you send us. We won’t process your application and will return it to you if your proof:

• can’t be read
• can’t be verified
• isn’t included with the application
• is in a language other than English or French (without a certified translation)

What third-party language tests will you accept as proof I have adequate knowledge of English or French when I apply for citizenship?

A third-party test is a test done by an organization that isn’t Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

We accept third-party test results as proof of your language ability from organizations including:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program:
  • CELPIP General
  • CELPIP General-LS: a 2 skills (listening and speaking) version
• International English Language Testing System General training (IELTS - General)
• Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEF) (in French)
  • Test d'Évaluation de Français (TEFAQ) (in French)
  • TEF pour la naturalisation: a 2 skills (listening and speaking) version

We will accept tests that you previously submitted for immigration purposes to Quebec, including:

• Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) (in French)
• Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) (in French)
• Test de connaissance du français (TCF) 
• Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec (TCFQ)

We don’t accept any other third-party test results, even if they’re similar.

Visit each organization’s website to learn how to write the exams. Since we don’t run them, we don’t track when and where they’re offered.

In some cases, you may send test results that you already sent to us or the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration (MIFI). We’ll accept the test results that you sent with your application for:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Canadian Experience Class
• Quebec-selected Skilled Worker

See the complete list of acceptable documents.

I graduated from an English-or French-language high school/college/university. What can I use to show that I can communicate in one of the official languages when I apply for citizenship?

You may send a transcript, diploma or certificate showing that you graduated from a secondary school or from a post-secondary program in Canada or abroad. These materials must show that the program was in English or French. A single course in an official language is not enough to meet this requirement.

See the complete list of acceptable documents.

Can I use the government-funded language program I took to prove that I meet the citizenship language requirement?

Yes, you can use a federal or provincial language program to prove that you meet the language requirement for your citizenship application.

Federal language program

When you submit your citizenship application, you need to include a language certificate from a

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) course, or
• Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)

Your results for speaking and listening skills must be equal to either a language level 4 or higher of the

• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), or
• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC)

If you did your training

• on or after November 1, 2012, submit a copy of your certificate with your application
• between January 1, 2008, and October 31, 2012, either
  • submit a copy of your certificate, or
  • check the appropriate box in your application if you don’t have your certificate

Provincial language program

We also accept results from language programs in

• British Columbia (in English only)
• Manitoba (in English only)
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (in French only)
• Quebec’s Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche
• Saskatchewan

Submit a certificate or report card from the program. It must show that you completed the training at a CLB/NCLC level 4 or higher (or equivalent).

See the complete list of acceptable documents if you apply as

• an adult (18 or older)
• a Canadian Armed Forces member

Can I provide my LINC/CLIC placement test as a proof that I meet the citizenship language requirement?

No. You must provide evidence that you have reached CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in speaking and listening as part of a LINC/CLIC course to meet the language ability requirement for your citizenship. A placement test done by a LINC/CLIC assessment center is not accepted as evidence.

I’ve lost my certificate or transcript showing I meet the citizenship language requirement. What can I do?

If you have lost your certificate, most third-party testing bodies and provincially-funded language training programs will send you a copy of your certificate. Contact the organization where you completed the language training or testing.

Can I submit the results from a third-party language test that I took when I first applied to immigrate to Canada as proof I meet the citizenship language requirement?

Yes. You may send the same third-party language test results from your immigration application with your application for citizenship. There is no expiration date for third-party language test results for citizenship applicants.

Do you accept certificates from private language schools as proof I meet the citizenship language requirement?

No. If you have taken private language classes, those classes are not enough to prove that you speak French or English well enough to apply for Canadian citizenship. You must take an IRCC-approved third-party language test. If you achieve CLB/NCLC 4 or above on this test, submit the results with your citizenship application.

How can I apply for a citizenship certificate or search of citizenship records?

There are 2 ways to apply: online or on paper. You can only apply online to get your own citizenship records. To apply for someone else’s citizenship records, you need to apply on paper.

We process online and paper applications the same way and at the same speed.

There are some differences between applying online and on paper. This includes how

• you’ll prepare and submit your application
• long you have to complete your application
• you’ll pay your fees
• we’ll communicate with you
• you’ll be able to check your application status

Find out how to apply for

• citizenship certificates
• search of citizenship records

When and how do I apply urgently for a citizenship certificate?

Processing times tell you how long it took us to process most complete applications in the past. We can process applications faster than our normal processing times in special cases.

You can ask for urgent processing if you need a citizenship certificate to

• access benefits like
  • a pension
  • health care
  • a Social Insurance Number
• prove you’re a Canadian citizen to get a job
• travel to or from Canada because of a death or serious illness in your family

Your request for urgent processing must include

• an explanation letter
• supporting documents, for example
  • your plane ticket or itinerary, with proof of payment
  • a letter from your employer
  • a letter from your school
  • a doctor’s note
  • a death certificate

We’ll review your request to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your citizenship certificate on time.

You can apply for urgent processing

• online, if you qualify, or
• on paper

Can I update my application for a citizenship certificate?

Yes, you can update your application after you submit it. How you do that depends on how you applied.

Find out more on how to

• update your application information
• change your address

I live abroad and applied online. How will I get my citizenship certificate?

If your mailing address is in the United States, we’ll mail your citizenship certificate to the address in your application.

If your mailing address is outside Canada and the United States

• we will not send the certificate directly to you
• when you apply online, you can choose the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate office near you
  • Some of these offices do not have citizenship services. If the office that you want is not on the list in your online application, you have 2 options:
    • choose a different office, for example, the next closest office to your region, or
    • contact the office in your area to help you choose
• we’ll send the certificate to the office you choose
• the office will contact you and tell you how to get your certificate

How do I get a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) for someone under 18 years old?

You

• need to apply for their citizenship certificate
• must be their parent or legal guardian

How do I fill out my application for a citizenship certificate if I don’t know everything about my parents or grandparents?

If you don’t know the information we ask for on the form, enter ‘unknown’ in the spaces provided. If it doesn’t apply to your parents or grandparents, enter ‘not applicable’ or ‘NA’.

We collect information about your parents and your grandparents, because it helps us:

• determine what section of the Citizenship Act describes your claim to citizenship
• search for citizenship records

If we don’t have enough information about your parents or grandparents, your application may be delayed and/or we may not be able to assess your claim.

For my citizenship certificate application, can I provide documents that aren’t in English or French?

Yes. If you provide a document that isn’t in English or French, you must send it with

• the English or French translation and
• an affidavit from the translator

Check the translation requirements if you applied

• online
• on paper

What documents should I send with my application for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)?

The Document checklist [CIT 0014] (PDF, 0.99 MB) explains

• which documents you need to send, based on your situation
• the required document formats (original or colour copy)
  • Colour or scanned colour copies of your documents must be clear and easy to read.

If your documents aren’t in English or French, send us a

• translation of the documents
• sworn statement (affidavit) from the person who did the translation, if they’re not a Canadian certified translator
  • We don’t accept translations from the applicant or their family members.

My citizenship certificate was mailed to me, but I never received it. What do I do?

It depends on when and where we sent your certificate.

We sent your certificate to an address in Canada or the United States

If it’s been less than 6 weeks since we sent your certificate

• Wait until 6 weeks have passed to contact us.
• To find out when your certificate was sent, check your application status.

If 6 weeks to 6 months have passed since we sent your certificate

Contact us and we’ll replace it:

• in Canada, contact the Client Support Centre or use the web form
• in the United States, use the web form

When you contact us, provide your

• current address
• phone number
• email

If more than 6 months have passed since we sent your certificate

You need to

• apply to replace the certificate
• pay the fee

We sent your certificate to a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate

If it’s been less than 8 weeks since we sent your certificate

• Wait until 8 weeks have passed to contact the office we’re sending it to.
• To find out when your certificate was sent, check your application status.

If 8 weeks to 6 months have passed since we sent your certificate from Canada

You can contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate

• you chose when you submitted your online application or
• where you submitted your paper application

If more than 6 months have passed since we sent your certificate

You need to

• apply to replace the certificate
• pay the fee

I legally changed my name. How do I change the name on my citizenship certificate or card?

To change the name on an application in progress

• contact us using the web form

To change the name on your citizenship certificate

• apply to replace a citizenship certificate on paper
• send us documents showing you legally changed your name

To change the name on your citizenship card, you

• must apply for a citizenship certificate
• will receive an updated citizenship certificate if we approve your application because we’ve stopped issuing citizenship cards

How do I update my citizenship certificate or card with my reclaimed Indigenous name?

If you’ve reclaimed your Indigenous name, you can change the name on your citizenship certificate or card. To do that, apply for a new citizenship certificate. There will be no cost for this change until May 30, 2026.

When you apply, include either an eligibility form or a statutory declaration, depending on your situation.

We’ll use these forms to determine if you’re eligible for a free replacement certificate.

Apply for a citizenship certificate.

I want to replace my citizenship certificate. Do I have to return my current certificate?

Yes. You can only own 1 valid citizenship certificate. This is a citizenship regulation.

When you apply for a certificate, you must return

• all original
  • citizenship certificates
  • citizenship cards
  • naturalization certificates
• any pink transmission copies you have

If you don’t return them, it will delay the processing of your application.

To find out how and when to return your current certificate, check your instruction guide:

• online guide
• on paper guide

If you find an old certificate after you get a new one, send it to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

I’ve lost my citizenship card/certificate. How do I replace it?

Replacing your citizenship card

We stopped giving citizenship cards and the commemorative certificates in February 2012. We won’t send you a new card or replace a commemorative certificate.

To replace a lost or stolen card, you need to apply for a citizenship certificate (8½ x 11 paper certificate).

Replacing your citizenship certificate

You need to apply for a citizenship certificate if yours was stolen or lost.

Other documents we accept as proof of citizenship

Find out which other documents you can use to prove your Canadian citizenship.

Can I replace my citizenship certificate or card if there’s a mistake on it?

It depends on how long it’s been since you received your certificate and if we made the mistake.

If it’s been less than 90 days and we made the mistake

We’ll replace your certificate for free. To ask for a replacement, send us:

• the citizenship certificate with the mistake
• a note explaining what needs to be fixed

If your request is urgent

• write “Urgent” in large, dark letters on the envelope
• include an explanation of why your request is urgent
• include documents to support your explanation

Where to mail your request

In Canada or the United States

Outside Canada and the United States

Submit your request to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate

• where you submitted your paper application, or
• that you chose to send your certificate in the online application

If we review your application and determine we did not make the mistake, we’ll

• return your documents to you
• explain why we didn’t approve your request

If you still want to replace your citizenship certificate, you can submit an application for a citizenship certificate on paper and pay the fee.

If it’s been more than 90 days or we did not make the mistake

You need to resubmit an application for a citizenship certificate on paper.

We’ve stopped issuing citizenship cards and their commemorative certificates. If you apply to update or replace your card, we’ll send you a citizenship certificate.

To replace your card or certificate

• if applicable, follow the instructions for a
  • name change
  • date of birth correction
  • gender identifier change
• pay the fee

How can I apply for a citizenship certificate or search of citizenship records?

There are 2 ways to apply: online or on paper. You can only apply online to get your own citizenship records. To apply for someone else’s citizenship records, you need to apply on paper.

We process online and paper applications the same way and at the same speed.

There are some differences between applying online and on paper. This includes how

• you’ll prepare and submit your application
• long you have to complete your application
• you’ll pay your fees
• we’ll communicate with you
• you’ll be able to check your application status

Find out how to apply for

• citizenship certificates
• search of citizenship records

When and how do I apply urgently for a search of citizenship records?

We can process applications faster than our normal processing times in special cases.

You can ask for urgent processing if you need to

• confirm to a foreign government that you’re not a citizen (for example, to get a passport from that country)
• administer the estate of a deceased person or execute a will
• show you are (or are not) a citizen to get a certain job

Your request for urgent processing must include

• an explanation letter
• supporting documents, for example
  • a letter from a foreign government stating that they need the information
  • documents that show you’re administering an estate or the executor of a will
  • a letter from an employer

We review your request to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify, we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your search of citizenship record on time.

What is a hearing conducted by videoconference?

A hearing conducted by videoconference is the same as an in-person hearing except you speak to an IRCC official or Citizenship judge through one of our computers in an IRCC office. An IRCC official will be with you to make sure you can see and hear the interviewer properly. We use videoconferences so you have your hearing as quickly as possible.

Prepare for a videoconference hearing the same way that you would any other hearing. Review your Notice to Appear to make sure you bring everything you need. You do not need to bring any computer equipment of your own.

I sent a citizenship application for a minor under subsection 5(1) and paid $530. Will I get a refund?

Yes. If a citizenship application for a minor under subsection 5(1) was made on or after June 19, 2017, the person who paid the $530 fee will get a refund of $430.

How will you refund the fee for my citizenship application for a minor under subsection 5(1)?

The refund is automatic. You don’t need to apply for it. We’ll contact you directly if you submitted your application and paid the original fee. The person who paid the fee will get the refund.

If you paid the fee with a credit card, we’ll refund the $430 to the card used to pay the fee. If the card is expired or no longer valid, we’ll send you a cheque.

If you paid the fee with an online debit card, we’ll send you a cheque.

We’re committed to making the refunds within 12 weeks of February 14, 2018. If you don’t receive your refund by then, contact us.

I paid the $530 fee for a citizenship application for a minor under subsection 5(1), but didn’t send in my application. What do I do?

If you paid the $530, but haven’t submitted your application yet, then you may request a refund for the fee. To request a refund, follow the instructions for those who paid online and applied on paper.

When you submit your application, you’ll need to pay the $100 fee. See pay your fees.