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.
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
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
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?
The time you spend outside of Canada doesn’t count toward your physical presence requirement, except in some cases.
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)
Use the online physical presence calculator. Complete and submit the CIT 0177 Residence Outside Canada form when you apply. We’ll decide if we can count the time you lived outside Canada.
The travel journal is an easy way to record your time outside Canada. It will help you fill out the physical presence calculator or the Residence Outside Canada form.
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 calculator if I submit the travel journal?
Yes, you must always submit one of the following physical presence calculators with adult, and some minor, citizenship applications:
- a printed copy of the online physical presence calculator
- the paper physical presence form (PDF, 2.23 MB) filled out by hand
An application without the physical presence calculator is incomplete, and we’ll return it to you.
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 calculator.
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
Can I get my citizenship application processed urgently?
Yes, we can process applications for citizenship services urgently in some situations.
The application process depends on the service you are applying for.
- Apply for Canadian citizenship (grant of citizenship) urgently
- Apply for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) urgently
- Apply for a search of the citizenship records urgently
- Apply to give up (renounce) Canadian citizenship urgently
We’ll review your application to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify, we can’t guarantee we’ll process your application urgently.
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 Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, 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 are the requirements for the photos I need to include with my citizenship application?
You must provide two citizenship photos taken within the last 6 months. Take the Citizenship Photograph Specifications form, included in the application kit, to the photographer to make sure that your photos are the right size.
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?

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.
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 status mean when I check my citizenship application status?
When you check your application status for your citizenship grant application, you’ll see one of these status updates:
Received
“Received” means your application is ready to be processed and you:
- answered all the questions on the form
- sent all the required documents
- paid the fees
It may be several weeks between when we get your application and it’s ready to be processed.
In process
“In process” means we started processing your application.
While your application is in process, we’ll invite you to the citizenship test, if you need to take it, interview, and hearing if you need one.
If we need more information from you before we make a decision, we’ll contact you.
Decision made
“Decision made” means we either approved or refused your application. A citizenship official makes a decision on your application after the test, if you had to take it, interview, and hearing, if you had one.
If we approved your application, you passed the citizenship test, if you had to take it, and meet all the requirements for citizenship. We’ll send you an invitation to take the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony. You must continue to meet all of the requirements for citizenship until you take the Oath at the ceremony. We can change the decision if your situation changes and you no longer meet the requirements.
If we refused your application, you don’t meet the requirements for citizenship. We’ll send you a letter by registered mail explaining why.
How do I withdraw my application for citizenship services?
First, find out if you can get a refund. If you still wish to withdraw your application, send a request by mail.
Write “Withdrawal of Application” on the envelope. Send us:
- Form CIT 0027E Withdrawal of Citizenship Application (PDF, 600 KB); and
- A copy of the electronic payment receipt or a copy of both sides of the payment receipt (Form IMM5401).
We recommend that you keep a copy of the withdrawal form for your records.
Where to mail the application
If you sent your application to a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate, mail your withdrawal request there.
If you sent your application to CPC-Sydney and your application has not yet been transferred to a local IRCC office, mail your withdrawal request to:
- General Mailing Address
CPC-Sydney
P.O. Box 12000
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 7C2 - Courier Address
CPC-Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 5Z2
If your application has been transferred to a local IRCC office, mail your withdrawal request to that office. You will find contact information for the office processing your application on the letter we sent you.
If you do not know if your application has been transferred or which office is processing your application, contact us through this Web form.
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 application has been returned because it’s incomplete. Do I have to recalculate my physical presence (time lived in Canada)?
You don’t have to sign or date your physical presence calculation (your printout of the Online Physical Presence Calculator or form CIT 0407).
Check the letter we send 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 (the 5 years before your application date).
- 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
- it’s dated either
- more than 90 days before we received it, or
- into the future (post-dated)
Make sure the application date on the application form and the calculator printout are the same.
What to do if we return your incomplete application.
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.
Use the form dated October 2020 or later for the following applications:
Use the form dated October 2017 or later for the following applications:
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.
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.
Can I reschedule my citizenship test if I cannot attend 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.
What if I cannot attend my hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge? Can I reschedule it?

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.
Yes. If you are not available on the date and time to meet with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge as part of your application for citizenship, you must inform the office where you have been scheduled to appear. You will also be required to provide the reason why you are unable to attend.
The notice asking you to appear will contain the details of:
- How to notify the office.
- What will happen if you do not attend the meeting.
Your notice will come either by e-mail (to the address provided by you on your application form) or by paper notice in the regular mail.
What happens after the hearing with a citizenship officer to test my knowledge of Canada?

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 hearing will last 30 to 90 minutes. At the hearing, the citizenship officer will ask you questions orally to see if you meet the conditions of citizenship, including knowledge of Canada. After your hearing, we will send you a letter with the results.
If you passed the interview, the letter will tell you the date of your citizenship ceremony.
Not passing the interview will cause your application for citizenship to be refused.
How long will I wait between my citizenship test and the ceremony?
Due to COVID-19, we
- cancelled all in-person citizenship ceremonies
- will contact you to schedule a video oath ceremony (virtual citizenship ceremony)
In most cases, the ceremony takes place within three months after you pass the test. We'll give you the results of your test right after you take it.
If your application is non-routine, we may ask you to go to a hearing with a citizenship officer or judge, even after you pass the test. We'll send you a letter after the hearing to let you know:
- what the officer or judge decided
- the date of your ceremony (if your application was approved)
Can I bring my child to the citizenship ceremony?
Due to COVID-19, we
- cancelled all in-person citizenship ceremonies
- will contact you to schedule a video oath ceremony (virtual citizenship ceremony)
Yes, your child is welcome to come to the ceremony, even if they aren’t becoming a citizen.
Children age 14 and over must go to the citizenship ceremony and take the oath if they’re becoming citizens. Parents will get certificates of citizenship for their children under age 14.
You need to stay in the room for the entire ceremony. If you’re bringing a young child, also bring a guest with you who can take care of your child in case they get restless and need to leave the ceremony room. If you can’t arrange child care, let us know and we’ll reschedule your ceremony date.
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 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:
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:
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
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.
I’ve lost my citizenship card/certificate. How do I replace it?
If your card or certificate was stolen, report the theft to your local police department.
If you don’t plan to apply for a replacement for at least 6 weeks after the loss or theft
- complete and send us the solemn declaration form
- you should still apply for a replacement
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.
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.
Do not send birth certificates or marriage certificates issued by the Government of Quebec before January 1, 1994. For more information, contact the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec.
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.
Can I replace my citizenship certificate if there is a spelling or other mistake on it?
Yes. We will replace your citizenship certificate if:
- we made a mistake in processing it, and
- it has been 90 days or less since you received your citizenship certificate
You must resubmit an application for a citizenship certificate and pay the processing fee if it has been more than 90 days since:
- you received your certificate at a citizenship ceremony,
- your certificate was mailed to you, or
- you picked it up from a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate
You must also follow this process to replace your citizenship certificate for another reason.
We have stopped issuing citizenship cards
As of February 1, 2012, the citizenship certificate replaced the plastic wallet sized citizenship card as proof of citizenship. We no longer give out citizenship cards or the commemorative certificates that came with them. If you apply to update or replace your citizenship card, we will send you a citizenship certificate.
How to request a replacement if there is a mistake on your certificate
If it has been 90 days or less since you received your citizenship certificate, send us:
- the citizenship certificate with the mistake,
- a note explaining what needs to be fixed, and
- if your request is urgent:
- write “Urgent” in large, dark letters on the envelope,
- include an explanation of why your request is urgent, and
- include any documents that support your explanation.
We will replace your certificate free of charge.
Where to mail your request
If you live in Canada or the United States, mail your request to:
- If you are sending your request by regular mail
Request for replacement certificate
CPC-Sydney
P.O. Box 10000
Sydney, NS
B1P 7C1 - If you are sending your request by a courier company
Request for replacement certificate
CPC-Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2
If you live outside Canada and the United States, send your request to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.
If your request is not approved
If your request for a replacement certificate is not approved (e.g., if it was determined that a processing error was not made), we will return your documents to you. We will also explain why we did not approve your request.
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
I legally changed my name. How do I change the name on my citizenship certificate/card?
To change the name on your citizenship certificate:
- follow the same steps to apply for a citizenship certificate
- send us documents showing you legally changed your name
If you need to change your name on a plastic citizenship card, you must also apply for a citizenship certificate. We stopped issuing citizenship cards in February 2012. If your application is approved, you will receive an updated citizenship certificate instead.
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.
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?
On February 14, 2018, the fee for minors applying under subsection 5(1) was reduced from $530 to $100.
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)?
On February 14, 2018, the fee for minors applying under subsection 5(1) was reduced from $530 to $100.
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?
On February 14, 2018, the fee for minors applying under subsection 5(1) was reduced from $530 to $100.
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.
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