• be 18 years of age or older
• be a permanent resident of Canada
• have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years before applying
• be able to communicate in either English or French
• know about Canada
• know about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Please note that time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident may be counted towards becoming a Canadian citizen.

A child (under 18 years of age) must be a permanent resident of Canada to apply for Canadian citizenship. To apply on behalf of your child you must either:

• already be a citizen; or
• apply for citizenship together as a family.

Children do not need to have lived in Canada for three years before applying.

Citizenship Test: Top

If you are between the ages of 18 and 59 you must pass a citizenship test. For more information on Canada and the citizenship test read the on-line study guide A Look at Canada. You may look at this guide through the link below:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/look.pdf

Applications for Canadian Citizenship

1. Application for Canadian Citizenship - Adults Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/adults.html

Purpose:

This application is for permanent residents 18 years of age or older who wish to apply for Canadian citizenship. They must have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years preceding the application, be able to communicate in English and/or French, and demonstrate some knowledge of Canada and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Persons with a criminal record, facing criminal charges or subject to immigration enforcement action may be ineligible for citizenship.

Where:

In Canada. Mail to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Fee:

A non-refundable processing fee and a refundable Right of Citizenship Fee must be paid at the time of application.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process: www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/0002E.pdf

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application for Canadian Citizenship - Adults www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0002E.pdf

b. Citizenship Photograph Specifications www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0021E.pdf

c. Pay "fees receipt"

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2. Application for Canadian Citizenship -Minors Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/minors.html

Purpose:

This application is for persons applying for citizenship for a child under 18. The child must be a permanent resident of Canada and have at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen or will become a citizen at the same time.

Where:

In Canada. Mail to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Fee:

A non-refundable processing fee must be paid at the time of application.

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application for Canadian Citizenship - Minors www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0003E.pdf

b. Citizenship Photograph Specifications www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0021E.pdf

c. Pay "fees receipt"

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3. Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Inside Canada Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/certif.html

Purpose:

This application is for Canadian citizens residing in Canada who wish to apply for a citizenship certificate as proof of Canadian citizenship. Supporting documents required will depend on whether the application is for a new certificate or to replace one that was lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

Where:

In Canada. Mail to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Fee:

A non-refundable processing fee must be paid and the receipt submitted with the application.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/0001E.pdf

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Inside Canada www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0001E.pdf

b. Citizenship Photograph Specifications www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0021E.pdf

c. Pay "fees receipt"

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4. Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Outside Canada Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/certif2.html

Purpose:

This application is for Canadian citizens residing outside Canada who wish to apply for a citizenship certificate as proof of Canadian citizenship. Supporting documents required will depend on whether the application is for a new certificate or to replace one that was lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

Where:

Outside Canada. Contact the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate. You may see which embassy, high commission or consulate is nearest you by clicking on the following link.

www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/cra-en.asp

Fee:

A non-refundable processing fee must be paid at the time of application.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/0006E.pdf

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application for a Citizenship Certificate from Outside Canada www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0006E.pdf

b. Citizenship Photo Specifications www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0006E.pdf

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5. Application for a Search of Citizenship Record Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/search.html

Purpose:

This application is for persons requesting a search of citizenship records to verify citizenship and naturalization information. A valid reason for the search must be given. If the person is requesting a search of records for information about another person, that person's consent is needed, unless the person is deceased.

The record letter cannot be used as proof of citizenship. For proof of citizenship, please use the Application for a Citizenship Certificate.

Where:

In Canada. Mail to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Fee:

A non-refundable processing fee must be paid at the time of application.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/0058E.pdf

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application for a Search of Citizenship Record www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0058E.pdf

b. Pay "fees receipt"

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6. Application to Register and Retain Canadian Citizenship under Section 8 Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/retain.html

Purpose:

This application is for a person who was born outside Canada after February 14, 1977, and who could lose Canadian citizenship under Section 8 of the Citizenship Act unless he/she applies to register as a Canadian citizen and retain Canadian citizenship.

Where:

If you are living in Canada, mail your application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

If you are living outside Canada, submit your application to a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate for processing. You may see which embassy, high commission or consulate is nearest you by clicking on this link below:

www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/cra-en.asp

If you are living in Canada, refer to the Citizenship Fee section for information on the current fee and method of payment. The fee is not refundable.

If you are living outside Canada, contact a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate for information regarding the current fee and method of payment. You may see which embassy, high commission or consulate is nearest you by clicking on the link bellow:

www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/cra-en.asp

Fee:

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/0300E.pdf

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application to Register and Retain Canadian Citizenship - Under Section 8 www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0300E.pdf

b. Citizenship Photograph Specifications www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0021E.pdf

c. Pay "fees receipt"

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7. Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship Under Subsection 9 (1) Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/renounce.html

Purpose:

This application is for an adult Canadian citizen who wishes to renounce his or her Canadian citizenship. To renounce your Canadian citizenship you must prove you are a Canadian citizen. You must also prove that you are, or will become, a citizen of a country other than Canada, if this application to renounce is approved.

Where:

If you are living outside Canada, submit your application to a Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for processing. You may see which embassy, high commission or consulate is nearest you by clicking on the link bellow:

www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/cra-en.asp

If you are living in Canada, mail your application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Fee:

See the Citizenship Fees section for information on the current fee and method of payment. The fee is not refundable.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/0302E.pdf

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0302E.pdf

b. Citizenship Photo Specifications www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0445E.pdf

c. Pay "fees receipt"

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8. Application to Resume Canadian Citizenship Under Subsection 11 (1) Top

www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/resume.html

Purpose:

This application is for a person who was previously a Canadian citizen, other than a person whose citizenship was revoked under the former or current Act, and who wishes to resume citizenship under subsection 11(1) of the Citizenship Act.

Where:

In Canada. Mail your application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Fee:

See the Citizenship Fees section for information on the current fee and method of payment. The fee is not refundable.

Use the following guide to help you throughout the application process:

www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/0301E.pdf

Complete the following Application Forms:

a. Application to Resume Canadian Citizenship Under Subsection 11 (1) www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0301E.pdf

b. Citizenship Photo Specifications www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/citizen/CIT0021E.pdf

c. Pay "fees receipt"

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