Eligibility quiz
Were you born in Canada, or on a ship, boat or aircraft registered in Canada?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Canadian passport
Canadian citizens can apply for a Canadian passport for travel abroad and return to Canada.
Citizens with another citizenship generally need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada, unless a special authorization applies.
A citizenship certificate proves citizenship but is not a travel document.
Live in Canada for life
Canadian citizens have the right to enter, stay in and leave Canada, and to move to any province.
Citizenship does not expire, and living outside Canada indefinitely does not end it.
Study in Canada
Canadian citizens can study in Canada and access education on the same general basis as other Canadians.
Work in Canada
Canadian citizens can work in Canada and pursue a livelihood in any province.
Travel to destinations
A Canadian passport may make it easier to travel abroad without a visa or get a visa on arrival at some destinations.
Destinations and conditions can change.
Use public services
Canadian citizens can access housing and social services on the same general basis as other Canadians.
Federal services are available in English or French.
Get help abroad
Canadian citizens can ask for help from Canada while abroad.
The help available is limited by the laws and authorities of the country where they are.
Vote and run for office
Canadian citizens have the right to vote and stand as candidates in Canadian elections.
Election conditions apply, including a usual minimum voting age of 18.
Use public healthcare
Canadian citizens can access public healthcare on the same general basis as other Canadians.
Provinces and territories run healthcare, and conditions apply.
Access social benefits
Canadian citizens may qualify for pensions and benefits, depending on conditions such as age, residence, income or contributions.
For example, Old Age Security requires a person to be 65 or older and meet citizenship or legal-residence and residence-history rules.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your online application.
See required documentsFill in the application online
Create or sign in to your Canadian citizenship certificate account, start your application, and enter your information. Upload the requested documents and photo, then review and electronically sign your application.
Start your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I start an online application for a Canadian citizenship certificate?”
Submit your application
Pay the fee online; your application is submitted automatically after payment. Submit it within 60 days of starting it.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay and submit an online application for a Canadian citizenship certificate?”
Wait for the decision
Follow the progress of your application in your account and respond to any requests for information or documents.
Check your application statusReceive your certificate
Receive your electronic or paper citizenship certificate; if a Canadian mission contacts you about a paper certificate, follow its instructions to collect it. You can then use your certificate to apply for a Canadian passport.
Get your certificateSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my Canadian citizenship certificate after applying online?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Birth certificate
Provide your Canadian provincial or territorial birth certificate or birth record from the office that records births. If you cannot get it, see the alternative birth records that may be accepted, including a hospital, doctor’s, midwife’s, baptismal or census record, or another record from the original issuing office. Explain in writing why you cannot provide your birth certificate or record and show how you tried to get it; records from third parties alone are not enough.
Citizenship photos
Provide photos that meet the current citizenship photo requirements. For a paper application, include two photos as instructed; for an online application, upload the required digital image.
Application form
Provide the completed citizenship certificate application, CIT 0001, signed where required. If you appoint a representative, also provide form IMM 5476.
Copy of your ID
Provide the identity documents requested on your checklist, normally showing your name, date of birth, photo and signature where applicable. Send clear, readable colour copies unless your checklist says otherwise.
Name change documents *
Provide legal documents linking the name on your application to the name on your birth record. Follow the checklist for the documents needed to show the change.
* Only if the name on your application is different from the name on your birth record.
May need translationDocument checklist *
Include the CIT 0014 document checklist with your application. Put it on top of your package.
* Only if you apply on paper.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Jury duty
Canadian citizens must serve on a jury if selected.
Citizenship can be lost
Citizenship can be taken away for fraud, false statements or knowingly hiding important facts in an immigration or citizenship process.
You can respond; the Federal Court decides unless you request the Minister, and a 10-year wait to regain citizenship generally follows.
You can give it up if you are 18 or older, live abroad, have or are acquiring another citizenship and understand the decision.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
r/CanadaAdoptedCitizens
English Reddit group for people interested in Canadian citizenship
Join on RedditCitizenship Online Application
English Facebook group for people interested in Canadian citizenship
Join on FacebookCanadian Citizenship Test, Status, Citizenship, Application
English Facebook group for people interested in Canadian citizenship
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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