Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship offers full legal rights, including voting and passport access, building on permanent residency.

This guide, based entirely on official Canadian sources, explains the full citizenship process, from eligibility and application steps to the oath ceremony. It also addresses key institutions like the Citizenship Act and Citizenship Commission, recent updates to the process, and current policy issues such as declining citizenship rates and the status of “Lost Canadians.” The content concludes with practical advice and FAQs for those seeking full Canadian citizenship.

Overview: Canadian Citizenship

Key Information	Details
Legal Status	Grants full citizenship rights, including voting and a Canadian passport
Based On	Requires holding Canadian permanent residency
Governing Law	Regulated under the Citizenship Act
Application Components	Includes eligibility criteria, citizenship test, and oath ceremony
Recent Updates	Reflects changes such as a new Citizenship Study Guide
Challenges Addressed	Covers issues like “Lost Canadians” and children born to foreign nationals

Introduction

Canadian citizenship is more than a legal status, it is a commitment to shared values and rights. Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone that grants full legal rights, long-term security, and a deeper connection to Canada. While permanent residents (PRs) enjoy many benefits, only citizens can:

• Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
• Hold a Canadian passport
• Apply for jobs requiring high-level security clearance
• Pass citizenship to children born abroad

The path to citizenship is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and includes:

• Meeting eligibility requirements (e.g., residency, language skills)
• Completing an application and paying the required fees
• Passing a citizenship test and possibly attending an interview
• Participating in a citizenship ceremony and taking the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship

This guide outlines the legal foundations, step-by-step process, and current policy issues surrounding Canadian citizenship.

Key Institutions and Instruments

The process of obtaining Canadian citizenship is rooted in a well-established legal and administrative framework. Several institutions and legal instruments are responsible for managing, guiding, and enforcing citizenship policy across the country. This section outlines the core legal basis, policy mechanisms, and the key role of the Citizenship Commission.

 Legal Framework

The legal foundation for Canadian citizenship is the Citizenship Act, first enacted in 1947 and revised multiple times since. This legislation defines:

• Who is eligible for citizenship
• How citizenship is acquired or lost
• Procedures for granting, resuming, renouncing, or revoking citizenship

The Citizenship Act applies to both natural-born and naturalized citizens, ensuring equal rights under Canadian law. Amendments to the Act are made through Parliament and reflect evolving views on inclusion, immigration, and national identity.

Policies, Procedures, and Operational Guidelines

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) administers the citizenship process, managing:

• Application intake and processing
• Citizenship tests and interviews
• Citizenship ceremonies and oath-taking
• Development of eductional materials, including the official study guide

IRCC regularly updates operational guidelines on its website to ensure transparency and fairness. Officers apply these guidelines to assess applications in line with current law.

Citizenship Commission

An administrative body within IRCC, the Citizenship Commission promotes the meaning and value of Canadian citizenship. Led by the Senior Citizenship Judge, its duties include:

• Presiding over citizenship ceremonies
• Administering the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship
• Encouraging civic responsibility and active citizenship

Citizenship judges also review complex applications and provide recommendations when needed. The Commission serves as a link between legal procedures and civic engagement.

Canadian Citizenship Eligibility Criteria

Transitioning from permanent residency (PR) to full Canadian citizenship follows a clear, structured process managed by IRCC. The main steps include:

To apply, you must meet these basic eligibility criteria:

• Be a permanent resident (PR) of Canada
• Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the past 5 years
• Have filed Canadian income taxes (if required) for at least 3 tax years within the past 5 years
• Demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (for applicants aged 18–54)
• Pass a citizenship test (for applicants aged 18–54)
• Not be under a removal order or involved in certain legal proceedings

Applications can be submitted online or by paper, with the online portal offering a faster, more convenient option for eligible applicants.

Citizenship Fees

The current fee structure is:

• Adults (18 and over): CAD $630 (includes CAD $530 processing fee + CAD $100 right of citizenship fee)
• Minors (under 18): CAD $100 (no processing fee if applying as part of a family group)

Fees are paid online through IRCC’s secure payment system. Keep the receipt and proof of payment for your application.

Citizenship Test and Interview

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a citizenship test assessing their knowledge of:

• Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols
• Rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• Key facts from the official study guide: Discover Canada

The test lasts 30 minutes and consists of 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions. Passing requires at least 15 correct answers.

Some applicants may also attend an interview if officials need further clarification about language skills, residency, or documents.

Amendments to the Citizenship Study Guide

IRCC is revising the Discover Canada guide to better reflect:

• Indigenous history and reconciliation
• Canada’s diversity and contemporary values
• Clearer explanations of legal and civic responsibilities

Applicants should always study the latest version available on the IRCC website before taking the test.

Citizenship Ceremony and Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship

The final step is the citizenship ceremony, where approved applicants officially become Canadian citizens. During the ceremony, individuals take the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship, pledging loyalty to Canada and its laws.

Ceremonies may be held:

• In person
• Online via secure video conferencing

The Oath includes allegiance to King Charles III, obedience to Canadian laws, and a commitment to fulfilling citizenship duties. Upon completion, participants receive their citizenship certificate, which allows them to apply for a Canadian passport.

Current Issues and Policy Considerations

Although the Canadian citizenship process is well-established, ongoing social, legal, and migration trends continue to shape key policy issues.

Citizenship Rate

Canada has traditionally had one of the highest citizenship acquisition rates among immigrants worldwide. However, recent data shows a decline in the proportion of permanent residents who become citizens.

Factors Affecting Citizenship Uptake

• Lengthy processing times and application complexity
• Financial barriers, including the $630 fee for adults
• Language proficiency challenges and passing the citizenship test
• Concerns about dual citizenship and obligations in home countries (e.g., military service, taxes)
• Awareness of the benefits of Canadian citizenship, such as a Canadian passport

Research suggests improving access to information and reducing administrative hurdles could increase citizenship uptake.

Policy and Operational Changes
To address declining rates, the government has introduced:

• Expanded online application options
• Modernized testing and ceremony procedures, including online tests and virtual ceremonies
• A new electronic citizenship certificate system launching in 2024 to speed up proof of citizenship issuance

These measures aim to make the process more accessible, especially for tech-savvy newcomers and those in remote locations.

Loss of Citizenship

Citizenship can be lost in rare cases, including:

• Voluntary renunciation
• Revocation due to fraud, misrepresentation, or concealing important facts during the application

Revoked citizens typically revert to PR status or become foreign nationals, depending on their immigration circumstances.

Lost Canadians

“Lost Canadians” are people who believed they were citizens by birth or descent but later discovered they were not due to outdated laws or legislative gaps. Many were affected by:

• Pre-2009 laws excluding children born abroad to Canadian parents in certain situations
• Gender-based citizenship transmission rules
• Children born out of wedlock to Canadian fathers before 1977

Recent Developments

In response, the government has proposed:

• Legislative amendments to automatically restore citizenship for some Lost Canadians
• Bill S-245, extending citizenship to more children born abroad to Canadian parents
• A commitment to a transparent, inclusive framework recognizing affected individuals

These efforts reflect Canada’s dedication to equality, fairness, and inclusion.

Birth in Canada to Foreign Nationals

Canada follows jus soli (right of the soil), meaning almost every child born in Canada automatically becomes a Canadian citizen regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

This policy has sparked debate around:

• “Birth tourism,” where non-residents give birth in Canada to secure citizenship for their child
• Concerns about healthcare costs and public service misuse

Although proposals to tighten this policy exist, no changes have been made. Canadian law continues to uphold unconditional birthright citizenship..

Conclusion

Becoming a Canadian citizen is the final step in a newcomer’s journey from immigration to full membership in Canadian society. It represents more than a legal status—it is a commitment to Canada’s values, responsibilities, and opportunities.

Through a transparent, inclusive process managed by IRCC, eligible permanent residents (PRs) can access full citizenship rights, including voting and holding a Canadian passport. While the system evolves in response to demographic changes and legal reforms, it remains grounded in fairness.

Key Takeaways:

• Eligibility requires PR status, physical presence, tax filing, language skills, and civic knowledge
• Online applications and virtual ceremonies have increased accessibility
• Citizenship rates depend on personal, economic, and systemic factors
• Canada leads globally with its inclusive birthright citizenship policy
• Ongoing reforms address past injustices and improve services for future applicants

Whether you plan to apply soon or are exploring your options, understanding the citizenship process, rights, and responsibilities will help you make informed, confident decisions.

FAQ