Canadian Citizenship by Naturalization: Complete Guide 2025
Become a Canadian citizen after 3 years as a permanent resident. Get one of the world's strongest passports, universal healthcare, and the freedom to keep your original citizenship.
📋 2025 Fee Update
Important: Canadian citizenship fees increased March 31, 2025. The new total cost for adults is $649.75 CAD and processing times increased to 16 months.
🇨🇦 Why Canadian Citizenship is Worth It
Canada offers one of the world's best citizenships with universal healthcare and quality of life.
What is Canadian Citizenship by Naturalization?
Canadian citizenship by naturalization is the process by which permanent residents become Canadian citizens after meeting residency, language, and knowledge requirements. Canada's citizenship process is known for being fair, transparent, and accessible, with clear requirements and reasonable processing times.
Key Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
- Universal Healthcare: Free healthcare for life through Canada's public system
- 185 Visa-Free Destinations: One of the world's strongest passports
- Dual Citizenship Allowed: Keep your original nationality
- High Quality of Life: Safety, stability, and excellent education system
- Social Benefits: Access to employment insurance, pensions, and social programs
Canadian Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Citizenship Application Fee
RequiredGovernment fee for adult citizenship application to IRCC
CAD $630 for adults, CAD $100 for minors under 18
Language Testing
RequiredCELPIP, IELTS, or TEF language proficiency test
Required unless you completed education in English/French in Canada
Document Collection
RequiredPassports, travel documents, and identity documents for 5-year period
May need certified copies and translations
Police Clearances
OptionalCriminal background checks from countries where you lived 6+ months
Only required if requested by IRCC based on travel history
Professional Translation
OptionalCertified translation of foreign documents into English or French
Only needed for documents not in English or French
Legal Consultation
OptionalImmigration lawyer assistance with complex cases
Recommended for complex cases or if you have criminal history
Citizenship Test Preparation
OptionalStudy materials and preparation courses for citizenship test
Official study guide is free, but some prefer paid courses
Important Cost Considerations:
- Total timeline is 5-7 years including 3 years as permanent resident before applying
- Must maintain permanent resident status throughout the entire process
- Physical presence calculator on IRCC website helps track your eligibility
- Processing fees are non-refundable even if application is refused
- Additional costs may apply if you need to renew expired documents during the process
- Exchange rates affect costs as all fees are in Canadian dollars
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
- Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
- Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
Canadian Citizenship Requirements
You Qualify If:
- You are a permanent resident of Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days)
- You were physically present in Canada for 1,095 days in the 5 years before applying
- You have filed income taxes for at least 3 years (if required under the Income Tax Act)
- You can demonstrate language skills in English or French
- You pass the citizenship test on Canadian knowledge
Potential Barriers:
- Spending too much time outside Canada (need 1,095 days physical presence)
- Criminal charges or convictions that affect eligibility
- Not maintaining permanent resident status
- Failing to meet language or citizenship test requirements
Canadian Citizenship Process: Step-by-Step
Obtain Permanent Residency
First become a permanent resident through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, or other immigration streams
💡 Tip: This is a prerequisite step - you must be a PR before applying for citizenship
Meet Physical Presence Requirement
Live in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the 5 years before applying
💡 Tip: Keep detailed records of all travel outside Canada during this period
Prove Language Proficiency
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French through test or education credentials
💡 Tip: CELPIP, IELTS, or TEF are accepted language tests
Take Citizenship Test
Pass the Canadian citizenship test on Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols
💡 Tip: Test is included in application fee. Must score 15/20 or higher
Submit Citizenship Application
Complete and submit Form CIT 0002 with all supporting documents
💡 Tip: Application fee is $630 CAD for adults, $100 for minors
Application Processing
IRCC reviews application, may request additional documents or interview
💡 Tip: Processing times vary but currently around 12-24 months
Citizenship Ceremony
Attend oath ceremony and receive certificate of Canadian citizenship
💡 Tip: Final step - you become a Canadian citizen after taking the oath
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my original citizenship when becoming Canadian?
Yes! Canada allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality when you become a Canadian citizen. However, check if your home country allows dual citizenship as some countries require you to renounce your original citizenship.
How long do I need to be a permanent resident before applying?
You must be a permanent resident for at least 3 years (1,095 days) before you can apply for citizenship. You also need to be physically present in Canada for 1,095 days in the 5 years before applying.
What language level do I need for Canadian citizenship?
You need to demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French. This can be shown through language test results (CELPIP, IELTS, TEF) or proof that you completed education in English or French in Canada.
How difficult is the Canadian citizenship test?
The test covers Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols. You need to score 15 out of 20 questions correctly. Most people find it manageable with proper study using the official guide 'Discover Canada.'
How long does the Canadian citizenship process take?
Currently, IRCC processes citizenship applications in 16 months (as of 2025). This is an increase from 8 months in 2024. The total timeline from becoming a permanent resident to citizenship is typically 5-7 years.
What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
If you fail the test, you'll get another chance to take it. If you fail the second test, you may be invited to a hearing with a citizenship officer to demonstrate your knowledge of Canada.
Canada vs Other Citizenship Options
| Country | Residence Req. | Language Test | Application Fee | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 3 years as PR | English or French | $649.75 CAD | Universal healthcare, quality of life |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 5 years as LPR | English | $725 USD | Largest economy, global influence |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 4 years as PR | English | $490 AUD | Climate, lifestyle |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 5 years as resident | English | $470 NZD | Small population, nature |
Ready to Start Your Canadian Citizenship Journey?
Get one of the world's strongest passports with universal healthcare and quality of life