Canadian Citizenship
While those lucky enough to be born in Canada receive citizenship automatically, others must apply to become a citizen through a processing known as ‘Naturalization’. Some people may also have a claim to citizenship through one of their parents through a process known as ‘Citizenship by Descent’.
Canadian Citizenship through Birth or Descent
Some people are entitled to Canadian Citizenship by virtue of being born in Canada or because one or both of their parents were Canadian Citizens at the time of their birth.
Citizenship laws have gone through many changes over the years, and this has created much confusion over who is entitled to Canadian Citizenship. In general, a person is most likely entitled to Canadian Citizenship if they meet one of the following criteria:
were born in Canada.
were born outside of Canada and adopted by Canadian parents.
were born outside of Canada in the first generation abroad and has at least one parent who was either:
born in Canada or
became a citizen before their birth.
Canadian Citizenship by descent is limited to the first generation born abroad. This means that if you weren’t already a Canadian citizen by April 17, 2009 (the date the laws changed) and were born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent, you are not entitled to Canadian Citizenship if your Canadian parent was also born outside of Canada and obtained their citizenship through one of their Canadian parents.
Canadian Citizenship through Naturalization
Before a foreign national can apply for Canadian Citizenship, they must first become a permanent resident of Canada through one of the various immigration programs. A permanent resident may then apply to become a Canadian Citizen if they meet all the following requirements:
Are a Permanent Resident of Canada with no unfulfilled conditions related to their status, and their status must not be in question.
Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1095 days during the previous 5 years.
Some of the time spent in Canada as a temporary resident prior to becoming a permanent resident may be counted towards this requirement in certain cases.
If required under the Income Tax Act, you must have filed your Canadian income tax for at least three out of the five years prior to making your application.
If you are 18 to 54 years old, you must submit proof that demonstrates you can speak and listen in English or French at the required level.
To become a citizen, you will be required to pass a test that demonstrates your knowledge about Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
Minors applying for Canadian Citizenship (under 18 years of age)
Minors under 18 years of age may also apply for Canadian Citizenship if they are a permanent resident of Canada. They are exempt from the language requirement and the requirement to write a citizenship test. If they have a Canadian parent or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time, then they will also be exempt from the residency requirement and income tax filing requirement. If they do not have a Canadian parent or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time, then they too will need to meet the requirements for residency and income tax filing.
Bars to applying for Canadian Citizenship
You may not be eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship if any of the following apply:
Your status as a permanent resident is under review for immigration or fraud reasons.
You have certain unfulfilled conditions related to your permanent resident status.
You are under a removal order (an order from Canadian officials to leave Canada).
You have been convicted of certain crimes either inside or outside of Canada.
Need Help?
To discuss how to apply to become a Canadian Citizen.