Guide to IRCC and the Canadian Citizenship Process

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, commonly known as the IRCC (formerly known as CIC), is the department of the Canada government responsible for citizenship and immigration. If you are interested in becoming a Canadian citizen, your application will be processed through the IRCC (formerly known as CIC). This article serves as a guide to the Canadian citizenship process.

Eligibility - Adult

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old;

  • Be a permanent resident;

  • Have resided in Canada for at least four years in the past six before applying;

  • If you are between the ages of 14 and 64, you must show language comprehension in either French or English (the two official languages of Canada);

  • Meet the criminal history requirements; and

  • Have adequate knowledge of Canada

Eligibility - Minors

Persons under the age of 18 cannot file their own applications for citizenship; a parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian must file for them. The child must also meet the following requirements:

  • Be a permanent resident (there is no residency length requirement for children); and

  • At least one parent must be a Canadian citizen or be applying for citizenship at the same time.

Citizenship Application - Adults, Form CIT 0002

The application to apply for Canadian citizenship for persons over 18 years old is IRCC (formerly known as CIC) Form CIT 0002. Read the steps below to successfully complete the application.

  1. Gather the required documents:

    • Immigration documents: Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5488); and photocopy (both sides) of Permanent Resident Card (PRC).

    • Proof of language comprehension

    • Biographical pages of passports or travel documents (copies of passport/ travel document pages that show visa stamps/ document international travel).

    • School records;

    • Copies (back and front) of two photo ID's (i.e. driver's license, health insurance card, etc.);

    • A print-out of the on-line residence calculator; and

    • Application payment receipt ($200 per application).

  2. Complete Application for Canadian Citizenship - Adults;

    • Mostly, the application asks for biographic information such as your date of birth, country of nationality, places of residence and employment history.

  3. Mail your application and supporting documents to:

Case Processing Centre - Sydney

Grant Adults

P.O. Box 7000

SYDNEY, NS B1P 6V6

CANADA

After your citizenship application has been received by the IRCC (formerly known as CIC), you will receive an "Acknowledgment of Receipt" in the mail and a citizenship study guide. At that point, your application will be sent to the IRCC (formerly known as CIC) office nearest your home for processing. If it is decided that you are eligible for citizenship, you will be scheduled for an interview with a IRCC (formerly known as CIC) immigration official where your application and documents will be reviewed and you will be tested on your English or French language comprehension and knowledge of Canada.

Citizenship Application - Minors, Form CT 0003

Citizenship applications for children must be completed by the parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian of the child. The application for Canadian citizenship for a minor is Form CT 0003. Read the steps below to successfully complete the application.

  1. Gather the required documents:

    • Immigration documents: Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5488); and photocopy (both sides) of Permanent Resident Card (PRC).

    • Biographical pages of passports or travel documents (copies of passport/ travel document pages that show visa stamps/ document international travel).

    • Copies (back and front) of two photo ID's (i.e. health insurance card, school record, etc.);

    • Birth certificate or adoption order;

    • Proof of the parent's Canadian citizens (if applicable);

    • Proof of guardianship (if applicable);

    • Application payment receipt ($100 per application).

    • Language proof

  2. Complete the Application for Canadian Citizenship - Minors;

    • Mostly, the application asks for biographic information such as the child's date of birth, country of nationality, and places of residence.

  3. Mail the application to:

Case Processing Centre - Sydney

Grant - Minors

P.O. Box 7000

SYDNEY, NS B1P 6V6

CANADA

Once the application is received, you will receive an "Acknowledgment of Receipt" in the mail, confirming the receipt of your application. If it is determined that your child meets the requirements for citizenship, you will receive one of the following depending on your child's age:

  • If your child is under 14:

    • A request for the child's original Record of Landing (IMM 1000) and Permanent Resident Card. You will receive a Certificate of Citizenship and an updated IMM 1000 for the child in the mail once these documents are received.

  • If your child is over 14:

    • A letter inviting your child to a citizenship ceremony where he or she will be awarded a Certificate of Citizenship in person. Bring the child's original Record of Landing (IMM 1000) and Permanent Resident Card to the ceremony.

Citizenship Test and Interview

If you are between the ages of 14-64 and meet the basic requirements for Canadian citizenship, you will be required to take the Canadian citizenship test. If you are older than 64, you may only be scheduled for an interview with a IRCC (formerly known as CIC) immigration official or a hearing with a citizenship judge.

The citizenship test serves to ensure that potential citizens have appropriate knowledge of Canada and comprehension of one of the two national languages: French and English.

If you pass the test or have a successful interview, you will be scheduled to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will officially become a Canadian citizen.

Citizenship Ceremony

The citizenship ceremony is the final step to becoming a Canadian citizen! It is here where you will take an oath of allegiance to Canada and be issued a Certificate of Citizenship.

You must bring your permanent resident card to the ceremony and, if you became a permanent resident before June 28, 2002, you must bring your Record of Landing (IMM 1000).

Family and friends are encouraged to attend the ceremony and witness this monumental event where you are officially welcomed into the Canadian family as you accept the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship and pledge an oath of citizenship.

Language comprehension

In order to meet the language comprehension requirement, you will need to show IRCC (formerly known as CIC) proof of your ability to both speak and listen in English or French. Examples of proof are: