People who want to become Canadian citizen must fill out an application, pass a citizenship test, and take an oath. Some applicants need a Canadian citizenship certificate, even though they already became citizens through naturalization.
As a Canadian citizen, you can enjoy benefits such as voting in federal elections, getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN), accessing healthcare, applying for a driver’s licence, and travelling with one of the strongest passports in the world. You must also be able to prove your citizenship when needed.
Citizenship means a country recognizes you as a full member if you meet legal requirements. Many people born in Canada automatically become Canadian citizens. Others become citizens through the naturalization process or international adoption.
People who are not Canadian citizens do not enjoy the same rights. Only citizens can vote, run for office, serve on a jury, or hold a Canadian passport. Canadian citizens can also receive assistance from Canadian consulates when travelling abroad.
Citizenship data from the census helps Canada understand who is eligible to vote, how to plan settlement programs, and how multicultural the population is. Canada also recognizes dual citizenship, which allows people to hold citizenship in more than one country.
Over the years, Canada’s citizenship rules have changed. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global migration trends have also influenced the patterns of naturalization. The 2021 Census highlights the latest changes and behaviours in citizenship acquisition.
Canadian Citizen Born in Canada
Not everyone born in Canada automatically becomes a Canadian citizen. For example, children of foreign government officials may not qualify. Some people born outside Canada may still be citizens if at least one parent is a Canadian citizen.
These people are known as “Canadian citizens by birth.” However, citizenship by birth outside Canada is limited after a certain number of generations.
Canadian Citizens by Naturalization
People who complete the official legal process become citizens through naturalization. Before applying, an applicant must be a permanent resident often called a “landed immigrant.”
Permanent residents have the right to live in Canada indefinitely. Once they meet all requirements, they may apply for citizenship. After approval, they must attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship to officially become Canadians.
Some individuals may first come to Canada as temporary residents on study or work permits before becoming permanent residents and then citizens.
Most People Living in Canada Are Citizens
In 2021, 91.2% of people living in Canada were Canadian citizens.
About 74.4% (27 million) were born in Canada.
Another 16.8% (6.1 million) became citizens through naturalization.
Around 8.8% of the population were not citizens including permanent residents, new immigrants, and temporary residents.
Over the last 30 years, the number of naturalized citizens has grown faster than the number of Canadian-born citizens. In 1991, 83.1% of residents were Canadian-born, compared to only 74.4% in 2021.
At the same time, the share of naturalized citizens (11.3% → 16.8%) and non-citizens (5.7% → 8.8%) increased. Factors like aging population, low birth rates, and steady immigration all contributed to these trends.
Requirements for Becoming a Naturalized Canadian Citizen
To become a Canadian citizen, you must meet the following conditions:
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Permanent Resident Status: You must be a permanent resident of Canada.
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Residency Requirement: You must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the last five years.
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Tax Filing: You must have filed taxes for at least three years, if required by the Income Tax Act.
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Language Ability: You must show proficiency in English or French through approved language tests.
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Knowledge of Canada: You must pass the citizenship test based on Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols.
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Clean Criminal Record: You cannot have serious criminal charges or be under a removal order.
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
Once you confirm you are eligible, follow these steps:
1. Gather Documents
Collect your PR card, tax documents, language test results, and other supporting papers.
2. Complete the Application
Fill out form CIT 0002 accurately and completely.
3. Pay the Fees
Pay the required application fee online.
4. Submit the Application
Mail the completed application package to the correct IRCC address.
Citizenship Test and Interview
If your application is accepted, you will be scheduled for a citizenship test. The test checks your understanding of Canada’s history, political system, symbols, and cultural values.
During the interview, an IRCC officer may verify your identity, language skills, and information in your application.
Citizenship Ceremony
The final step is the citizenship ceremony. During this meaningful event, you take the Oath of Citizenship, officially becoming a Canadian citizen. Many people celebrate this special day with friends and family.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
1. Right to Vote
Citizens can vote in federal, provincial, and territorial elections and help shape Canada’s future.
2. Access to Social Benefits
Citizens receive full access to healthcare, education, employment insurance, and other social programs.
3. Canadian Passport
Canadian citizens can apply for one of the strongest passports in the world, allowing visa-free travel to many countries.
4. Right to Run for Office
Only Canadian citizens can run for political office at any level.
5. Protection Abroad
Canadian consulates can help citizens facing emergencies while travelling.
In Short
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Naturalized Canadians enjoy the same rights as Canadian-born citizens.
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Citizenship gives the right to vote and access healthcare and education.
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Citizens can obtain a Canadian passport.
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Citizens can run for public office and receive consular support.
FAQs About Canadian Citizenship
1. What does it mean to be a Canadian citizen?
It means you have legal status with full rights and responsibilities in Canada.
2. How can someone become a Canadian citizen?
By birth, by descent (born abroad to Canadian parents), or through naturalization as a permanent resident.
3. What are the requirements for naturalization?
Residency, PR status, tax filing, language proficiency, citizenship test, and no serious criminal record.
4. How do I apply?
Fill the application package, gather documents, pay fees, and mail your application.
5. What does the citizenship test include?
Questions about Canada’s history, values, institutions, and symbols.
6. What happens during the interview?
An officer checks your identity, language ability, and application details.
7. What is the citizenship ceremony?
A formal event where you take the Oath of Citizenship.
8. What are the benefits of citizenship?
Voting rights, social services, Canadian passport, and eligibility to run for office.
9. Can I have dual citizenship?
Yes, Canada allows dual citizenship.
10. How do I check my citizenship status?
Apply for a citizenship certificate or contact IRCC.
11. Can I lose my citizenship?
Yes, if it was obtained through fraud or voluntary renunciation.
12. Is there an age limit to apply?
No, but applicants must meet eligibility requirements.
13. How long does processing take?
Several months, depending on IRCC workload.
14. Can I apply with a criminal record?
Certain criminal offences may make you ineligible.
15. Do Canadian citizens need visas?
Depending on the destination, many countries offer visa-free travel.
16. Can citizens by birth vote?
Yes, all Canadian citizens by birth or naturalization can vote.
