Becoming a Canadian citizen is a proud milestone. The process involves submitting an application, passing a citizenship test, and taking the Oath of Citizenship. In some cases, individuals who are already citizens through birth or naturalisation may still need a Citizenship Certificate as official proof of status.
Canadian citizenship gives you full legal recognition as a member of the country, along with powerful rights, responsibilities, and global mobility.
What Does It Mean to Be a Canadian Citizen?
As a Canadian citizen, you can:
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Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
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Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
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Access public healthcare and social services
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Apply for a driver’s licence
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Hold one of the strongest passports in the world
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Receive assistance from Canadian embassies and consulates abroad
Citizenship also means you must be able to prove your status when required.
Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you can legally be a citizen of Canada and another country at the same time.
Who Is a Canadian Citizen?
Citizen by Birth in Canada
Most people born in Canada automatically become citizens. However, there are exceptions for example, children born to foreign diplomats may not be eligible.
Some individuals born outside Canada may also be citizens if at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of birth. This is known as citizenship by descent, though it is limited to certain generations.
Citizen by Naturalisation
Naturalisation is the process of becoming a citizen after meeting legal requirements.
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Applicants must first be permanent residents (PRs)
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PRs can live in Canada indefinitely
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After approval, applicants attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship
Many people first arrive as temporary residents (students or workers), later become permanent residents, and eventually apply for citizenship.
Citizenship Trends in Canada (2021 Census)
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91.2% of people living in Canada were citizens
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74.4% (about 27 million) were born in Canada
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16.8% (about 6.1 million) became citizens through naturalisation
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8.8% were non-citizens (permanent residents, temporary residents, or new immigrants)
Over the last 30 years:
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Canadian-born population declined from 83.1% (1991) to 74.4% (2021)
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Naturalised citizens increased from 11.3% to 16.8%
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Non-citizens increased from 5.7% to 8.8%
These trends reflect low birth rates, an ageing population, and steady immigration.
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
To apply for citizenship through naturalisation, you must:
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Hold permanent resident status
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Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years
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Have filed income taxes for at least 3 years (if required)
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Prove English or French language proficiency
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Pass the citizenship test
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Have no serious criminal prohibitions or removal orders
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
1. Gather Required Documents
Prepare:
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PR card
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Tax records
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Language test results
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Identification and supporting documents
2. Complete the Application
Fill out Form CIT 0002 carefully and accurately.
3. Pay the Fees
Pay the citizenship application fee online through IRCC.
4. Submit the Application
Send your complete application package to the correct IRCC address.
Citizenship Test and Interview
If your application is approved:
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You will be invited to take the citizenship test
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The test covers Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols
An IRCC officer may also conduct an interview to verify:
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Your identity
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Language skills
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Application details
Citizenship Ceremony
The final step is the Citizenship Ceremony.
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You take the Oath of Citizenship
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You officially become a Canadian citizen
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Many people celebrate this milestone with family and friends
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
1. Right to Vote
Participate in elections and shape Canada’s future.
2. Access to Social Benefits
Full access to healthcare, education, and social programs.
3. Canadian Passport
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide.
4. Right to Run for Office
Only citizens can hold political office in Canada.
5. Protection Abroad
Help from Canadian embassies and consulates when travelling.
In a Nutshell
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Naturalised and Canadian-born citizens have equal rights
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Citizenship provides voting rights, healthcare, and education
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Citizens can obtain a Canadian passport
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Only citizens can run for office and receive full consular protection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does it mean to be a Canadian citizen?
It means you are a legal member of Canada with full rights and responsibilities.
2. How can someone become a Canadian citizen?
By birth, by descent, or through naturalisation as a permanent resident.
3. What are the main requirements?
PR status, residency, tax filing, language ability, citizenship test, and a clean record.
4. How do I apply?
Complete the application, submit documents, pay fees, and send it to IRCC.
5. What is on the citizenship test?
Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols.
6. What happens during the interview?
An officer checks your identity, language skills, and application.
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, a Canadian passport, and political eligibility.
9. Can I have dual citizenship?
Yes, Canada allows multiple citizenships.
10. How can I prove my citizenship?
With a citizenship certificate or by contacting IRCC.
11. Can citizenship be lost?
Only if obtained by fraud or voluntarily renounced.
12. Is there an age limit?
No, as long as eligibility requirements are met.
13. How long does processing take?
Several months, depending on IRCC workload.
14. Can I apply with a criminal record?
Certain criminal records may make you ineligible.
15. Do Canadians need visas to travel?
Many countries offer visa-free travel, depending on destination.
16. Can Canadian-born citizens vote?
Yes, all Canadian citizens by birth or naturalisation can vote.
