Become a Canadian Citizen

Here's How:

1. Be a permanent resident of Canada. If you're not yet a permanent resident of Canada, please see Immigration to Canada.
2. Live in Canada for three of the four years before applying for Canadian citizenship, and be able to communicate in either English or French.
3. Learn about Canada. You must be able to pass a test on the rights and responsibilities of Canadians and know about Canada's political system, history and geography.
4. Download the appropriate citizen application form from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada site.
5. Fill in the citizenship application form, following the instructions on the form carefully. Read the guide that goes with the application form thoroughly before you complete the form, as the application fees are not refundable.
6. Pay the application fees and get the appropriate receipt. The amount of the fees will be listed on the application form. Attach the fee receipt to your citizenship application form.
7. Have two citizenship photos taken to meet the photo specifications outlined in the citizenship application. Sign the bottom of the photographs. Place the two photos in a small envelope.
8. Sign and date the citizenship application form.
9. Attach the required documents to the application form. Documents include a copy of your immigration landing record, copies of two pieces of identification, and the two citizenship photos.
10. Mail the application form to the address given in the application.
11. Once your application for Canadian citizenship is received you will receive a copy of the book A Look at Canada in the mail. Begin studying the book as soon as you receive it.
12. You will receive a Notice to Appear for a Citizenship Test. Appear on the date and time at the address in the Notice, and take the written citizenship test or interview as requested.
13. If you meet all the requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship. Appear on the date and time at the address in the Notice, and take the Oath of Citizenship.

Tips:

1. Be sure you are eligible the day before you sign your application. There is no refund of the processing fee.
2. While you only need to include photocopies of your documents with the application form, you will need to bring the originals with you when you go to your test or interview.
3. Complete a separate application form for each child. A child can only become a Canadian citizen if his or her parent is one.
4. To apply for Canadian citizenship from outside Canada, consult your local Canadian embassy or consulate.
5. In general, the processing time is about a year from the time your application is received until the time you attend your citizenship ceremony.