How to apply for Canadian citizenship in 2026: the steps in order

How to apply in short

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you check that you qualify, gather your documents, apply online, pay the fee and wait for IRCC to confirm it received your application. Later you take the test, maybe have an interview, and go to a ceremony. Each step is below.

Last checked: 31 October 2026.

This is general information to help you prepare. IRCC decides your own case.

Step 1. Check that you qualify

Read the citizenship requirements first. In short, you need permanent resident status, at least 1,095 days in Canada in the last 5 years, and your taxes filed if the law asks. Ages 18 to 54 also need language skills and the test.

IRCC asks you to confirm that you are still eligible on the day before you sign.

Step 2. Gather your documents

Collect what you need before you start. Your online account lists what your case needs. If you are 18 to 54, that includes proof of your language skills. See the language requirement for what counts.

A document in another language needs a certified English or French translation.

Step 3. Apply online

IRCC says it encourages you to apply online. Online has built-in error checks, sends you a confirmation email, and needs no printing or mailing.

You create an online account and use it to open the application. Each adult applying needs their own account. Each adult signs their own application. If you apply with others, one adult submits all the applications together.

Start here when you are ready: apply online for citizenship.

When you must apply on paper

You apply on paper if you count time abroad as a Crown servant, or as a family member of one. You also apply on paper if you want a representative to complete and submit the application for you. On paper, the signature date must match the application date in your day count, and IRCC returns applications that arrive more than 90 days after the form date.

Step 4. Pay the fee

You pay when you are ready to submit. The adult fee is C$653 and the minor fee is C$100. See what citizenship costs for the full table.

Pay here and keep the receipt: IRCC fee list and payment. Online, you upload the receipt to your account. If you pay too little, your application is returned.

Step 5. The acknowledgement of receipt

After you submit, IRCC checks that your application is complete. Then you get an acknowledgement of receipt. It means processing has started. Keep it.

Step 6. The test invitation

If you are 18 to 54 on the day you signed, IRCC sends you an email invitation to take the citizenship test. The email comes weeks or months after you apply. No fixed time is given.

Once you have the invitation, you have 30 days to take the test.

Step 7. The test

The test has 20 questions, multiple choice or true or false. You need 15 correct. Online is the usual format, with a webcam, from home. The study book behind the test is Discover Canada. Read more on how the test works.

You get up to 3 tries in the 30 days. If you do not pass in 3 tries, you are called to a hearing with a citizenship officer. See what happens after a failed test.

Step 8. An interview, if asked

After a pass, IRCC may ask you to an interview. It is to check your identity and your documents. Not everyone gets one.

Step 9. The ceremony

When your application is approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony. You take the oath there, and you become a citizen. Read about the oath and the ceremony.

After you apply

If you withdraw before processing starts, you get all your money back. IRCC takes urgent requests only in exceptional cases.

Ready for step 7?

Most people have a gap between applying and the test. You can use it to prepare. Try our free 20-question practice test, or see prices.