Canadian citizenship requirements: where to start

Identify the correct application category

Use IRCC’s eligibility instructions for adults or minors. Different rules can apply to different categories and individual circumstances. This study website cannot decide whether you qualify.

Review status and physical presence

Adult applicants generally need permanent resident status and sufficient physical presence in the eligibility period. Use IRCC’s calculator and instructions, including rules for time before permanent residence, rather than simply counting three years from a PR-card date.

Check tax and language requirements

Read the tax-filing and language-evidence requirements for your category. The citizenship knowledge test and the language requirement are separate. Do not assume a practice-test result satisfies either official requirement.

Prepare for the knowledge test when required

The usual knowledge-test requirement concerns applicants aged 18–54 on the date they sign their application. The test has 20 questions, 45 minutes and a 15-answer passing threshold. Check official accessibility options and exemptions where relevant.

Consider prohibitions and special circumstances

Read IRCC’s current rules concerning prohibitions and other eligibility conditions. Seek an authorized professional for advice about your situation. Do not enter legal, travel or identity documents into our practice tools.

Use official instructions throughout

The official application checklist, fee schedule, test invitation and ceremony instructions take priority over this overview. Our free study guide links and practice can support learning, but do not replace those requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• IRCC: eligibility / admissibilité
• IRCC: processing times / délais
• IRCC: test results / résultats du test