Apply for Canadian Citizenship in 2026: Requirements for Adults and Minors
Apply for Canadian Citizenship: A Complete Guide for Adults and Minors (2026)
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a major milestone for many permanent residents. Whether you're applying as an adult or on behalf of a child, understanding the requirements and process can help you avoid delays and improve your chances of success.
This guide explains everything you need to know about applying for Canadian citizenship in 2026—including eligibility, fees, and processing times.
Processing Time
The current average processing time for citizenship applications is:
👉 About 12 months
This timeline may vary depending on your application completeness, background checks, and whether additional documents are requested.
Application Fees (Updated March 31, 2026)
- Adults (18 and above): $653
- Minors (under 18): $100
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for Canadian citizenship as either:
- An adult (18 years or older)
- A minor (under 18 years)
Each category has its own eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Adults (18 and Above)
To qualify for Canadian citizenship as an adult, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a Permanent Resident (PR)
You must have valid PR status in Canada. This means:
- No removal order against you
- No unfulfilled PR conditions
- Not under investigation for fraud or immigration issues
👉 You can apply even if your PR card is expired (as long as your status is valid).
2. Meet Physical Presence Requirements
You must have been physically present in Canada for:
👉 At least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years
Key points:
- At least 730 days must be as a permanent resident
- Time in prison, probation, or parole does NOT count
Special Cases:
- Time as a temporary resident counts as half-days
- Maximum credit: 365 days
- Time abroad as a Crown servant counts fully
3. File Income Taxes (If Required)
You may need to have filed taxes for:
👉 At least 3 years within the last 5 years
4. Prove Language Skills (Ages 18–54)
You must demonstrate basic proficiency in English or French, including:
- Everyday conversation skills
- Understanding instructions
- Basic grammar and vocabulary
Equivalent to CLB/NCLC Level 4
5. Pass the Citizenship Test (Ages 18–54)
The test covers:
- Canadian history
- Government and laws
- Rights and responsibilities
- Geography and symbols
6. Take the Oath of Citizenship
Once approved, you must attend a ceremony and take the oath.
7. Not Be Under Prohibition
You may be ineligible if:
- You have certain criminal convictions
- You are under investigation
- You are serving a sentence
Eligibility for Minors (Under 18)
Minors can apply under two different processes:
Minor 5(2) – With a Canadian Parent
This applies if the child:
- Has a Canadian parent, OR
- Has a parent applying for citizenship at the same time
Requirements:
- Must be a permanent resident
- No removal orders or unresolved PR issues
- Application submitted by a parent or legal guardian
👉 No physical presence requirement in most cases
Minor 5(1) – Without a Canadian Parent
This applies if the child:
- Does NOT have a Canadian parent
- Is NOT applying with a parent
Requirements:
1. Permanent Resident Status
Same PR conditions as adults apply.
2. Physical Presence
- Must be in Canada for 1,095 days in the last 5 years
- At least 730 days as a PR
3. Tax Filing (if required)
- May need to file taxes for 3 years
4. Application Authority
- Must be submitted by a legal guardian or authorized person
- In some cases, the minor can apply independently
Oath Requirement for Minors
- Ages 14–17: Must take the oath
- Under 14: Not required
Important Considerations
Accessibility and Exemptions
Applicants with disabilities or special circumstances may request:
- Language exemptions
- Test exemptions
- Accommodation support
Spouses of Canadian Citizens
Being married to a Canadian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. You must still meet all eligibility requirements.
Children and Grandchildren of Canadians
Citizenship by descent may apply in some cases, but not all. Each case depends on specific legal rules.
Dual Citizenship
Canada allows dual citizenship, but:
👉 Your home country may not
Always check whether applying could result in losing your current citizenship.
Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply with more than 1,095 days to be safe
- Double-check your documents and tax history
- Ensure your PR status is valid
- Prepare for the language test and citizenship exam
Conclusion
Applying for Canadian citizenship is a detailed process, but with proper preparation, it can be straightforward. Whether you're applying as an adult or for a child, meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application are key to avoiding delays.
With processing times around 12 months, now is a great time to start your journey toward becoming a Canadian citizen.