Canadian Citizenship Application: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

The Canadian citizenship application in 2025 is a significant move for permanent residents who want to become full Canadian citizens. The revised process in Canada has simplified, hastened, and made it more convenient and optional online and on paper.

This is the guide that tells you how to make an application successfully under the newest set of rules set by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to understand what to include in your application, what fees are necessary, what documents you need and how the online application process works, as well as the expert tips to complete your application and be sure that you pass the test and the interview.

What Is the Canadian Citizenship Application Process in 2025?

A Canadian citizenship application is a legal procedure that legitimises a permanent resident as a Canadian citizen. It gives complete rights, including the right to vote, being a holder of a Canadian passport, and enjoying all the benefits of citizenship.

There are five significant stages involved.

The following is a brief description of each step:

• Check your eligibility.

• Ensure that you qualify as a citizen according to the guidelines of IRCC.

• Prepare your documents.

• Prepare all the necessary IDs, residence documentation, and language certification.

• Submit your application.

• Select the online or paper application according to your eligibility.

• Take your test or interview.

• Do the knowledge and language tests as needed.

• Take the Oath of Citizenship.

• The last phase is to become a Canadian citizen.

Mean Turnaround Time: 5-6 months (shorter than the 12-month service norm).

Success Rate: Permanent residents who become citizens are more than 85 per cent.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for the Latest Canadian Citizenship in 2025?

To have Canadian Citizenship, you must pass specific eligibility criteria. These ensure that only qualified permanent residents are allowed to apply.

Below is a simple breakdown.

1. General Eligibility Requirements.

You must:

• Be a skilled worker in Canada.

• Have spent at least 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada during the last 5 years.

• Have already prepared taxes for at least 3 years during those 5 years.

2. Demonstrate English or French language proficiency (18–54 years old).

3. Meet the citizenship test (1854 years old).

4. Not to be under any taboo (e.g., criminal charges or illegal immigration).

Eligibility for Minors

• For a minor below 18, applying with or without a parent is possible.

• Must be permanent residents.

• There are no testing and language requirements.

• A parent or guardian should sign an application in the case of someone below 14.

Before applying, ensure you have met the 1,095-day requirement using the official IRCC Physical Presence Calculator.

What Are the Current Requirements for The Application for Canadian Citizenship Adults?

Application for Canadian citizenship adults should be 18 years and above, and must meet all the core requirements of the Canadian citizenship application.

Let's look at each one briefly.

1. Physical Presence

Before applying, you have to have lived in Canada 1,095 days over a period of 5 years.

Time in the status of a temporary resident is half-days (maximum 365 days).

2. Tax Filing

You must pay taxes for 3 out of 5 years, even though you may not have earned any income.

3. Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate the CLB level 4 or above in English or French.

Proof can include:

• Outcomes of passed language tests.

• Government-funded language program certificates.

• Canadian secondary/post-secondary transcripts.

4. Citizenship Test

It will be a 20-question quiz on the history and geography of Canada, its government, and values.

Any 15 of these questions have to be answered correctly to pass.

The test can be performed online or on a personal basis.

Prohibitions on application for Canadian citizenship for adults:

You cannot apply when you are placed on a removal order, you are on probation, or you are serving a sentence.

Also Read: Express Entry Canada

How Do Minors Apply for Canadian Citizenship in 2025? 

The Canadian citizenship application for minors is not the same as that for adults.

Types of Minor Applications

• Minor 5(2)- The minor applies to a Canadian parent or a parent who applies simultaneously.

• Minor 5(1)- No Canadian parent is required.

Requirements

• The status of a permanent resident is obligatory.

• Application Fee: CAD $100.

Signature Requirements

• Under 14: Parent/guardian signs.

• Age 14 -17: Minor and parent/guardian need to sign.

• Examination and Proficiency in Language: Not mandatory.

In the case of a minor who applies when utilising section 5(2), there is no need to meet physical presence requirements.

What Is the Latest Canadian Citizenship Application Minor Process?

The Canadian citizenship application for minors is applied to those below the age of 18 years and is classified into two categories: Minor 5(2) and Minor 5(1). Minor 5(2) is used in the cases of children whose parent is a Canadian or in the same case as their parent, the children are applying to become citizens. Application A Minor 5(1) is used if a child has parents who are not Canadian citizens. The two are similar because they have a CAD 100 processing fee and operate under the same application form, CIT 0003.

Minors must be legal citizens of Canada and submit their papers, including the evidence of PR status, birth certificate, and photo ID. No minor application requires language proof and citizenship tests. In the case of children below 14 years, the form should be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Between 14 and 17 years of age, the parent or guardian and the minor must sign.

An official IRCC guideline list comprises these requirements in terms of 5(1) and 5(2) of the Citizenship Act. The parents or guardians should review the last instructions on the IRCC site before applying.

What Are the Current Requirements for Minors Under 18?

In the case of a Canadian citizenship application for a minor, the applicant should be less than 18 years of age and a permanent resident of Canada. The processing fee is CAD 100 compared to the adult fee of CAD 630. The minors need not satisfy physical presence requirements where they are using under section 5(2), and they are not required to pass language and knowledge tests.

In the case of children below 14, the parent or legal guardian is the only one to sign the application and go through the oath ceremony on behalf of the children. Between 14 and 17 years, the minor and the parent or a guardian must sign the form, and the minor should be present during the oath ceremony. All minor applicants must use form CIT 0003 and send the supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, photo ID, and evidence of PR status, according to the official eligibility requirements of IRCC.

What Documents Do You Need for Your Canadian Citizenship Application in 2025?

You must get all documents ready before you file your application to become a citizen of Canada.

This is a list of guidelines to follow.

Mandatory Documents

• PR card or record of landing (IMM 1000).

• Do you have valid photo identification (driving license, passport, or provincial card)?

• Two citizenship photographs (IRCC photo requirements).

• Language proof (if required).

• Income tax returns (Last 3 years, CRA).

• Passport history (entrance/exit stamp).

Conditional Documents

Depending on your case:

• Evidence of change of name (if necessary).

• Evidence of custody or guardianship (minors).

• Non-English/French certified translations.

Photo Requirements

• Size: 50mm x 70mm.

• Plain white background.

• Taken within the last 6 months.

Make sure to use the official CIT 0007 checklist to ensure that it is complete.

How Much Does the Canadian Citizenship Application Cost in 2025?

IRCC has revised citizenship application fees in 2025.

Fee Breakdown

How Do You Apply for Latest Canadian Citizenship Online vs. Paper?

To apply for Canadian citizenship:

Online Application Process

The IRCC portal has become the favourite portal through which most applicants apply.

It works step by step in the following way:

• Create an IRCC account.

• Enter your Sign-In Partner or GCKey.

• Check online eligibility.

• Make sure that you are eligible to apply online (the majority of people are).

• Fill out the application form.

• Add individual information, addresses, and physical location.

• Upload your documents.

• The size and format of an upload are essential.

• Pay your fees.

• Take the safe online payment system.

• Apply.

• Once you start, you will have 60 days to do it.

• Track progress online.

• Track citizenship in real-time.

Paper Application

• You must apply on paper if:

• You are a servant or relative of the Crown.

• You have a certified immigration consultant who represents you.

• Mail your completed form to:

Case Processing Centre-Sydney, Nova Scotia.

IRCC, P.O. Box 7000, Sydney, NS B1P 6V6

Also Read: Canada Startup Visa

What Is the Current Online Canadian Citizenship Application Process in 2025?

Citizenship application is available online on the official IRCC portal to any eligible applicant aged 18 years and above, and to minors applying with a parent. The applicants will need to open an IRCC account and then be given 60 days to complete and submit their form after starting one.

Steps:

• Eligibility of the check for the online procedure.

• Open an IRCC secure account.

• Fill the online application form.

• Add all the necessary documents (PR proof, ID, photos).

• Pay the relevant CAD 630 (adult) or 100 (minor) online.

• Consider and file within the 60 days.

• View your status through the citizenship tracker.

The portal can accommodate Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, and has group or family submissions with a single account. Documents must be uploaded in the correct format and size by the applicants.

When Should You Apply Using the Latest Paper Application Method?

You must apply on paper if you are a Crown servant, applying by a representative, or ineligible to use the online portal. Paper applications have the same form (CIT 0002 in adult cases and CIT 0003 in minor cases) and contain all necessary documents and a payment voucher.

Mailing Addresses:

Regular mail:

IRCC, Citizenship Grants, Case Processing Centre, P.O. Box 7000, Sydney, NS B1P 6V6, Canada.

Courier:

The IRCC, Citizenship Grants, 49 Dorchester Street, Sydney, NS B1P 5Z2, Canada.

It is recommended that the applicants use courier services to track and deliver faster. Paper-based applications can be slower to process than online submissions.

How Can You Check Your Current Canadian Citizenship Application Status?

The Canadian citizenship application status is easily tracked through the Internet.

How to Check?

• Apply (through IRCC Citizenship Tracker).

• Use your application number and UCI.

• Check the progress in areas such as:

1. Application received
2. In progress
3. Decision made
4. Oath ceremony scheduled

Common Canadian citizenship application status explained

• Received: Received and under consideration.

• In Progress: Background checks and processing.

• Decision Made: Approved or refused.

• Closed: Applied and rejected.

What Does Each Application Status Mean in 2025?

What does each application status mean?

Received:

This implies that IRCC has already submitted your application to become a Canadian citizen and is now ready to be reviewed first. At this level, it is time to update all the applicants' contacts. No action should be taken until IRCC starts working.

In Progress:

Your application is undergoing the process. IRCC can request further documents or arrange a citizenship test or interview. This phase usually takes a few months under volume. There should be frequent reviews of the citizenship tracker by the applicants.

Decision Made:

IRCC has either given up or approved. Upon approval, the applicants will be invited to the oath ceremony. In case of denial, a letter is written about why and the possibilities of either appealing against the refusal or reapplying.

Closed:

When an application is rejected, withdrawn, or aborted, the file is indicated as closed. No additional processing is done. Students who want to continue must make another application with new documents.

All the statuses are available in the IRCC Citizenship Application Tracker, which allows applicants to follow the progress and plan the following steps effectively.

What Is the Latest Canadian Citizenship Test and How Do You Prepare?

Below is the researched information for the Canadian Citizenship Test in 2025:

Citizenship Test Details

20 proper/multiple-choice or multiple-choice questions.

• Duration: 30–45 minutes.

• Pass Mark: 15/20.

• Topics: geography, rights/responsibilities, symbols, and history.

• According to the study guide of Discover Canada.

Test Formats

• On the Internet (online) or in a BRICC office.

• You are allowed to resit the test in case you fail it. Two failures will bring you to an interview with an officer.

Citizenship Interview

• The interview will confirm your identity, place of residence, and language proficiency.

• It takes half an hour to two hours long and involves:

• Audit of documents and PR status.

There were questions concerning your stay in Canada.

Simple English/French chatting to determine competency.

What Happens During the Current Canadian Citizenship Interview?

An IRCC citizenship officer conducts the Canadian citizenship interview, ensuring eligibility and assessing your knowledge about Canada and language skills (where necessary). The interview can occur face-to-face or online and can be between 30 and 90 minutes.

Purpose of the Interview:

• Check identity, days of residency, and documents.

• Knowledge about Canada's history, values, symbols, and institutions.

• Assess the level of English or French by talking plainly.

Common Question Topics:

• Information about your living and travelling history.

• Knowledge of the Canadian rights, duties, and democracy.

• The awareness of geography, government, and symbols of the country.

What to Bring:

• Travel documents, PR card, and passport(s).

• Interview notice and application forms (copies).

• Language evidence (where necessary) and any other documents requested by IRCC.

After the Interview:

• If you are successful, you can take the citizenship test (if you have not already taken it) or attend the oath ceremony directly. In case of any concerns, IRCC can seek more information or a follow-up hearing before coming up with a ruling.

Also Read: Canada Provincial Nomination Program

How Do You Apply for Canadian Proof of Citizenship in 2025?

A Canadian proof of citizenship application is different from a grant application.

Apply this procedure if you have already become a citizen (by birth or descent) but require evidence.

Key Details of Canadian proof of citizenship application

• Form: CIT 0001

• Mean Turnaround Time: 3 months.

Required Documents:

• Birth certificate or citizenship card.

• Government-issued ID

• Evidence of Canadian Citizenship of the parent (where necessary)

What Is the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony in 2025? Experts Insights

The last process in the Canadian proof of citizenship application is the citizenship ceremony.

What Happens at the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony?

• Duration is about 1 hour.

• Held either physically or electronically.

• You will swear the Oath of Citizenship in English, French, or both.

• Get your certificate of citizenship.

• Sign the Oath form.

• Give back your PR card (it is invalid).

Once you have been given your certificate, you can immediately apply for a Canadian passport.

How Long Does the Canadian Citizenship Application Take to Process in 2025?

The mean time to process a Canadian citizenship application is 5-6 months in 2025, compared to 12 months in the past, which is much quicker.

The following are Influencing Factors of Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship Application:

• Application completeness

• Background checks

• IRCC requests a response time.

• The number of applications handed in per month.

It is essential to follow up on your application frequently and promptly reply to any messages to avoid holding up.

Can You Apply for Current Canadian Citizenship as a Family or Group? Experts Update 2025

Yes, IRCC permits applicants to apply to gain citizenship in Canada as a family or group, which allows families to apply collectively and monitor their progress under a single coordinator. The applications can be connected under one group, even though each adult should generate an individual IRCC account.

An adult will be the submission coordinator, who will apply to the whole group after all the members have filled out their forms. The adult applicants remain in control of their accounts, hence privacy and data protection.

Minors below 18 may be added to the family application of an adult. A minor can only have its profile handled by one parent or legal guardian. The system enables the applicants to initiate, join, or drop a group until the final submission.

Group applications have the advantage of simplified document submissions, coordinated processing, and communication synchronisation by the IRCC. Nevertheless, any updates on an applicant's status and final decision are personal.

What Are the Latest Common Reasons for Canadian Citizenship Application Rejection?

Rejections are frequent occurrences that are associated with preventable errors.

Here's what to watch out for:

• Incomplete applications

• Lack of physical presence.

• Missing tax records

• Lack of ability to demonstrate language.

• Wrong or absent documents.

• Bans (criminal record, fraud, etc.)

Also Read: Canada Startup Visa

What Are Your Current Rights and Responsibilities After Becoming a Canadian Citizen?

After the application for Canadian Citizenship has been approved, full citizenship rights and responsibilities are granted.

Rights

• Participate in federal, provincial, and local elections.

• Apply to get a Canadian passport.

• Run for public office.

• Work, travel, and live freely as a Canadian.

Responsibilities

• Obey Canadian laws.

• Do some jury duty when instructed.

• Pay taxes.

• Participate in civic life and vote.

And you may even have a second citizenship, as long as the laws of your other country allow.

How Can TerraTern Help with Your Canadian Citizenship Application in 2025?

The process of applying for Canadian citizenship may be complicated. That's where TerraTern helps.

Our Services Include

• Assessment and consultation of eligibility.

• Preparation and review of documents.

• Guidance on the submission of applications.

• Preparation for citizenship tests.

• Status monitoring and interview coaching.

• After the approval of the passport and settlement services.

Why Choose TerraTern?

• Seasoned immigration expert consultants.

• Success rates in the approval of citizenship.

• Individualised family and personal support.

Conclusion

The Canadian citizenship application is easier and quicker than it was years ago. The efficient system in Canada allows permanent residents to obtain citizenship within an average of 5-6 months. The applicants can save time by being eligible, having a proper physical presence of 1,095 days, and properly presenting documents to get the approval.

Regardless of whether one applies as an individual, minor, or family, it is essential to know every step involved, starting with eligibility and up to the oath ceremony and after the guidance and professional assistance, becoming a Canadian citizen as a permanent resident is easy, precise, and effective.

Contact TerraTern for more information on Canadian citizenship applications.