Canadian Citizenship Application: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Indian foreign nationals who obtain Canadian citizenship for Indians pursue their dream of becoming permanent Canadian residents. The benefits of becoming a Canadian citizen include voting privileges and obtaining both a Canadian passport and improved career opportunities for Indian nationals.

The process of obtaining Canadian citizenship for Indians requires proper documentation alongside completion of the citizenship examination and submitting Canadian citizenship application.

Latest Facts and News

The procedure to obtain Canadian citizenship underwent several improvements through changes that were implemented in 2024.

• The system achieved growth because of the addition of online applications, which boosted processing efficiency.

• The certificate issuance process requires up to twelve months, and the grant processing takes sixteen months.

• Further testing techniques for language skills became accessible to people who were applying.

• Adult Canadian citizenship applications rose to CAD 630 for each fee payment.

The comprehensive document delivers complete guidelines for obtaining Canadian citizenship by Indians through the standard application process alongside explanations for all eligibility demands, step-by-step instructions, and correct payment details. The explanation details typical mistakes made by applicants, along with responding to common questions.

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizenship for Indian Applicants

The eligibility requirements for Canadian citizenship for Indians through naturalization for Indian nationals include two aspects.

• All applicants need to maintain Canadian permanent resident status alongside their immigration authorization.

• Indian nationals need to prove physical Canadian residency by showing 3 years of continuous residency throughout the last 5-year period.

• A requirement for tax compliance is to have submitted tax returns for three years (required by law) from the five years.

• English or French language ability is required for potential immigrants between 18 and 54 years old, who must complete a test accepted by the IRCC.

• The Canadian citizenship test represents a challenge that must be passed by those aged 18 to 54 to demonstrate their understanding of Canadian history, values, institutions, and rights of the country.

Also Read: Canada Visa Fees: Types, Fees & Factors Affecting Visa

Physical Presence Requirement

The physical presence requirement for Canadian citizenship for Indians is as follows:

• For Canadian citizenship through application, Indian residents must showcase 1,095 continuous days of residence in Canada in the preceding five years leading up to their submission.

• Temporary residents who study or work in Canada or protected persons and authorized asylum seekers can apply their days to physical presence for up to 365 days.

• The IRCC Physical Presence Calculator provides applicants with a tool to calculate precisely their Canadian physical presence period.

Language Proficiency Requirement

The language proficiency requirement for Canadian citizenship for Indians is as follows:

The English or French proficiency requirement for citizenship applicants between 18-54 years old can be proven through approved tests.

• Canadian citizenship language tests approved by the government for Indian applicants consist of these options.

• CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

• IELTS General Training (International English Language Testing System)

• TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français) acts as the approved mode of assessment for applicants to prove their French language proficiency.

• Indian applicants must achieve Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 or higher for listening and speaking in their language test to fulfil requirements.

• If a candidate finished their English or French secondary or post-secondary studies their official diploma or transcript becomes sufficient evidence of their language abilities.

Also Read: Canada Visa Refusal Letter Sample: Complete Guide

How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals seeking Canadian citizenship must submit their applications either online or by traditional paper application according to their meeting the eligibility standards. The procedures for both application methods follow these specific steps.

Online Application Process

The online application process for Canadian citizenship for Indians is as follows:

• The IRCC eligibility checklist helps to verify which requirements Indian applicants must meet before applying for Canadian citizenship.

• Open an IRCC secure account by visiting Canada.ca to start filling out your online application.

• Complete all sections of the Application Form by providing correct information about personal details combined with resident history tax documents and language test evidence.

• The application needs documents that verify residency (PR card and record of landing) and language proficiency test results, along with tax documents (CRA Notice of Assessment), besides additional supporting documentation for eligibility verification.

• The payment of the application fee includes an adult price of CAD 630, which comprises a processing fee of CAD 530 and a right of citizenship charge of CAD 100, available on IRCC's official payment portal.

• You will gain acknowledgement via AOR from IRCC after a successful application submission, which indicates your application is now being examined.

Paper Application Process

The paper application process for Canadian citizenship for Indians is as follows:

• Actions that Need Paper Applications: All individuals below 18 years old, as well as Crown servants together with legal representatives holding authority, must use paper-based applications.

• Access the Application Form by visiting Canada.ca, which features the form for your candidate category.

• Complete the paper application form by adding accurate personal information and forms showing residence records along with tax statements and language aptitude confirmation. In addition to the application form, send supporting documents including PR status evidence, tax records together with identity verification papers.

• Affix the completed application components together with the basic documents and transmit them to the official IRCC mailing facility specified in the application guide. The package needs complete sealing along with proper identification marks to stop delays during processing.

Following these specific steps enables applicants to handle their Canadian citizenship for Indian application both online or by postal methods without difficulties.

Checking Canadian Citizenship Application Status

The Canadian citizenship application status tracking system is available through the IRCC Client Application Status Tool on Canada.ca. The application status tool enables users to check current updates about the processing of their Canadian citizenship application status for Canadian citizenship for Indian residents.

Troubleshooting Delays

Canadian citizenship processing for Indian applications might experience slowing down when the following conditions arise:

• The successful submission of Canadian citizenship applications requires the proper upload of necessary documents, such as proof of residency, along with tax records and language test results.

• The submission of updated medical records during requests from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada IRCC will prevent application delays associated with expired medical exams.

• Check that you have verified the payment of the application fee because adult applicants need to pay $630 CAD while child applicants need to pay $100 CAD before you send in your application.

Also Read: Nursing Job Vacancies in Canada: Eligibility, Salary & More

Proof of Canadian Citizenship for Indian Applicants

Under the Canadian Citizenship Act, Indian-born people who have Canadian parents can gain citizenship through the right to descent. Applications seeking Canadian citizenship certificates enable recipients to demonstrate their Canadian citizenship status to obtain Canadian passports and alternative citizenship advantages.

Required Documents

Proof of Canadian citizenship can be obtained by Indian applicants through descent by presenting specific documentation.

• Indian applicants require a Canadian birth certificate or citizenship card belonging to their parents to confirm Canadian citizenship.

• A birth certificate functions as proof to demonstrate the relation between the applicant and a Canadian citizen.

Canadian Proof of Citizenship Application

Canadian proof of citizenship application follows different procedures based on the age of applicants who are Indian nationals, differing between applications for Canadian citizenship adults and Canadian citizenship application minors.

• The process for Canadian proof of citizenship application requires parental consent when minors want to apply for Canadian citizenship unless they apply independently as permanent residents.

• The application fee for a Canadian citizenship application for a minor is CAD 100.

• Minors do not need to fulfil language testing requirements nor physical residency tests for Canadian citizenship application, which results in easier processing compared to applications for Canadian citizenship adults.

Fees and Processing Times

The procedure for application for Canadian Citizenship adults and Canadian citizenship application minors by Indian citizens requires payment of specific fees in addition to certain processing durations.

• Adults: CAD 630

• Minors: CAD 100

Processing time:

• Citizenship grant: 16 months for adult applications.

• Requests for a citizenship certificate must wait 12 months when applicants base their application on descent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Canadian Citizenship for Indian Applications

The following errors should be avoided during your Canadian citizenship for Indian application to prevent delays or rejection:

• Always check that application forms contain complete information in every area besides double-checking each written section for accuracy. The application's duration can become extended through missing or incorrect elements.

• You should check your total duration of Canadian presence through the IRCC Physical Presence Calculator to confirm compliance with the essential 1,095-day requirement.

• Language verification should use certified examination scores from CELPIP, IELTS, and TEF Canada tests at minimum CLB level 4 standards or higher.

• Proceed with your application only when the payment of either the adult fee per adult at CAD 630 or the minor fee per minor at CAD 100 appears in your submission.

Conclusion

The Canadian citizenship application system functions as a crucial step toward your Canadian future, and it needs proper attention so you can secure a bright future. The implementation of proper procedures requires complete knowledge of eligibility standards along with all essential documents to minimize application problems and processing delays. The preparation of your application leads you toward fulfilling your objective of Canadian citizenship. Contact TerraTern to help with your process today!