Canadian Citizenship for Indians: Eligibility, Process, Cost 2025

Canadian citizenship for Indians is such a dream for so many, and people keep searching for it. Getting Canadian citizenship is not that difficult, and if you are looking for ways to get your Canadian citizenship, then you are at the right place. Canada plans to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2026, creating unprecedented opportunities for Indian applicants. Here is the blog for you to help you understand everything about Canadian citizenship for Indians, from Canadian citizenship benefits for Indians, Canadian citizenship for Indian students, Canadian citizenship rules for Indians & more.

Latest Facts & News

• Canada’s 2025 immigration target includes 117,500 newcomers under economic programs (Express Entry).

• New language test options (CELPIP and IELTS) are accepted for citizenship applications.

• Processing time for citizenship applications was reduced to 16 months in 2025.

• Dual citizenship is permitted for Indians, but surrender of an Indian passport is mandatory.

• Tax compliance is now linked to citizenship eligibility under updated IRCC rules.

Types of Canadian Citizenship for Indians

There are two main types of Canadian citizenship for Indians:

1. Canadian Citizen by Birth

The first category includes people who become Canadian citizens through Canadian birthright legal proceedings. The birth of Canadian children with at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident parent falls under this category for Indians.

2. Canadian Citizen by Naturalization

The naturalisation process enables people without Canadian birth citizenship to gain Canadian nationality. The process of naturalisation stands as the leading way for Indians to obtain Canadian citizenship, which includes these fundamental requirements:

• Permanent Residency status stands as a necessary achievement for Indians wishing to seek citizenship in Canada.

• To apply, the applicant must demonstrate physical Canada presence for 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years before applying.

• The requirements demand passing a language examination for English or French proficiency.

• Passing a test on Canadian historical facts together with symbolic items and institutional background and core values is mandatory.

• Permanent Residents must maintain their good standing status with Canadian residency alongside fulfilment of tax regulations.

• All candidates need to be 18 years old before starting their independent application process.

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

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizenship for Indians: Updated

In order to obtain Canadian citizenship, Indian nationals must fulfil certain eligibility criteria in four key areas (number of days of residence, tax compliance, language proficiency, and documentation). Let us break down below in detail the requirements and common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Residency Requirement: 1,095 Days in 5 Years

Physical presence within Canada for 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years prior to application to the program is required for applicants.

• Pre-PR Time Calculation: Days spent in Canada as a temporary resident (i.e., student or worker) are deemed half days to a maximum of half a year (i.e., 36 days).

• Proof Required: Submit journal, passport, and Physical Online Presence Calculator.

Common Pitfalls:

• Taking days off between travels.

• Failing to track exits/entries accurately.

2. Tax Compliance and Filing

To be eligible, applicants have to file Canadian taxes for 3 years in the 5-year eligibility period.

• Unresolved tax debts or unfiled returns are reasons for rejection.

• Exemptions: You remain responsible to the Canada Revenue Agency if you make less than the taxable threshold.

• Filing retroactively and keeping tax records, although a tax professional should be consulted in that event.

3. Language Proficiency (English/French)

The applicants who will apply should have CLB/NCLC at level 4 for speaking and listening.

Exemptions: Applicants under 18 or over 54.

Common Mistakes:

• Submitting invalid test results (expired for 2 years).

• Overestimating language skills without formal testing.

Documentation Requirements for Canadian Citizenship for Indians

Listed below are the documents required for Canadian citizenship for Indians:

• Permanent Resident Card or Record of Landing (IMM 1000)

• Passport (colour photocopy of all pages)

• Online Physical Presence Calculator printout

• Tax documents (Notices of Assessment or T4 slips)

• Language proficiency test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada)

• Completed and signed Citizenship Application Form (CIT 0002)

• Two legal photo ID proofs

• Two passport-style photos

• Proof of name change (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Surrender Certificate (for those who held Indian citizenship after June 2010)

• Birth certificates of Canadian-born children (if applicable)

• Criminal record check (if required)

• Certified translations for non-English or non-French documents

Canadian Citizenship Benefits for Indians

Below are the Canadian citizenship benefits for Indians:

• Right to vote and run for political office

• Canadian passport allowing visa-free travel to 185+ countries

• Enhanced job opportunities, including government positions

• No need to renew permanent resident status

• Dual citizenship option (Canada allows it, but India doesn't recognise it)

• Automatic citizenship for children born to Canadian citizens

• Access to free healthcare through the public healthcare system

• Free education up to the age of 18

• Social Security benefits (unemployment insurance, pensions, child benefits)

• Easier entry and exit from Canada

• Consular support when travelling abroad

• Tax benefits, including child tax benefits and GST/HST credit

• Freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada without provincial restrictions

• Stronger sense of belonging and integration into Canadian society

Also Read: Canada Visa Refusal Letter Sample: Complete Guide

Canadian Citizenship for Indians: Updated Cost 2025

Here's a table summarising all the costs associated with obtaining Canadian citizenship for Indians:

Canadian Citizenship for Indians Processing Time

According to IRCC updates from January 2025 on immigration records, the average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications from Indians is 7 months. This applies to citizenship grants (standard applications), while other categories vary:

Step-by-Step Application Process for Canadian Citizenship for Indians

Here is the step-by-step process for applying for Canadian citizenship for Indians:

1. Check Eligibility

• Ensure you qualify on residency requirements: 1,095 days in 5 years

• Check your age, permanent resident status, and language ability

2. Required Documents

• Permanent Resident Card or Landing Record

• Passport(s)

• Language test results: IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada

• Income tax returns for 3 of the last 5 years

• Two pieces of identification

3. Complete Application Form

Application form CIT 0002 - Application for Canadian Citizenship - Adults

Verify everything for accuracy

4. Pay Application Fees

• $630 CAD for adults (which includes $530 processing fee and $100 right of citizenship fee)

• $100 CAD for minors under 18

5. Submit Application

• Apply online through the IRCC secure portal

• Or mail your application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia

6. Biometrics Appointment (if required)

• Attend a biometrics appointment if notified by IRCC

7. Citizenship Test Preparation

• Study for the citizenship test using the official study guide "Discover Canada"

8. Attend the Citizenship Test and Interview

• Take the citizenship test (usually 30 minutes, 20 multiple-choice questions)

• Participate in a brief interview with a citizenship officer

9. Receive Decision

• Wait for IRCC to process your application and make a decision

10. Citizenship Ceremony

• If approved, attend a citizenship ceremony

• Take the Oath of Citizenship

• Receive your citizenship certificate

11. Apply for Canadian Passport

• After receiving citizenship, apply for a Canadian passport

Canadian Citizenship for Indian Students

Indian students in Canada can transition from temporary study permits to permanent residency (PR) and eventually citizenship through structured pathways. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process, financial aid options, and key requirements:

1. From Study Permit to PR: Express Entry Strategies

The most common pathway is to use the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Express Entry programs:

• Study Permit: Study at a designated Canadian institution and complete your program.

• PGWP: Acquire a PGWP, which can be used for up to 3 years, to acquire work experience in Canada.

• Express Entry: Enter through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after 1 year of skilled work (NOC TEER 0-3).

Requirements:

• 1,560 hours of work in Canada (full-time/part-time).

• Language ability (CLB 7 for NOC 0-1 occupations, CLB 5 for NOC 2-3 occupations).

• Exemptions: Self-employment or working while in full-time school (other than co-op terms).

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces (such as Saskatchewan) focus on graduates with a job offer in the province.

Tip: Utilize the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator to enhance your Express Entry profile. Improve your language test scores or secure a provincial nomination for additional points.

2. Key Steps to Citizenship Timeline

• Study Permit: 2–4 years (depending on program).

• PGWP: 1–3 years (work experience).

• PR via Express Entry: 6–8 months processing.

• Citizenship Application: 7 months average processing after meeting residency

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

Dual Citizenship Rules for Indians

Many people wonder if dual citizenship is allowed in India. Well, the Indian government adopts a policy that excludes dual citizenship while Canadian law permits it. Those who become Canadian citizens must give up their Indian passports to gain Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card status without losing their Canadian citizenship rights.

OCI Card Benefits vs. Limitations

Penalties for Not Surrendering Indian Passports

The Indian law does not allow dual citizenship at any cost. Amongst the consequences of not renouncing Indian citizenship after being granted Canadian citizenship are:

• Custody penalties: INR 10,000 – INR50,000 (180 to 900 CAD$) in case it is kept for more than 3 years.

• Travel penalties: INR10,000 (CAD 180) for any trip on an Indian passport after the grant of citizenship 79.

• Criminal charges: Imprisonment of up to 5 years for passport misuse.

However, it is free of any type of penalty if the foreign citizenship was obtained before 1 January 2005 and the Indian passport expired before the year 2005.

OCI Application Requirements

The following are the steps one needs to follow in order to apply for an OCI card while a Canadian citizen:

• Complete the tract that requires the surrender of an Indian passport and getting a surrender certificate.
• Submit:
• Proof of Indian origin (e.g., birth certificate, old passport).
• Canadian citizenship certificate and passport copy.
• Marriage certificate (if applied through a spouse).
• Pay fees: ~CAD 345 (INR 20,700).
• Processing time: 6–8 weeks.

How to Check the Status of Canadian Citizenship for Indians?

To check the status of Canadian citizenship for Indians, follow these steps:
1. In all cases, wait for an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC

2. By using one of two online tools

• Client Application Status (CAS) Tool:

• To track the status of the application that was filed, people are encouraged to visit the Client Application Status portal of IRCC.

• Entry is done by entering the university/college name, UCI, application ID and other personal information.

3. Check the status: In Progress, Congratulations, or Closed

4. Application Status Tracker (AST):

• Go to the application status tracker website and register for one.

• After that, the user account is created using the university corporation identification code, application number and other personal information.

• Track progress across six sections of the application.

5. Monitor status indicators:

• In Progress: Under review

• Congratulations!: Citizenship granted

• Closed: Rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned

6. Address common scenarios:

• Without AOR: Check whether the application is complete or confirm that it was delivered

• ”Waiting on You” status: submit the missing info as soon as possible

• Slow processing: Please refer to Iran while using IRCC’s processing times tool

7. Use additional resources if needed:

• The Canadian body responsible for immigration is the IRCC, and users can contact the body through an online form in matters that require an urgent response.

• Link paper applications to an online account if applicable

• Check through VFS Global if it was submitted to a visa center

Latest Canadian Citizenship Rules for Indian Migrants

Listed below are some of the Canadian citizenship rules for Indians:

• Must be a permanent resident of Canada

• 1,095 days of  physical presence in Canada within 5 years before applying

• File income taxes for 3 out of 5 years before application

• Demonstrate English or French proficiency (CLB Level 4+)

• Pass the citizenship test (ages 18-54)

• Good moral character, no criminal record

• Submit required documents (PR Card, proof of residence, tax documents)

• Complete the application form and pay the fees

• Attend citizenship ceremony and take Oath of Citizenship

• Surrender Indian passport (India doesn't allow dual citizenship)

Also Read: How Much IELTS Score Required for Canada Work Permit?

Common Mistakes Leading to Rejection to Canadian Citizenship for Indians

Here are the most common mistakes that can lead to rejection of Canadian citizenship for Indians application:

• Incomplete or inaccurate application forms

• Failing to meet residency requirements (1,095 days in 5 years)

• Insufficient language proficiency in English or French

• Not providing complete documentation or certified translations

• Failing to disclose criminal history or providing false information

• Unresolved financial obligations or non-payment of taxes

• Losing permanent resident status during the application process

• Failing to pass the citizenship test

• Miscalculating physical presence days in Canada

• Not declaring all family members accurately

• Submitting expired language test results

• Overlooking the requirement to file taxes for at least 3 out of 5 years

• Misrepresenting information about employment or education history

• Failing to provide evidence of ties to Canada

• Not addressing issues from previously rejected applications

Conclusion

Hence, the acquisition of Canadian citizenship for Indians is a happy achievement as it opens up many opportunities and advantages. The eligibility criteria, common blunders, and the proper procedure involved in applying for Canadian citizenship, therefore, make the process easier for Indian applicants to follow to the latter. One should also ensure that they are aware of the current laws about the operation of the business, keep documentation up-to-date, and have a lot of patience with the process. Hope this blog helped you know about Canadian citizenship for Indians, Canadian citizenship benefits for Indian, Canadian citizenship for Indian students, Canadian citizenship rules for Indians & more.

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