Canadian Citizenship

What citizenship means

Canadian citizens, by birth or naturalization, have the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including the right to vote and run for federal office; a Canadian passport is a travel document that lets you return to Canada and travel internationally, but it isn’t what gives you voting rights. Canada recognizes dual citizenship, but your other country may have its own rules.

Who is a Canadian at birth?

Born in Canada: You’re a citizen at birth except if a parent was a foreign diplomat or certain international officials at the time of birth.
Born outside Canada to a Canadian parent: You may be a citizen by descent and can apply for a citizenship certificate (proof) to confirm.

The “first-generation limit” (citizenship by descent)

On Dec 19, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court (Bjorkquist et al. v. AG Canada) declared parts of the first-generation limit unconstitutional. The Court suspended its ruling, so the current rules still apply until the suspension ends. In May 2024, the government introduced Bill C-71 to extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation based on a parent’s “substantial connection” to Canada (proposed at 1,095 days of physical presence). In June 2025, the government announced new citizenship-by-descent legislation, tabled as Bill C-3, with the same 1,095-day connection concept. (Until new law takes effect, existing rules continue, with interim measures in place.) IRCC confirms the declaration is suspended until November 20, 2025, and outlines interim pathways some people can use while waiting.

Becoming a Canadian citizen (naturalization)

Core eligibility (most adults)

To apply for citizenship, you typically must:

be a permanent resident,
have 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in the last 5 years,
have filed taxes if required,
pass the citizenship knowledge test (ages 18–54), and
prove language ability in English or French (CLB/NCLC Level 4, ages 18–54),
then take the Oath.

Notes and helpful details:

You get an invitation; you have 30 days to complete it and up to 3 attempts.
Certain government/military employment situations may allow limited time outside Canada to count toward presence.
Applicants under 18 or 55+ aren’t required to meet the test/language requirements.

Fees

Adult (18+): $649.75 total ($530 processing + $119.75 right of citizenship).
Minor (under 18): $100.
Citizenship certificate (proof): $75.

Proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate)

If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, or you need official evidence of your status, apply for a citizenship certificate, paper or e-certificate.