Application for Canadian citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) – (CIT 0403)

Canada is a country that embodies multiculturalism and diversity and encourages newcomers to achieve their full potential by supporting their integration and active participation in social, cultural, economic and political affairs. We thank you for the commitment you are showing to Canada by applying to become a Canadian citizen!

This form and guide is for Permanent Residents, under 18 years of age, who do not have a Canadian parent or are not applying with their parent or legal guardian and wish to apply to become Canadian citizens on their own.

Accessing help

If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.

To download and open a PDF form, you need to have Adobe reader 10 or higher installed. Mobile devices such as iPads, tablets and mobile phones can’t be used for IRCC forms.

If you are having difficulties downloading the form, visit How do I download and open a PDF form for IRCC’s website? in the Help Centre.

Steps to Canadian Citizenship

• Step 1 – Make sure the minor is eligible
• Step 2 – Calculate how long a minor has been in Canada
• Step 3 – Gather documents
• Step 4 – Complete the application form
• Step 5 – Pay the fees
• Step 6 – Submit your application
• What happens next?
• Appendix A – Name change
• Appendix B – Date of birth correction
• Appendix C – Change of gender designation
• Appendix D – Waiver request(s)
• Need help?

Step 1 – Make sure the minor is eligible

To be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship, the minor:

• must be under 18 years of age on the day you sign the application
• must be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada
• must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply
• may need to file personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period, if required under the Income Tax Act
  • Find out if you need to file your taxes
• can’t already have a Canadian parent
• can’t have any unfulfilled conditions relating to their permanent resident status
• can’t be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada)
• can’t be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds

Check to make sure the minor is eligible to apply

The five (5) year eligibility period is only the five (5) years before the date you sign your application.

The five (5) year eligibility period includes the time since the minor became a permanent resident and each day that the minor was physically present in Canada as an authorized temporary resident or protected person before they became a permanent resident, if applicable.

This is the time period you will use in the Physical Presence Calculator.

If the minor is applying at the same time as their parent, or already has a Canadian parent, please use the Application for Canadian citizenship - Minors (under 18 years of age) under subsection 5(2).

Exception to citizenship by birth in Canada

A child born in Canada is not a Canadian at birth if they were born to:

• a foreign diplomat,
• a representative or employee in Canada of a foreign government,
• an employee in the service of a person mentioned above,
• an officer or employee of a specialized agency of the United Nations or another international organization who is granted diplomatic privileges or immunities.

This does not apply if the other parent was a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child’s birth.

Who can submit the application on behalf of the minor?

A person with custody of the minor, or who is empowered to act on the minor’s behalf can submit the application. This can be:

• a biological parent with legal custody of the minor
• an adoptive parent with legal custody of the minor
• a person or agency that can provide court documents confirming custody of the minor
• a person or agency that can provide an order of permanent guardianship of the minor

Waiver of the requirement that a person applies on behalf of the Minor Applicant

The Citizenship Act requires applications for minors (under 18) applying under subsection 5(1) be submitted by:

• a person who has custody of the minor, or
• by a person who is empowered to act on behalf of the minor by virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law.

In exceptional cases, a minor will not have access to an individual who meets this criteria. The Citizenship Act allows for the minor to apply where the Minister waives this requirement. For us to consider the application, a minor must request a waiver of this requirement. To request a waiver, the minor must check the boxes in sections 1B and 20 of the application form declaring that they cannot obtain the necessary signature of the person who can make the application and are therefore requesting a waiver of this requirement.

The act of checking the boxes is not a confirmation or indication that the waiver request is accepted. We will consider the request. We may ask for supporting documents or evidence to support the request for a waiver and then communicate the decision to the minor or individual, firm or organization appointed by the minor as appropriate.

If the waiver request is not accepted, we will not be able to accept the application for processing without the application being submitted by a person who is eligible to do so. We will return the application to you and refund the application fee.

Possible loss of other citizenship

The minor could lose their present nationality or citizenship if they become a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, please contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country of the minor’s present nationality before applying for Canadian citizenship.

Step 2 – Calculate how long a minor has been in Canada

Use the online calculator to check that a minor meets the requirement for physical presence (time spent in Canada) for Canadian citizenship. Then print the result and include it when you send us the application.

If you cannot use the calculator, fill out our form: How to Calculate Physical Presence form [CIT 0407] (PDF, 1.85 MB). Be sure to carefully check your calculations as any errors can cause delays in processing the application.

For more information, visit the Physical Presence Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 3 – Gather documents

Submit the following documents with the application:

1. Application for Canadian Citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) [CIT 0403] (PDF, 2.88 MB).

2. Original printout of the minor’s Online Physical Presence Calculation or completed How to Calculate Physical Presence form [CIT 0407] (PDF, 1.85 MB).

3. Photocopy of proof you are the person with custody of the minor or are legally empowered to act on the minor’s behalf. You must submit one of the following documents:

• A birth certificate listing you as the parent;
• Adoption order;
• Documents issued by the provincial/territorial courts granting custodial guardianship;
• order of permanent guardianship

Exception: If the minor is requesting a waiver of the signature requirement.

4. Passports and travel documents the minor must provide colour photocopies of all pages of passport(s) and travel documents (valid and cancelled) for the five (5) year eligibility period, including the biographical page which includes: name, photo, date and place of birth, document number, issue date and expiration date.

Also, provide colour photocopies of any renewal pages of the passport(s) and travel documents.

• If the minor’s passport or travel document validity was extended, include a photocopy of the page(s) containing the extension stamp(s)
• If the minor does not have a passport or travel document, provide an explanation in question 15 of the application form

5. Photocopy of two (2) pieces of identification, one which must have a photo.

Examples:

• a copy of the biographical page of the minor’s passport or travel document can be used as one (1) piece of identification;
• permanent resident card (PR card);
  • A PR card may only be used as personal identification if your second piece of personal identification was issued by the Canadian government.
• identity card issued by a provincial/territorial/federal government;
• social services card;
• a Canadian driver’s licence;
• a Canadian health insurance card;
• school identification card;
• non-government issued identification;
• foreign identity documents.

For a minor under school age, examples of identification you can submit include:

• a passport page containing the minor’s photo and personal details,
• a hospital or immunization record.

The following documents are not acceptable as pieces of identification:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) card;
• Bank cards;
• Credit cards.

6. Two (2) identical citizenship photos

• print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo

7. Fee Receipt - The application fee of $100.00 per minor paid online.

8. Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476), if applicable.

• For instructions on completing the Use of Representative form (IMM 5476), see: Guide IMM 5561 – Use of a Representative
• Document Checklist [CIT 0560] (PDF, 0.90 MB) to make sure your application package is complete.

Step 4 – Complete the application form

• You must answer all the questions on this form unless instructed otherwise
• Download and fill out the form on a computer.
• You also have the option to save your form and fill it out later.
• Read and follow the questions below to help you fill out the form.

Important information: If you are completing this application for a minor under 18 years of age, remember all questions are about the minor.

Question 7

Home address in Canada

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies to you
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
• City or Town
• Country or territory
• Province or State
• Postal Code
• District, if it applies to you

Note: Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding Service does not forward parcels and a citizenship application package is considered a parcel. If we need to return your application package to you because it is incomplete, the package will be returned to us instead of being forwarded to the address you have indicated with Canada Post. If your application package is returned to us by Canada Post, it will not be processed.

Mailing address

Select “Yes” from the drop down menu to tell us if the address you live at is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, type the following information:

• P.O. box, if it applies to you
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies to you
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
• City or Town
• Country or territory
• Province or State
• Postal Code
• District, if it applies to you.

Phone number(s)

Check the correct box to tell us if your other telephone number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

Choose the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell or mobile)
• Business (work)

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Note: Providing an alternative phone number is optional.

Email address

If you have one, type your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: Make sure you check your email regularly. Any emails sent to you by IRCC will end in:

• “@cic.gc.ca”
• “@canada.ca” or
• “@international.gc.ca”.

Please add these to your “safe senders” list in your email program and check the junk mail folder in case important emails get filtered. If we find that your email address does not work or no longer exists, we will communicate with you by mail.

By giving us your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing us to send your correspondence, including file and personal information electronically to this address.

Question 8

Contact information for the person applying on behalf of the minor

Home address in Canada

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies to you
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
• City or Town
• Country or territory
• Province or State
• Postal Code
• District, if it applies to you.
  • Correspondence will be sent to the person applying on behalf of the minor and not the minor directly
  • All correspondence will go to this address unless you give us your e-mail address.
  • Indicating an e-mail address will authorize all correspondence, including file and personal information, to be sent to the e-mail address you specify
  • If you wish to authorize the release of information from your application to a representative, indicate their e-mail and mailing address on the IMM5476

Note: Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding Service does not forward parcels and a citizenship application package is considered a parcel. If we need to return your application package to you because it is incomplete, the package will be returned to us instead of being forwarded to the address you have indicated with Canada Post. If your application package is returned to us by Canada Post, it will not be processed.

Mailing address

Select “Yes” from the drop down menu to tell us if the address you live at is the same as your mailing address. If “No”, type the following information:

• P.O. box, if it applies to you
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies to you
• Street Number (No.)
• Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
• City or Town
• Country or territory
• Province or State
• Postal Code
• District, if it applies to you

Phone number(s)

Check the correct box to tell us if your other telephone number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

Choose the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell or mobile)
• Business (work)

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Email address

If you have one, type your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net

Note: Make sure you check your email regularly. Any emails sent to you by IRCC will end in:

• “@cic.gc.ca”
• “@canada.ca” or
• “@international.gc.ca”

Please add these to your “safe senders” list in your email program and check the junk mail folder in case important emails get filtered. If we find that your email address does not work or no longer exists, we will communicate with you by mail.

By giving us your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing us to send your correspondence, including file and personal information electronically to this address.

Question 10

Physical presence and the five (5) year eligibility period

The eligibility period is five (5) years before the date you sign your application. The minimum amount of time you need to be physically present in Canada is 1095 days within the five years immediately before applying.

We encourage applicants to apply with more than the minimum requirement of 1095 days of physical presence, to account for any miscalculations of absences, or any other aspect that could lower the physical presence total below 1095 days.

Note: Is the minor applying too early? If the minor applies before they meet the physical presence requirements, they will not qualify for citizenship. The application will be returned and the minor will have to re-apply later.

You must complete and submit the printout of your Online Physical Presence Calculation. If you have not already completed this step please do so by visiting the Online Physical Presence Calculator.

Note: We strongly encourage you to use the online calculator as it is the most accurate way to check your eligibility. If you are unable to use the Online Physical Presence Calculator, you may complete the How to Calculate Physical Presence form (CIT 0407) (PDF, 1.85 MB).

You may be able to use some of your time spent in Canada as an authorized temporary resident or protected person towards your physical presence calculation. Each day spent physically in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident within the last five (5) years, will count as one half day, with a maximum of 365 days towards your physical presence.

Temporary resident status includes lawful authorization to enter or remain in Canada as a:

1. visitor,
2. student,
3. worker or,
4. temporary resident permit holder

Note: If you were issued work or study permits while your refugee claim and/or Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) was being assessed, these documents did not grant you temporary resident status. You can’t claim temporary resident time for those periods.

A protected person is someone who:

• was found to be in need of protection or a convention refugee by the Immigration and Refugee Board

  or

• received a positive decision on a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

If you are claiming time as a Protected Person, the only time allowed is the time from when you received a positive Protected Person decision on your refugee claim or PRRA application until the day before you became a Permanent Resident.

1. Enter the “To” date from your physical presence calculator. This date is the last day in your eligibility period which is found on the physical presence summary or printout.
2. There are very rare situations that will allow you to count time outside of Canada towards your physical presence calculation. If you resided outside of Canada because either:
   • you; and/or
   • your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or common law partner; or
   • your permanent resident parent

   were employed outside Canada (not as a locally engaged person) in or with:

   • the Canadian Armed Forces
   • the federal public administration
   • the public service of a province or territory

Select “Yes” from the drop down menu, complete the Residence Outside of Canada form [CIT 0177] (PDF, 1.55 MB) and submit any supporting documents requested in that form with your application.

If you have no time to count, select “No” and continue to the next question without filling out the form CIT 0177.

Question 12

Tell us if the minor has had immigration, permanent resident status and/or citizenship in any other country outside of Canada (e.g. your country of birth)

• Check either “Yes” or “No”.
• If you check “Yes”, complete the chart.
• Tell us which countries you have held status in, and exactly what status you held or currently hold (Citizen, permanent resident, visitor, worker, student, protected person, refugee claimant)
• Date you obtained each status(YYYY-MM-DD)
• End date if no longer valid, if applicable (YYYY-MM-DD). Leave blank if you currently hold this status

Question 13

1. Select “Yes” or “No” to indicate if the minor has attending an educational institutional or participated in English/French language training for this five (5) year eligibility period.

   If the minor is under 14 years of age on the date you sign the application, please submit photocopies of official education record(s) in which the minor attended an educational institution in the past 5 years.

   Official education records are:

   • Report cards;
   • Transcripts; or
   • Attendance records.

   Note: Student identification cards and letters from institutions, teachers or principals are not accepted as official education records.

   Home schooling: If the minor was home schooled in the past 5 years, submit photocopies of written proof of registration as determined by the respective Ministry of Education in the province or territory where you live.

   If no, explain why these documents are not in your possession in the space provided.

   Note: Minors 14 years of age and over on the date you sign the application are not required to submit education records upfront with the application

2. Select “Yes” or “No” to indicate if you have all of the required photocopies of official education records.

3. Tell us what you have been doing during the five (5) year eligibility period. You must list all your work and study history including English/French language training inside or outside Canada for the five (5) year eligibility period. Press the (+) plus button if you need more space.

   • If you were not working because you were studying, unemployed, retired, a caregiver, homemaker or volunteering for any part of this time, provide that information, including the location.
   • If you were self-employed, you must provide details of your self-employment.
   • If you have multiple occupations/activities that are present, type “present” instead of putting a date.

   You must provide information that covers the five (5) year eligibility period, being sure to account for each month.

   Do not leave any gaps during this period and do not leave this section blank. If you do, your application will be returned to you

   Note: If the minor was not alive during part of their eligibility period, use their date of birth as the start of their eligibility period

Question 14

Income tax information

To determine if the minor was required, under the Income Tax Act, to file income taxes, please refer to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) information on Newcomers to Canada (immigrants). To check the minor’s personal tax information, you may refer to the CRA’s My Account online service.

1. If you have one, provide the 9-digit number for your
   • social insurance number (SIN)
   • temporary tax number (TTN), and/or
   • individual tax number (ITN)
2. In the chart, tell us about your income tax filing for the last 5 years.
   • Under the Required to file column
     • check “Yes” if you needed to file a tax return that year
     • check “No” if you didn’t need to file a tax return that year
   • Under the Taxes filed column
     • check “Yes” if you filed a tax return that year
     • check “No” if you didn’t file a tax return that year

   Note: The tax years are auto generated once you enter your eligibility period in question 9. Additionally, you need to complete this chart in full even if you didn’t live in Canada for part of your 5 year eligibility period.

3. Select “Yes” to authorize the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to provide details of the minor’s tax filing information (including income, benefit, and residence information) to IRCC. By selecting “Yes” you are also authorizing IRCC to collect the minor’s tax filing information from the CRA to help determine whether the minor meets the income tax requirement and physical presence requirement for citizenship as well as to examine the minor’s tax information in activities to support quality assurance and integrity in the citizenship program.

Please note that if consent is not provided, the application will be returned as incomplete and will not be processed.

Question 15

Tell us if the minor held travel documents and/or passports during their five (5) year eligibility period by checking the appropriate box Check either yes or no.

If you check “Yes”, complete the chart:

• Type your valid passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.
• Select the name of the country or territory that issued your passport or travel document (issuing authority)
• the place (city or town) the document was issued
• the date the document was issued
• the expiry date of the document. Leave blank if there is no expiry date.

Note: Please submit COLOUR photocopies of ALL PAGES of passports or travel documents held during the five (5) year eligibility period or since the minor became a permanent resident if this happened less than five years ago

If the minor does not have a travel document or passport that was/is valid during their five (5) year eligibility period or there are gaps of time between the validity of any passports or travel documents, explain why in the space provided.

Question 16

Certain conditions outlined in the Citizenship Act may affect a minor’s application for citizenship. Answer all of the questions by selecting yes or no. For any yes responses provide details for the minor.

IRCC does not need to know whether the minor has been found guilty of an offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act if the sentence was a youth sentence and it has successfully been completed.d.

• Check the declaration to confirm to confirm that you have read and understood the situations that prevent the minor from becoming a Canadian citizen.
• If you checked Yes to any of the situations that prevent the minor from becoming a Canadian citizen provide details in the explanation box

Note: IRCC checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) to find out if there are any criminal or security reasons which could prevent the minor from acquiring Canadian citizenship. Also, the minor’s entry to Canada and status will be verified with Immigration officials.

The minor’s fingerprints and/or court documents may be required to ensure that the minor is not prohibited under the Citizenship Act. Please do not include fingerprints and/or court documents in the application. If needed, a separate request will be sent by IRCC. The minor may also need to attend an in-person interview. If you receive a notice to appear, both you and the minor must attend the interview.

warning: The minors’ citizenship can be taken away (revoked) if, at the time they take the oath (required if 14 years of age or older), you or the minor knows that any of the above prohibitions apply to the minor.

Question 17

Citizenship Certificate Type

If your application is approved you will be issued a citizenship certificate as proof of citizenship. Citizenship certificates come in either paper or electronic (printable PDF) format. Citizens can have only one type of certificate but are allowed to print a copy of their electronic certificate.

Check the box next to the type of citizenship certificate that you would like to receive, either paper or electronic citizenship certificate.

Question 18

Select “Yes” if you authorize IRCC to provide your personal information to your federal Member of Parliament (MP).

Select either “Yes” or “No” to indicate if the person applying on behalf of the minor authorizes IRCC to disclose the minor’s name, residential address, and preferred official language to the minor’s federal Member of Parliament so that a letter of congratulations can be sent if the minor becomes a Canadian citizen. No other information will be forwarded.

Question 19

Select “Yes” or “No” to indicate if a minor under 14 years of age wishes to participate in a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of citizenship.

Minors under 14 years of age are not required to attend a citizenship ceremony to take the oath of citizenship. Generally, citizenship certificates are mailed to the applicant.

Note: Minors aged 14 and over must take the oath of citizenship.

If a minor aged 14 and over is unable to understand the significance of taking the oath of citizenship due to mental disability, they can request a waiver of the oath of citizenship. To request an oath waiver, please provide a Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers [CIT 0547] (PDF, 2.59 MB), filled out by a medical professional licensed to practice in Canada. Any additional documentation that we should consider with the waiver request should also be included.

• Requesting a waiver does not guarantee it will be approved. Waiver requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Question 20

Signatures

The person applying on behalf of the minor (i.e. the person who checked question 1 stating that they have custody of the minor, or are empowered to act on behalf of the minor by virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law) must sign the application. Please sign the application form with the signature you currently use on other official documents.

Minor applicants between the ages of 14 and 17 years of age must also sign the application.

If the minor is requesting a waiver of the requirement for a person with custody of the minor or who is empowered to act on the minor’s behalf to make the application, the minor must check the box under the signature box declaring that they cannot obtain the necessary signature of the person who can make the application, and are therefore requesting a waiver of this requirement.

When this box is checked, we will consider the request and may ask for supporting documents or evidence to support the decision to be taken on the minor’s waiver request regarding the signature of the guardian or person empowered to act on their behalf.

• Type the city where you applying from
• Type the date you will sign the application. The date you sign the application must be the same date as the application date in the printout of your Online Physical Presence Calculator.

Print and provide a handwritten signature.

Note: Your application will be returned to you if it is:

• not signed and dated
• dated more than 90 days before we receive it
• post-dated (dated into the future)

Make sure that the date of signature on the application and the application date on the physical presence calculator printout are the same.

The minor must be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.

Once the application is completed, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form. This will generate a barcode page– see image below. If this application form is completed on a computer and printed, you must place the barcode page on the top of your application (or if applying as a group, each individual application package).

• If a barcode does not appear, find out why and how to fix the issue.

Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hands

---

Note

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:

• the name and signature of the authorized person;
• their official position or title;
• the name of the original document;
• the date they certified the document; and
• the phrase “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”.

Who can certify copies?

Only authorized people can certify copies.

Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

People authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

• a notary public;
• a commissioner of oaths; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits.

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.

Outside Canada:

• a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.

Step 5 – Pay the fees

You must pay your fees online. If you have forgotten your password for the online payment system, please visit How do I reset my password for the online payment system in the Help Centre

The fee is $100 for each applicant under 18 years of age applying for Canadian citizenship.

Calculating your fees

If more than one member of the family is applying for Canadian citizenship (for example, minor siblings applying together), please pay the fees all together.

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. After you pay, print the receipt and include it with your application.

Explanation of fees and refund

This section describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable. All payment must be made in Canadian funds.

Processing Fee

Amount: $100 for each minor applicant.

You cannot get a refund of your processing fee once we start processing your application, even if you are refused.

Step 6 – Submit your application

Send your completed application to one of the following addresses:

What happens next?

Processing your application

The list below presents the phases of the Citizenship process of most applications. In some cases, processing may take longer.

Application review and file creation

In cases where a minor has made a waiver request in Section 1B and 20 of the application form, the Case Management Branch will make a decision on the request. This decision will determine if the application can continue to be processed.

The Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney makes sure the application

• meets the minimum processing requirements;
• includes all the required documents;
• has paid the right fee.

You will receive:

• acknowledgement of receipt;
• correspondence asking for more information (in some cases)

Your application will be returned if:

• it doesn’t meet the minimum processing requirements
• doesn’t include the correct fee payment; and/or
• isn’t complete

If your application is returned, we’ll send you a letter that explains why your application is incomplete and what the next steps are.

The letter will tell you:

• which forms, documents or fees are missing
• if you have to
  • fill out a new application form
    • if so, use the newest version of the form: Application for Canadian Citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) [CIT 0403] (PDF, 2.88 MB)
    • sign and date the form
  • recalculate your physical presence/time you’ve lived in Canada (opens in a new tab) 
    • if so, include the new calculator printout when you resubmit the application
  • submit a new fee receipt
    • if the letter doesn’t ask for a new receipt, include the same receipt used for the first form when you resubmit the application
  • resubmit any documents

Be sure to check the Document Checklist [CIT 0560] (PDF, 0.90 MB). Once you get the information we ask for in the letter, resubmit your complete application.

Decision

• The IRCC office completes the steps necessary for a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge to make a decision on the application.
• The applicant and person applying on their behalf may be asked to come to the IRCC office for an interview to:
  • review the original documents submitted in support of the application,
  • all passports and travel documents for the five (5) year eligibility period or since the minor became a permanent resident.

Correspondence you may receive:

• Notice to appear to take the oath of citizenship;
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship received at the ceremony after taking the oath of citizenship;
• Notice of a negative decision of the minor’s request to waive the requirement that the application be made by a person with custody/empowered to act on behalf of the minor;
• Notice to appear for an interview with a citizenship official; and/or,
• Notice to appear for a hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge.

Take the oath

If, up until this point, the minor meets all the requirements for citizenship, and is 14 years of age or older, the final requirement is to take the oath of citizenship to become a Canadian citizen!

Minors 14 years of age and older will receive a Notice to Appear with the location and time to attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of citizenship before a citizenship judge or presiding official. Once the oath is taken, the minor will receive their Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.

Minors under 14 years of age are not required to take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony. However minors are welcome to attend a citizenship ceremony. If you would like them to attend a ceremony, please check the box “Yes” in question 10 on the application form.

 To avoid delays or closure of the minor’s application, tell us as soon as possible if you/ the minor can’t attend the scheduled ceremony.

 Remember to tell us if any of the situations that prevent a person from becoming a citizen apply to the minor when arriving at the ceremony.

If a minor aged 14 and over is unable to understand the significance of taking the oath of citizenship due to mental disability, a waiver can be requested. To request an oath waiver, please provide a Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers [CIT 0547] (PDF, 2.59 MB), filled out by a medical professional licensed to practice in Canada. You should also provide any additional documentation that we should consider with your waiver request.

• Requesting a waiver does not guarantee it will be approved. Waiver requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not notify us of any change in your/the minor’s contact information, and we can’t reach you, the minor’s application could be abandoned or closed.

Remember, Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding Service does not forward parcels and a citizenship application package is considered a parcel.

Protecting your information

Your personal information:

• is only available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you,
• may be shared, with your consent, with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the purposes of validating your tax filing information; and
• is not disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Citizenship Regulations.

For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre.

Appendix A – Name Change

Consult the information below to determine the documents that are to be included with the minor’s application.

If you have legally changed the minor’s name within Canada

Then you must submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority. The document must show both the minor’s previous and amended names.

The following documents are accepted:

• legal change of name document;
• court order specifying name change;
• adoption order.

The following documents are accepted for changes to family name only:

• marriage certificate;
• divorce decree;
• registration or declaration of union issued by civil authorities;
• revocation of declaration or annulment of union issued by civil authorities;
• registration for common-law relationship, in provinces that permit changes of name for common-law relationships under their provincial/territorial law.

If you have legally changed the minor’s name outside Canada and the minor is residing in Canada

Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:

• a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
• a foreign name change document that links the minor’s previous name to the new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation); and
• a document in the new name from Canadian provinces/territories (ex. driver’s license, health card).

If you have legally changed the minor’s name outside Canada and the minor is residing outside Canada

Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:

• a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
• a foreign name change document that links the minor’s previous name to the new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation) or other foreign legal change of name document issued by foreign authorities; and
• an authoritative national or state/province (or equivalent) issued photo identification document issued in the country, territory or state/province in which the minor resides that displays the new name, such as:
  • a foreign passport or other travel documents, if the minor is a dual citizen;
  • a state/provincial (or equivalent) identification card.

If you have applied and obtained an amendment to the minor’s Record of Landing, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence due to errors made by Canadian immigration officials when recording the minor’s name, then you must submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of name.

 Important information: Once processing of the application has begun a name change can only be made due to an administrative error made by the Department, or a legal change of name.

 Important information: You cannot request a change of an adopted person’s name after Part 2 of the application has been submitted.

If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the request for a change of name, the name that appears on the citizenship certificate will be the name listed on the adoption order.

Appendix B – Date of Birth Correction

The date of birth on the minor’s citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on their immigration document unless you:

• have corrected the date of birth on the minor’s immigration document; or,
• have legally changed it after arriving in Canada; or,
• are requesting a different date of birth for the minor’s citizenship certificate and you can provide supporting documents.

If the date of birth has been corrected on the immigration document,
you must provide a copy of:

• an approved Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688); and
• the new corrected Permanent Resident Card (if the minor has one).

If you have legally changed the minor’s date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order,
then you must provide a copy of

• provincial/territorial court order changing the minor’s date of birth; and
• completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for Citizenship [CIT 0464] (PDF, 1.77 MB).

If the minor did not change the date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order and the date of birth has not been corrected on the minor’s immigration document,
you must provide a copy of:

• a refused Request to Amend the Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688); and
• completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for Citizenship [CIT 0464] (PDF, 1.77 MB); and
• documents to support the minor’s new date of birth.

Important information:You cannot request a change in your date of birth after your application has been submitted. If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the date of birth requested, the citizenship certificate will reflect the date of birth indicated on your immigration document.

Important information: If you do not have a provincial/territorial court order changing your date of birth, you must first request an amendment to your immigration document before requesting a different date of birth on your citizenship certificate.

For more information. For information on amending your immigration document refer to the guide Request to Amend Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents (IMM 5218).

Appendix C – Change of Gender Designation

If the minor would like to use a different gender than the one on the immigration document or need to change the gender on their citizenship certificate, complete and submit the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) with your application.

Appendix D – Waiver Request(s)

If the minor is 14 and over and is requesting a waiver of the oath of citizenship, please submit the Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers [CIT 0547] (PDF, 2.59 MB), filled out by a medical professional (physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner) licensed to practice in Canada.

Waivers of the oath of citizenship only occur if the minor is unable to understand the significance of taking the oath of citizenship due to mental disability.

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