Adults: Forms and documents to apply on paper
You’re an adult applicant if you’re at least 18 years old when you sign your application form.
If you’re applying on paper, use the information on this page to get the documents and forms you need to apply for Canadian citizenship.
If you’re applying online
Information about the required forms and documents is available in the online application account.
You may use the information on this page for reference, but you must still follow instructions in your account to apply online.
If you submit the wrong documents, it can take us longer to process your application.
All documents must be clear and easy to read. If we can’t read the information on your forms and documents
- we may return your application
- it can take longer to process your application
Required documents
You must provide all of the following forms and documents. You can open each one to get more details.
Document checklist
Download and complete the document checklist (Cit 0007).
Include the completed checklist with your mailed application.
Application form
Download and complete the citizenship application form for adults (Cit 0002).
All passports and travel documents during your eligibility period
The eligibility period
- is 5 years before the date you sign your application form
- must include 730 days you spent as a permanent resident
How to prepare the documents
Provide colour photocopies of the identity pages of your passports and travel documents.
The identity page has your
- name
- photo
- date of birth
- place of birth
- document number
- issue date
- expiration date
If you extended the validity of your passport or travel document
Include a colour photocopy of the pages with the extension stamp.
If there’s no passport or travel document during your eligibility period
Tell us why in question 14 of the application form.
Your physical presence calculation
Find out how to calculate your physical presence.
Language skills document (adults 18 to 54 only)
To show you have adequate knowledge of English or French, you must provide a copy of your language proof. This applies only if you’re signing the application when you’re between 18 and 54 years old.
Choose only 1 of these documents as your proof:
Proof of your education in English or French
You can provide this proof if you completed your secondary or post-secondary studies in English or French (whether in Canada or abroad).
You can submit a copy of your
- diploma
- official transcript
- certificate or
- report card
If the document is not in English or French, include also
- a certified translation of the document
- a letter from the school showing that the language of instruction was in English or French and
- the address and phone number of the school
Third-party English-language test
If you took a third-party English-language test, you can submit a copy of the test result.
Check the test you can submit and the required score to apply:
| Test | Required scores |
|---|---|
If you were tested on or before March 31, 20142H or higher in listening and speaking If you were tested on or after April 1, 20144 or higher in listening and speaking We accept expired CELPIP-G results. |
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If you were tested on or before March 31, 20142H or higher in listening and speaking If you were tested on or after April 1, 20144 or higher listening and speaking We accept expired CELPIP-General LS results. |
|
You need at least
|
|
If you were tested on or before November 27, 20084.0 or higher in listening and speaking If you were tested on or after November 28, 2008You need at least
We accept expired IELTS General results. |
If you lost your test result, contact the test provider.
Third-party French-language test
If you took a third-party French-language test, you can submit a copy of the test result.
Check the test you can submit and the required score to apply:
| Test | Required scores |
|---|---|
If you were tested on or before June 30, 2012Level 3 or higher in listening and speaking If you were tested on or after July 1, 2012B1 or higher in listening and speaking We accept expired TEF results. |
|
If you were tested on or before June 30, 2012Level 3 or higher in listening and speaking If you were tested on or after July 1, 2012B1 or higher in listening and speaking We accept expired TEF results. |
|
We accept all DALF scores |
|
B1 or higher |
|
B1 or higher |
|
B1 or higher |
|
Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (previously known as “TEF pour naturalisation”) |
B1 or higher |
If you lost your test result, contact the test provider.
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) or Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC) course
If you completed the course on or after November 1, 2012, submit a copy of your certificate.
If you completed the course between January 2008 and October 2012
- check the box in question 15a
- we’ll verify your certificate electronically (so you don’t need to submit it to us)
The certificate must show that your speaking and listening skills are at level 4 or higher in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
If you lost your test result, contact the course provider.
Provincial language program
If you completed a provincial language program, you can use the certificate from the program as your proof. Only British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Saskatchewan offer language programs.
British Columbia (English language only)
If you did your training in British Columbia, we accept only English Language Services for Adult (ELSA) certificates.
- It must show that your speaking and listening skills are at level 4 or higher in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
- How you provide your certificate depends on when you completed your training.
| Training completed in or after 2010 | Submit a copy of your
Certificates issued on or after November 1, 2012 automatically indicate CLB level 4 or higher (even if the certificate doesn’t state the level). |
|---|---|
| Training completed in 2008 or 2009 | Submit a copy of your ELSA certificate |
Manitoba
Submit a copy of your
- Manitoba Canadian Language Benchmark Report or
- Adult English as an Additional Language (EAL) student progress report
The report must
- be issued by the Manitoba government and
- show at least CLB level 4 in your speaking and listening skills
Nova Scotia (English language only)
Submit a copy of the Proficiency in English Nova Scotia (PENS) learner certificate. It must show that your speaking and listening skills are at CLB level 4 or higher.
If you have the PENS certificate
- select “Other” in question 15a of the application form
- type “Proficiency in English Nova Scotia (PENS) learner certificate” in the text box
Ontario
Submit a copy of your Ontario provincial language training certificate. The certificate must be 1 of the following types:
- English as a second language (ESL)
- French as a second language (FSL)
- Citizenship and Language Training (CL)
The certificate must also
- be dated December 2013 or later and
- show at least CLB level 4 in your speaking and listening skills
Quebec (French language only)
The language proof depends on the ministry you did your French-language training with.
If you did your training with the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI)
MIFI is also known by its previous names, which are
- Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI)
- Ministère de l’Immigration et Communautés Culturelles
What to submit: Submit a copy of the bulletin that MIFI issued based on the date of issue and criteria below.
| Date of issue | What the bulletin must show |
|---|---|
Between June 1, 2011, and October 16, 2012 |
Level 4 or higher in “échelle québécoise” for interaction orale |
On or after October 17, 2012 |
Level 4 or higher in “échelle québécoise” for
|
If you did your training with the
Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES)
Submit a copy of the “relevé des apprentissages”.
- MEES issues this document to adults who take French training in the “Francisation à l’éducation des adultes” program.
- The document must show the “échelle québécoise” at level 4 or higher in speaking and listening.
Saskatchewan (English language only)
Submit a copy of your Saskatchewan Common Framework of Reference (CFR) statement from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.
- You get this statement as a student of the English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.
- It’s based on the CFR scale in listening and in speaking.
- All schools in Saskatchewan from kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) can issue the certificate.
The statement must show a score of B1 or higher in your speaking and listening skills (equivalent to CLB level 4).
Not sure which proof to use? Answer some questions to check the language proof you can submit.
If you can’t prove your language skills
You may be able to request a waiver (exemption). If you request a waiver, you don’t need to provide a proof of language skills when you submit your application.
Include the waiver request when you submit your application. After we receive your application, we’ll review your request.
- If we approve your request, we won’t evaluate your language skills in English or French.
- If we don’t approve the request
- you must provide a language proof from the list above
- we may assess your language skills at a hearing with our official (case-by-case)
- you may request an accommodation
2 pieces of personal identification
Provide photocopies of 2 types of personal identification (ID).
- Prepare 1 photocopy per ID.
- If there’s information at the front and back of the ID, photocopy both sides.
Each ID must have your
- name
- photo
- date of birth
Examples of ID you can use include:
- a permanent resident card (PR card)
- If you use your PR card, the second ID must be issued by the Canadian (federal), provincial or territorial government.
- For example, you can submit copies of a PR card and a health card from a Canadian province.
- You can use a valid or expired PR card.
- a driver’s licence
- a health card
- a senior citizen ID card
- an age of majority card
- a foreign ID (must be issued by the foreign government)
- If the ID is not in English or French, provide a certified translation.
- Submit the translation along with the copy of the ID in the original language.
- the identity page of your passport or travel document that includes your
- name
- photo
- date of birth
- place of birth
- document number
- issue date
- expiration date
2 citizenship photos
Provide 2 identical and printed colour photos that follow our specifications.
Fee receipt
The application fee is [Error loading fee. Check the fee list]. per adult.
After you pay your fee, print the receipt and include it in your mailed application.
If applicable to your situation
Depending on your situation, you may have to submit more supporting documents. You can open each one to get more details.
Use of a Representative form
You must complete the form if you have a paid or an unpaid representative.
Download and complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476).
Police certificate
You need to provide a police certificate from each country outside Canada if you were there
- in the past 4 years
- for 183 days or more in a row and
- since the age of 18
You don’t need to provide a police certificate if
- you were in your country of origin immediately before becoming a permanent resident and landing in Canada and
- this time falls within the past 4 years
To be valid, the police certificate must be issued
- after the last time you were in that country, or
- within 6 months of signing your application form
We may request a police certificate at any point during processing even if you already submitted a valid certificate.
If you can’t get a police certificate, tell us why not in the textbox of question 10b of the application form.
Certified translation
If any document is not in English or French, provide a translation along with the document in the original language. The document you must provide depends on your translator.
If you have a certified translator
A certified translator is a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada.
- The translator will seal or stamp the translated document.
- The seal or stamp will have a membership number that we can verify (to make sure the translator is certified).
If your translator is certified, provide the English or French translation of the document. The translator must
- translate the content in the same order as on the original document
- include all text on the original document, such as the letterhead, fine print and stamps
- include the date when the translation was done
If you don’t have a certified translator
You can also use an uncertified translator. The person must be fluent in both languages (the original language of the document and English or French).
The uncertified translator can’t be
- the applicant (you)
- your parent
- your guardian
- your sibling
- your spouse
- your common-law or conjugal partner
- your grandparent
- your child
- your aunt or uncle
- your niece or nephew
- your first cousin
If your translator is uncertified, include both of these documents:
- the English or French translation
- The translated content should be in the same order as on the original document.
- The translation must include all text on the original document, such as the letterhead, fine print and stamps.
- Include the date when the translation was done.
- an affidavit (sworn statement) from the translator
- This confirms the translator’s language skills and the accuracy of the translation.
The translator must swear an oath for the affidavit in the presence of an authorized person. The choice of authorized person depends on where the translation is done.
| Translated in Canada |
The translator can swear the oath in front of
These options may vary by province or territory. If you’re not sure, consult your local provincial or territorial authorities. |
|---|---|
| Translated outside Canada |
A notary public may be able to authorize the affidavit, depending on the country. If you’re not sure, consult your local authorities. |
Name change document
If you legally changed your name, you need to provide the documents that confirm the name change. The required documents vary depending on where and why you changed your name.
If you changed your name in Canada
The name change documents
- must be issued by
- a Canadian province or territory or
- the appropriate foreign state authority (such as an embassy or consulate)
- must show your previous and current names
Name change due to marriage, divorce or civil union
Submit a copy of 1 of these documents:
- marriage certificate
- divorce decree
- a civil union document, like
- a registration or declaration of union
- a revocation or annulment of union or
- a common-law relationship registration (if applicable)
If a document is not in English or French, you must also provide a certified translation.
Name change for other reasons
Submit a copy of 1 of these documents:
- a legal change-of-name document
- a court order for a name change
- an adoption order
If a document is not in English or French, you must also provide a certified translation.
If you changed your name outside Canada
The documents you must provide vary depending on whether you currently live in Canada or outside Canada.
If you currently live in Canada
Submit a copy of all these documents:
- an updated passport or national identification (ID) showing the new name
- If applicable, you may use the same copy of the passport you submit with the application.
- a name change document (such as a marriage certificate) that
- was issued by a foreign authority and
- links your previous name to your new name
- a document from a Canadian province or territory showing the new name, like
- a driver’s licence
- a health card
- an age of majority card
- a senior citizen’s identification card
- a social service card
If a document is not in English or French, you must also provide a certified translation.
If you currently live outside Canada
Submit a copy of all these documents:
- an updated passport or national identification (ID) document showing the new name
- If applicable, you may use the same copy of the passport you submit with the application.
- a name change document (such as a marriage certificate) that
- was issued by a foreign authority and
- links your previous name to your new name
- a photo ID issued by the country you live in that shows the new name, like
- a foreign passport or travel document if you’re a dual citizen
- a state or provincial (or equivalent) ID card
If a document is not in English or French, you must also provide a certified translation.
If you corrected an error with your name
If you corrected an error by our official (when they recorded your name on your Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence), submit
- a copy of the amendment or
- a letter confirming the name change (such as a verification of status document)
If we’ve started processing your submitted application
If you submitted your application and we’ve started processing it, you can request a name change only for these reasons:
- we made an error with your name
- you legally changed your name
How to check if we start processing your application: You’ll get an acknowledgement of receipt letter or email. We’ll send the letter after we receive your application and check that it’s complete.
Date of birth change documents
If your application is successful, you’ll get a citizenship certificate (proof of your Canadian citizenship). The certificate will show the same date of birth as the one on your immigration document. Your immigration document is your
- Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
If you want your certificate to show a different date of birth from the one on your immigration document, you need to provide these documents (depending on the reason for the change in date of birth):
If you corrected an error in the date of birth on your immigration document
Submit a copy of both these documents:
- the verification of status (VOS) document with the corrected date of birth
- You received the VOS document if you requested the correction.
- your new corrected permanent resident card if you have one
If you had a provincial or territorial court order
Submit
- a copy of the provincial or territorial court order to change your date of birth and
- the completed Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate form (IRM 0003)
If your previous request was refused
In this case
- we refused a previous request to change your date of birth and
- you didn’t have a court order to change your date of birth
If you still want a different date of birth on your citizenship certificate, submit all of these documents:
- the refused Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
- the completed Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate form (IRM 0003)
- documents to support your new date of birth, such as
- an original birth certificate
- an updated birth record from your country of birth
- If applicable, you may submit this along with your original birth certificate.
- a birth or death notice (such as an obituary or a newspaper announcement)
- an affidavit (sworn statement)
- a census record
- a genealogy record
If you’ve already submitted your application
You can’t change your date of birth after you submit your application. If your application is successful, your citizenship certificate will have the same date of birth as the one on your immigration document.
After you receive your certificate, you can apply to update or correct the date of birth.
For more information
Change of gender or sex identifier form (IRM 0002)
If your application is successful, you’ll get a citizenship certificate (proof of your Canadian citizenship). The certificate will show the same gender as the one on your immigration document. Your immigration document is your
- Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
If you want the certificate to show a different gender from the one on your immigration document, download and complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form (IRM 0002).
Residence outside Canada as or with a Crown servant (Cit 0177)
If you spent time outside Canada as a Crown servant or as their family member during your eligibility period, download and complete the Residence Outside of Canada form (CIT 0177).
Your eligibility period
- is 5 years before the date you sign your application form
- must include at least 730 days as a permanent resident
A Crown servant
- is a person employed in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory
- is not a locally engaged employee (foreign citizen hired in their own country by the Canadian government to support Canadian offices abroad)
A family member of a Crown servant includes their
- spouse
- common-law partner
- child
Guardianship document
You must submit a guardianship document if you’re the legal guardian or caregiver of an adult applicant.
Prepare and submit 1 of these documents to prove your relationship with the applicant:
- a power of attorney document
- a court order, or
- an affidavit (sworn statement) for the guardianship
If you provide an affidavit
As the applicant’s guardian, you can submit an affidavit if you don’t have a power of attorney document or a court order.
To complete your affidavit:
-
State who you are and your relationship with the applicant
Start your affidavit with the following statement:
[Your name] of the [city or town] in [the province or territory] affirm that
I am the [your relationship with the applicant] of [applicant’s name] born on [applicant’s date of birth] in [applicant’s place of birth], who is applying (or applied for) Canadian citizenship on [date the application was signed].
-
Tell us more about yourself and the applicant
In the affidavit, tell us
- any legal authority you have for the applicant
- why you’re acting on behalf of the applicant
- whether you’re acting in the best interests of the applicant
- the applicant’s needs and wishes (for example, if they want to take the citizenship test or oath in person)
- if the applicant’s medical information was provided to us (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- the application number if you have it
- You’ll get this number only if you’ve already submitted the application and received the acknowledgement of receipt letter.
You need to write the affidavit in
- your own words
- English or French
- simple language
-
Sign the affidavit
You (the guardian) must sign the affidavit in the presence of an authorized person, like
- a notary public
- a commissioner of oaths
- a commissioner of taking affidavits
-
Get a signed statement from a third party
If you can, include a signed statement from another person to confirm your guardian or caregiver relationship with the applicant. This third party can be
- a family member
- a friend
- another third party
If the guardianship document is not in English or French, provide the document in the original language and a certified translation.
Waiver (exemption) documents
You can request a waiver (exemption) if you can’t do any of the following (for example, due to a disability or other accessibility reasons):
- prove your language skills in English or French (adults 18 to 54 only)
- take the citizenship test (adults 18 to 54 only)
- take the oath of citizenship (all adults 18 and above)
If we approve the waiver request, you don’t have to meet that requirement (for example, you don’t have to take the citizenship test).
How to get the waiver documents
- Check if you qualify for a waiver.
- If you qualify, answer some questions to get the right documents.
For more information
Learn more about citizenship waiversPage details
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