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Find out how COVID-19 affects your citizenship application

A new online citizenship application (e-app) is now available for some randomly selected applicants. Updated

We

If you’ve already applied on paper, do not apply online. 

Who can apply online now

At this time, you can only apply online if

  • you’re randomly selected
  • you’re eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship (opens in a new tab)  
  • you have a valid email address
  • you’re at least 18 years of age when you submit your online application Updated
  • you’re applying for yourself only (not with your family)
  • you do not have a representative(opens in a new tab)  
  • in your physical presence calculation (opens in a new tab) , you do not include time spent outside Canada as a
    • Crown servant (opens in a new tab)  , or
    • family member of a Crown servant

More people will be able to apply online

As we improve, more people will be able to apply online. We’ll open the e-app to the following applicants next:

  • Applicants applying as a family
  • Minors (under 18 years of age)
  • Applicants applying with a representative (opens in a new tab)
  • Applicants outside Canada who are
    • Crown servants (opens in a new tab) , or
    • family members of a Crown servant

Who can apply

To become a Canadian citizen, most applicants must

  • be a permanent resident
  • have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days)
  • have filed your taxes, if you need to
  • pass a citizenship test
  • prove your language skills in English or French

Other requirements may apply.

Find out if you’re eligible

Apply

1. Get the application package

2. Pay your application fees
  • Adult (18 or older): $630
  • Minor (under 18): $100

3. Send your application

After you apply

If the application is missing information, documents or the fee receipt, we’ll return it to you.
If it’s complete, we’ll send you a confirmation letter and begin processing.

How we process your application

Processing time: 12 months?

Find out how COVID-19 affects the processing of your citizenship application.

This includes processing of the complete application, the citizenship test, interview and ceremony.

Check and update your application

Prepare for the test and interview

Prepare for the citizenship ceremony

After the citizenship ceremony

Find information and services for new citizens such as

  • applying for a passport
  • voting in an election
  • 1 year of free admission to Canada’s natural parks and cultural centres

Next: Who can apply

Processing times

Processing times will vary based on:

  • the type of application submitted
  • if the application is complete
  • how quickly we expect to process applications we’ve already received
  • how easily we can verify your information
  • how long you take to respond to any requests or concerns
  • other factors

Learn how processing times are calculated.

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