Apply for citizenship: After you apply

If you applied online by yourself and use a representative

 Check your email and ask your representative for updates

Before we confirm the completeness of your application, we’ll send all updates to your email address, not your representative’s. This includes emails about incomplete applications.

To avoid missing our emails

• check your email regularly
• check your junk or spam folder
• look for messages from email address ending in “@cic.gc.ca”

After we check that your application is complete, we’ll send all updates to your representative, including your AOR.

 If your application is complete

We’ll send the AOR to your representative. When they get the AOR, this means

• we’ve started processing your application
• your representative can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 

The AOR has your application number and unique client identifier (UCI).

 If your application is incomplete

If your application is incomplete, we

• will return the application to you
• have not processed the fee payment yet

You, not your representative

• will get an email that asks you to check your online account
• need to sign in to your account

In your account, you’ll find a message with

• a list of the missing information and documents
• instructions to resubmit the application

To resubmit a complete application, you must

• provide all of the missing information and documents
• recalculate the physical presence (opens in a new tab)  if
  • you’re an adult
  • a minor applicant doesn’t have a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time
• sign and date the application again

If the resubmitted application is complete

• we’ll send your representative the AOR
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied online by yourself and don’t use a representative

 Check your email for updates

To avoid missing our emails

• check your email regularly
• check your junk or spam folder
• look for messages from email address ending in “@cic.gc.ca”

 If your application is complete

If your application is complete, we’ll email you the AOR. This means

• we’ve started processing your application
• you can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 

The AOR has your application number and unique client identifier (UCI).

 If your application is incomplete

If your application is incomplete, we

• will return the application to you
• have not processed the fee payment yet

You

• will get an email that asks you to check your online account
• need to sign in to your account

In your account, you’ll find a message with

• a list of the missing information and documents
• instructions to resubmit the application

To resubmit a complete application, you must

• provide all of the missing information and documents
• recalculate the physical presence (opens in a new tab)  if
  • you’re an adult
  • a minor applicant doesn’t have a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time
• sign and date the application again

If the resubmitted application is complete

• we’ll send your representative the AOR
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied online as a group and at least 1 person uses a representative

 Check your email or ask your representative for updates

Before we confirm the completeness of your application, we’ll email your group directly for updates to the applications, such as emails about incomplete applications.

To avoid missing our emails

• check your email regularly
• check your junk or spam folder
• look for messages from email address ending in “@cic.gc.ca”

After we check that all applications are complete, we’ll send the updates to you or your representative.

If an individual in the group

• has a representative, we’ll send all updates to their representative, including the individual’s AOR
• doesn’t have a representative, we’ll send all updates directly to the individual

 If your application is complete

When you or your representative gets the AOR, it means

• we’ve started processing your group’s applications
• you or your representative can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 
  • If anyone in the group uses a representative, they can ask their representative about their application status.

Each application gets its own AOR, which has each person’s unique client identifier (UCI) and an application number.

 If your application is incomplete

If anyone in your group has an incomplete application, we

• will return all applications to your group
• won’t have processed the fee payment yet

Your group will get an email asking each person to check their individual online account. These emails are sent to the applicants, not their representatives. In the account, there will be a message

• explaining that the group application is incomplete
• with instructions to resubmit the group application

In your account, you’ll find a message with

• a list of the missing information and documents
• instructions to resubmit the application

 For privacy reasons, the online application shows the list of missing information or documents to the affected individuals only.

To resubmit a complete group application

• the affected individual(s) must provide their missing information and documents
• everyone must, if applicable
  • recalculate thier physical presence (opens in a new tab) 
  • sign and date their application again

If the resubmitted applications are complete

• we’ll send the AORs to you or your representative (1 AOR per person or representative)
  • This depends on if the individual in the group has a representative or not.
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied online as a group without representatives

 Check your emails regularly

To avoid missing our emails, everyone in your group needs to

• check their emails regularly
• check the junk or spam folder
• look for messages from email address ending in “@cic.gc.ca”

 If your application is complete

If all applications are complete, we’ll email your group the AORs. This means

• we’ve started processing your group’s applications
• your group can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 

Each person will get their own AOR, which has each person’s unique client identifier (UCI) and an application number.

 If your application is incomplete

If anyone in your group has an incomplete application, we

• will return all applications to your group
• won’t have processed the fee payment yet

Your group will get an email asking each person to check their individual online account. In the account, there will be a message

• explaining that the group application is incomplete
• with instructions to resubmit the group application

In your account, you’ll find a message with

• a list of the missing information and documents
• instructions to resubmit the application

 For privacy reasons, the online application shows the list of missing information or documents to the affected individuals only.

To resubmit a complete group application

• the affected individual(s) must provide their missing information and documents
• everyone must, if applicable
  • recalculate their physical presence (opens in a new tab) 
  • sign and date their application again

If the resubmitted applications are complete

• we’ll send the AORs to your group (1 AOR per person)
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied on paper by yourself and use a representative

 Check your mailbox and ask your representative for updates

If your application is incomplete, we’ll return it to you, not to your representative, by mail.

After we check that your application is complete, we’ll send all updates to your representative, including your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR).

 If your application is complete

When your representative gets the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR), it means

• we’ve started processing your application
• your representative can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 
  • Ask your representative about your application status.

The AOR has your application number and unique client identifier (UCI).

 If your application is incomplete

If your application is incomplete, we

• will return it to you (not your representative)
• have not processed the fee payment yet

You’ll get a mailed 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 (opens in a new tab) 
    • 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 that you used with your first form, when you resubmit the application
  • resubmit any documents

Once you get the information we ask for in the letter, resubmit your application. If the resubmitted application is complete

• we’ll send your representative the AOR
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied on paper by yourself, provided an email address and don’t use a representative

 Check your mailbox and email for updates

If your application is incomplete, we’ll return it to you by mail.

After we check that your application is complete, we’ll send you all updates by email. To avoid missing our emails

• check your email regularly
• check your junk or spam folder
• look for messages from email address ending in “@cic.gc.ca”

 If your application is complete

If your application is complete, we’ll email you the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR).

• we’ve started processing your application
• you can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 

The AOR has your application number and unique client identifier (UCI).

 If your application is incomplete

If your application is incomplete, we’ll return it to you.

You’ll get a mailed 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 (opens in a new tab) 
    • 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 that you used with your first form, when you resubmit the application
  • resubmit any documents

Once you get the information we ask for in the letter, resubmit your application. If the resubmitted application is complete

• we’ll send your representative the AOR
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied on paper by yourself, didn’t provide an email address and don’t use a representative

 Check your mailbox for updates

We’ll send you mailed letters for all updates about your application.

If your application is incomplete, we’ll return it to you by mail.

After we check that your application is complete, we may call you to ask if you want email updates. If you provide an email address, we’ll send the AORs and all updates by email.

 If your application is complete

If your application is complete, we’ll send you the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) by mailed letter or email.

• We may call you to ask if you want provide an email address.
• If you provide an email address, we’ll send the AORs by email.

This means

• we’ve started processing your application
• you can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 

The AOR has your application number and unique client identifier (UCI).

 If your application is incomplete

If your application is incomplete, we

• will return it to you
• won’t have processed the fee payment yet

You’ll get a mailed 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 (opens in a new tab) 
    • 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 that you used with your first form, when you resubmit the application
  • resubmit any documents

Once you get the information we ask for in the letter, resubmit your application. If the resubmitted application is complete

• we’ll send your representative the AOR
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied on paper as a group and at least 1 person uses a representative

 Wait for us to contact you or ask your representative for updates

If anyone in the group has an incomplete application, we’ll return all applications to your group by mail.

After we check that your applications are complete, we’ll send the updates to you or your representative. If an individual in the group

• has a representative, we’ll send all updates to their representative, including the individual’s AOR
• doesn’t have a representative, we’ll send all updates directly to the individual

 If your application is complete

When you or your representative gets the acknowledgment of receipt (AOR), it means

• we’ve started processing your application
• you or your representative can now check your application status (opens in a new tab)  for you
  • If anyone in the group uses a representative, they can ask the representative about their application status.

Each person will get their own AOR, which has each person’s unique client identifier (UCI) and an application number.

The AOR has your application number and unique client identifier (UCI).

 If your application is incomplete

If anyone in your group has an incomplete application, we

• will return all applications to your group
• have not processed the fee payment yet

You’ll get a mailed letter that explains why your group application is incomplete and what the next steps are.

For privacy reasons, we send the list of missing information or documents to the affected individuals only. The list will specify

• 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 (opens in a new tab) 
    • 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 that you used with your first form, when you resubmit the application
  • resubmit any documents

Once you get the information we ask for, resubmit your application.

If all resubmitted applications are complete

• we’ll send the AORs to you or your representative (1 AOR per person or representative).
  • This depends on if the individual in the group has a representative or not.
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points

If you applied on paper as a group and don’t use a representative

 Check your mailbox for updates

We’ll send you mailed letters for all updates about your group’s applications.

 If your application is complete

If all applications are complete, we’ll send your group the acknowledgment of receipt (AOR). This means

• we’ve started processing your application
• your group can now check your application status (opens in a new tab) 

Each person will get their own AOR, which has each person’s unique client identifier (UCI) and an application number.

 If your application is incomplete

If anyone in your group has an incomplete application, we

• will return all applications to your group
• have not processed the fee payment yet

You’ll get a mailed letter that explains why your group application is incomplete and what the next steps are.

For privacy reasons, we send the list of missing information or documents to the affected individuals only. The list will specify

• 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 (opens in a new tab) 
    • 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 that you used with your first form, when you resubmit the application
  • resubmit any documents

Once you get the information we ask for in the letter, resubmit your application.

If all resubmitted applications are complete

• we’ll send the AORs to your group (1 AOR per person)
• the processing time will restart

Leaving Canada after you submit your application

You can leave Canada after we receive your application as long as you:

• keep your permanent resident (PR) status
• can receive any letter mail, parcels and emails we send you after you submit your application
• can reply to our letters and emails within the specified time, usually within 30 days
• are available in person in Canada to attend your citizenship test (if you’re between 18 and 54 years of age), interview, and ceremony

Let us know if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

How to submit your fingerprints if needed

If we ask you to submit your fingerprints for citizenship, you’re responsible for paying all fees to have your fingerprints taken.

Your fingerprints must be taken electronically in Canada through

•   your local police service
•   the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
•   an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company
  • If you use this service
    • bring your fingerprint request letter to the company
    • make sure they can provide you with a copy of their RCMP letter of accreditation

Do not go to a Service Canada Centre to have your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application.

If you have them taken at a Service Canada Centre

• We can’t use the fingerprints for your citizenship application and they will be deleted.
• You must have your fingerprints retaken at 1 of the above collection points