Apply for citizenship: How to apply
Mail delivery is resuming but there will be delays
We’re still processing applications normally, but there may still be delays with
- sending applications mailed within or to Canada
- getting mail from us
We still encourage you to apply online if possible. If you need to apply on paper, use a courier to send us your application more quickly.
On this page
You need to choose the online or paper application. Do not apply both ways.
Apply online
Most applicants can now apply online to become a Canadian citizen (opens in a new tab) .
Find out how to apply online
Some people must still apply on paper
You must apply on paper in the following situations:
- In your physical presence calculation, you include time spent outside Canada as
- a crown servant or
- a family member of the crown servant (child, spouse or common-law partner).
- You want your representative to complete and submit your application for you.
- If you want your representative’s help with the online application, you must complete and submit the application yourself.
We’re working so everyone can apply online in the future.
Apply on paper
Get an application package
The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Use the instruction guide and the document checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Choose the application package for your situation:
- Adult (age 18 or older)
- Parent or guardian applying for a minor (under age 18)
- Minor without a Canadian parent applying alone
- Adult who served with the Canadian Armed Forces
- Adoption by a Canadian citizen
- Stateless person born to a Canadian parent
Pay the application fees
Your fees depend on whether you’re an adult (age 18 and over) or a minor (under age 18). Your fees may include
- the processing fee
- the right of citizenship fee
You have to pay your fees online.
- Only pay your fees once you’re ready to submit your application.
- Include the receipt with your application.
- If you’re submitting more than 1 application at the same time, you can pay all the fees together (1 receipt) or separately (multiple receipts).
Pay your fees online (opens in a new tab)
Submit your application
You must be eligible for Canadian citizenship the day before you sign the application form.
Make sure
-
- We’ll return your application to you if we receive it more than 90 days after the date on the form.
If you’re submitting more than 1 application
Make sure that everyone’s applications are complete. We’ll return all submitted applications to you if at least 1 of them is incomplete.
If you want us to process everyone’s applications together, put all applications and receipts in the same envelope. Otherwise, we’ll process them separately.
Find out what happens if there’s a problem with one of the applications
Send your completed application form and all documents in the application package by mail or courier:
| Regular mail | Courier |
|---|---|
| Case Processing Centre - Sydney Citizenship Grants P.O. Box 7000 Sydney, NS B1P 6V6 |
IRCC Digitization Centre - Citizenship 3050 Wilson Ave New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8 |
Track your application
We recommend that you use a postal or courier service with a tracking number to ensure you get proof that your application was delivered to the IRCC office.
Apply for citizenship urgently
Processing times show how long it takes us to process applications for citizenship. We can process applications faster in special cases.
Top questions about Canadian citizenship
- What are the requirements for becoming a Canadian citizen?
- I already have a citizenship application in process. How will the 2017 changes to the citizenship legislation affect my application?
- Do I become a Canadian when I marry a Canadian?
- How much does it cost to apply for Canadian citizenship?
- I am a citizen of another country. Will I lose that citizenship if I become a Canadian?
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