Apply for citizenship: How to apply

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You need to choose the online or paper application. Do not apply both ways.

Apply online

As of January 4, 2023, you can choose either an electronic citizenship certificate (e-certificate) or a paper certificate.

Some applicants can now apply online to become a Canadian citizen (opens in a new tab) .

We

Find out how to apply online

Apply on paper

As of January 4, 2023, you can choose an electronic citizenship certificate (e-certificate) or a paper certificate for most citizenship applications.

How to choose the certificate type

In your application form

  • choose the certificate type you want
  • provide an email address if you want an e-certificate

If your application is successful, the certificate proves that you’re a Canadian citizen.

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:

Pay the application fees

Your fees depend on whether you’re an adult (age 18 and over) or minor (under age 18). Your fees may include:

  • the processing fee
  • the right of citizenship fee

If you’re submitting more than one application at the same time, you can pay all the fees together.

You have to pay your fees online. Only pay your fees once you’re ready to submit your application. Make sure to include the fee receipt with your application.

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 you

You don’t have to sign or date your physical presence calculation (your printout of the Online Physical Presence Calculator or form CIT 0407).

Send your completed application form and all the documents on the checklist

  • by mail or courier
  • as soon as possible after you sign and date the application form
    • If it’s dated more than 90 days before we get it, we’ll send it back to you.

Sending more than one application

If you apply for more than one person and want us to process your applications at the same time, put all applications in the same envelope. Otherwise, we process them separately.

Find out what happens if there’s a problem with one of the applications

Address for regular mail

Case Processing Centre—Sydney
Citizenship Grants
P.O. Box 7000
Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 6V6
Canada

Address for courier mail

Case Processing Centre—Sydney
Citizenship Grants
47–49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia  B1P 5Z2

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.

When and how to apply for citizenship urgently.

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