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Apply online for Canadian citizenship: Minors (under 18)

Citizenship applications for minors (under 18) are available in our online application. Before you start, make sure you understand the different application types and how to apply .

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Who can apply online

A minor can become a Canadian citizen using the minor 5(2) or minor 5(1) application. The application you must choose depends on the minor’s situation and your situation (as the person who applies for the minor).

Minor 5(2) application

Use this application if you’re applying for a minor who has

To apply for the minor

Exception: Some minor 5(2) applicants must apply on paper

If you’re the minor’s parent, you must apply for minor 5(2) on paper if

  • you’re applying for citizenship with your child at the same time
  • you’re
    • a crown servant or
    • a family member of the crown servant (spouse, common-law partner or child)
  • and you include time spent outside Canada as a crown servant (or the crown servant’s family member) in your physical presence calculation

We’re working to make sure that everyone can apply online in the future.

Check all of the requirements for minor 5(2)

Minor 5(1) application

Use this application if you’re applying for a minor who doesn’t have

To apply for the minor, you

If you’re a minor who doesn’t have someone who can apply for you, you can apply online on your own.

Guardianship documents for minor 5(1) application

As a parent or legal guardian, you must provide a copy of 1 of these documents in the “Guardian information” section of the online application:

  • a birth certificate listing you as the parent
  • an adoption order
  • a document issued by a provincial or territorial court (proof that you have custody of the minor)
  • an order of permanent guardianship
Exception: Minor 5(1) applicants with crown servant parents

All minor 5(1) applicants must

  • have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the past 5 years (the eligibility period)
  • calculate the physical presence as part of the application

Some minors must apply on paper for minor 5(1) if

  • their parent is a crown servant
  • the minor spent time outside Canada with this parent during their eligibility period and
  • included this time in the physical presence calculation

We’re working to make sure that everyone can apply online in the future.

Check all of the requirements for minor 5(1)

How to apply for a minor

Find out the steps to apply online

If you’re applying for a minor

If you’re applying for the minor (such as a parent or legal guardian), follow these steps:

  1. Check the eligibility criteria to make sure
    • the minor is eligible for Canadian citizenship and
    • you can apply online for the minor
  2. If you and the minor are eligible, start an online application
  3. In the account, create and fill out the application for minor 5(2) or minor 5(1).
    • You
      • can apply for up to 20 minors per account
      • must sign and date the minor’s application
      • may apply for the minor without applying for yourself
    • The minor must also sign and date their application if they’re between 14 and 17 years old

Applying online as a family or a group

Find out how to apply online as a family or a group if

A minor can only be attached to 1 adult account

For example, you and your spouse apply together with your 2 children. If you add both children to your online account

  • you’re the only person who can access, fill out and sign their applications
  • your spouse
    • cannot add any of the children to their account, but
    • can still view limited information about your application and your children’s applications (such as the progress) because they’re part of the group application

If you want to “move” your children’s applications to your spouse’s account

  • you must delete your children’s applications in your account and
  • your spouse must create new applications for the children in their account

If you’re a minor applying for yourself

You can only apply online for yourself as a minor if

In this situation, you must apply online on your own. This means you can’t

How to apply alone as a minor 5(1) applicant

Follow these steps:

  1. Check if you can apply online for minor 5(1).
  2. If you’re eligible, start an online application.
  3. In your account
    • select “Create an application”
    • select “Minor does not have a Canadian parent or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time”
    • provide your name and date of birth
    • select “Is applying for themselves, they do not have someone that has custody or is empowered to act on their behalf” for the “The minor applicant” question
  4. Fill out the application.
  5. Pay the fees online ($100) and upload the receipt to your account.
  6. On the signature page of your online account
    • select the waiver checkbox (by selecting this checkbox, you’re requesting to apply alone)
    • sign and date the application if you’re between 14 and 17 years old
  7. Submit the application.

After we receive your submitted application, we’ll let you know if we

If you can’t or don’t want to apply online, you may apply for minor 5(1) on paper.

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