Give up (renounce) Canadian citizenship: How to apply
The Canada Post labour disruption will cause delays in mail delivery
We’re still processing applications normally. However, there will be delays in
- sending applications mailed within or to Canada
- getting mail from us
We encourage you to apply online if possible. If you need to apply on paper, use another courier to send us your application.
Choose an application package
There are 2 application packages available to you. Choose one of the following depending on your situation:
- If you’re a Canadian citizen who wants to give up citizenship, use the Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship Under Subsection 9(1).
- If you automatically got citizenship because of changes to the Citizenship Act, use the Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship – R7.1.
Read the appropriate guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your application is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to renounce your Canadian citizenship before you apply.
The application kit contains instructions. Read the instructions, and provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.
If your documents are not in English or French, you must provide
- the original documents (not a photocopy) or clear and legible certified copies
- a translation of them in English or French and
- an affidavit from the translator
Translations by family members won’t be accepted.
Apply to give up (renounce) Canadian citizenship urgently
We can process applications urgently in some situations. We will review your application to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify, we can’t guarantee your application will be processed urgently.
Apply to give up (renounce) Canadian citizenship urgently
Pay your application fees
In most cases, the fee to renounce your citizenship is $100.
There is no fee if you automatically got your citizenship because of changes to the Citizenship Act and are applying under section 7.1 of the Citizenship Regulations.
If you’re submitting more than one application in the same envelope, you can pay all the fees together.
You can pay your fee online (opens in a new tab). Other ways of paying your fee may be available depending on where you’re applying from.
You can’t get a refund once we start processing your application.
Submit your application
If you live in Canada or the United States and are applying to:
- renounce under subsection 9(1) of the Citizenship Act, find out where to send your completed application form and the required documents.
- renounce under section 7.1 of the Citizenship Regulations, find out where to send your completed application form and the required documents.
- This is for people who automatically became citizens due to changes to the Citizenship Act.
If you live outside Canada and outside the United States, submit your completed application form and the required documents to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area.
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.