Who Can Apply for Canadian Citizenship?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a permanent resident of Canada
- Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years
- Have filed taxes for at least 3 years (if required under the Income Tax Act)
- Meet the language requirement (CLB 4+) in English or French (for applicants aged 18–54)
- Pass the citizenship test on Canadian rights, responsibilities, and history (ages 18–54)
You must not:
- Be under a removal order
- Have unfulfilled conditions of PR
- Have recent criminal charges or prohibitions
Who Is Exempt from the Language and Test Requirements?
You do not need to take the citizenship test or provide language proof if:
- You are under 18 or 55 and older
- You are applying as part of a family with children
- You have a documented medical condition or disability that prevents language learning
Application Types
We assist with the following application categories:
- Adult grant (age 18+)
- Minor grant (under 18, with or without parent)
- Adopted child (citizenship by descent or naturalization)
- Resumption of citizenship (former citizens)
- Proof of Citizenship (for children of Canadian citizens born abroad)
How We Help?
At Sapra Immigration Services Inc., we:
- Review and confirm residency day count (including travel outside Canada)
- Guide you through online vs. paper application options
- Help collect and review supporting documents (e.g., language proof, tax filing, ID, passports)
- Draft explanations for complex travel histories or exemptions
- Support you during test preparation or interview requirements
Documents Required
You will generally need:
- PR Card (even if expired) or landing documents
- Passports covering last 5 years
- Proof of language (if applicable)
- Travel history (IMM 5612)
- Tax documents (T4, NOA)
- Identification documents and photographs
Processing Time & Fees
- IRCC Fee: $630 CAD (adult), $100 CAD (minor)
- Average processing time: 6–12 months
- Application method: Online or by mail
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an incomplete travel history
- Forgetting to count time before PR as a protected person or temporary resident
- Missing translations or improper document formats
- Skipping children’s applications if born abroad
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 5: Prepare Your Application
- Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
- Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
- Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document
Yes — you only need to be a permanent resident. PR card validity is not a requirement.
Each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident in the 5 years before applying counts as half a day, up to 365 days maximum.
No. You must be physically present in Canada to apply and during the processing of your application.
Once you meet the physical presence requirement of 1,095 days, even if your PR card is expired.
Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen?
Let Sapra Immigration guide you through a complete and accurate citizenship application — ensuring your documents, eligibility, and timeline are aligned.