Applicants for Canadian citizenship are now able to apply online (previously, applicants were only able to apply by paper).
This is the latest move by IRCC to modernize the Citizenship Application process. The new online portal is designed to be user-friendly and make the application process more efficient.
“For example, you can now save partially completed applications and resume them at a later time, upload supporting documents and proof of payment, print a PDF and ask for confirmation of receipt.” Said IRCC.
To increase applicant capacity on the online portal, IRCC will be using a phased approach.
Who can use the online application tool
At this time, the online application tool is open to applicants age 18 and over who:
- Are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
See our article Canadian Citizenship Online Application Process - Have a valid email address.
- Apply as an individual only (not as a family).
- Are not declaring residence outside Canada as a crown servant or with a crown servant family member.
If applicants don’t meet the criteria described above, they can only apply on paper at this time. IRCC is steadily increasing capacity to ensure that more people can apply online in the future.
Representatives
At this time, representatives (an immigration or citizenship consultant, lawyer, friend, family member, etc.) are allowed to be used by applicants in the following capacity:
- To deliver advice, guidance or consultation to applicants at any phase of the citizenship application process, or in a citizenship proceeding.
- They can communicate with IRCC on behalf of the applicant after the online application is submitted.
- Currently, representatives are not able to apply online on the applicant’s behalf.
Future updates for the online portal
Stay tuned because in the near future, IRCC intends to open the online portal to the following applicants:
- Families (groups).
- Minors under 18 years of age.
- Representatives to apply on behalf of their clients.
- Clients who are declaring residence outside Canada as a crown servant or with a crown servant family member.
Apply online
Visit the following link: Apply for Canadian citizenship online.
✔ You need an online account to submit your application
Create an online account here.
✔ Documents and forms
IRCC will ask you to upload documents and forms based on your application.
✔ Paying fees
Pay your fees and upload your receipt in the online application.
✔ Processing Times
Online application to become a Canadian citizen: it starts after you submit your application.
✔ Application Status
RCC will contact you through your account. You can upload additional documents in your account. Find out how to check your status.
✔ If additional documents are required
IRCC will contact you by email.
👍 Now you know how the online application process works!
If you get approved after you apply, the first thing you should do is give yourself a big pat on your back and throw a party for yourself! Afterall, successfully completing your application and being approved is a great accomplishment!
➜ The next step is to take the Canadian Citizenship test.
➜ Then, after passing the test, IRCC will invite you to attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship.
At the end, you will truly be proud and full of joy because nothing beats being a Canadian citizen!
Do you need help preparing for your Canadian citizenship test?
🥇 We have helped thousands of people pass their test!
👉 Check out our Canadian Citizenship Test – Complete Online Training Program.
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Hello,
I have passed level 7 on test and I am doing citizenship preparation class right now. Can I apply for citizenship with test result which I passed level 7?
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you need to meet the language requirement at CLB level 4 or higher in speaking and listening. If your Level 7 test result aligns with an accepted language proof (such as CELPIP, IELTS, or TEF), it may be valid.
Please refer to IRCC’s official website for confirmation: canada.ca
I married a man born in Canada and my father was also born in Canada. I was born in the USA, so do I qualify for Dual citizenship? Also our daughter who was born in USA does she also qualify? If so what do we do next?
Hi Linda,
Citizenship eligibility depends on specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Generally:
If your father was born in Canada, you may be a Canadian citizen by descent.
Your daughter’s eligibility would depend on whether you are recognized as a Canadian citizen first.
To confirm your status and take the next steps, you may need to apply for Proof of Canadian Citizenship through IRCC. Please visit canada.ca for official details and application instructions.
we are 4 family members – husband wife & two kids with age of 11 & 16 years. how should we can apply for citizenship through paper or online
which one is better for us ?
Hi Singh family,
We suggest that you contact IRCC in regards to your inquiry.
Here is the IRCC contact information.
Contact by phone:
Call the IRCC Call Centre (1-888-242-2100), from within Canada only, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm local time, except for statutory holidays).
Prepare to wait on hold for some time. Try calling early in the morning or use a speakerphone.
Contact online:
IRCC web form
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp
I am above 18 and satisfy all the criteria to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
Is it mandated to apply online or i can still submit paper application.
Hi Hemant,
To the best of our knowledge, you have the option to apply by paper application.
We recommend contacting IRCC to confirm.
Here is the IRCC contact information.
Contact by phone:
Call the IRCC Call Centre (1-888-242-2100), from within Canada only, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm local time, except for statutory holidays).
Prepare to wait on hold for some time. Try calling early in the morning or use a speakerphone.
Contact online:
IRCC web form
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp