TL;DR (Quick Overview)

• Who can apply: Permanent residents who were physically present in Canada for 1,095 days in the last 5 years, meet tax filing and language requirements (if 18–54), and pass the citizenship test (if 18–54).
• 2025 adult fee: $649.75 (processing $530 + right of citizenship $119.75). Minors: $100. Fees must be paid online before submitting.
• Best first step: Use IRCC’s Physical Presence Calculator and print the result for your package.
• Test requirement: 20 questions, 45 minutes, pass with 15/20 (English or French). Online testing is common, with accommodations if needed.
• Apply online or on paper: Follow the current IRCC checklist and upload/attach all required documents.

Eligibility (2025)

According to IRCC, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship if you:

• are a permanent resident (PR) of Canada;
• have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply;
• have filed personal income taxes in Canada for at least 3 years within those 5 years (if required to file);
• can demonstrate adequate English or French (if age 18–54) — typically CLB/NCLC level 4 speaking and listening;
• if you are 18–54 on the day you sign your application, you must take the citizenship test when invited by IRCC.

Review IRCC’s current Who can apply and the consolidated adult application guide for details.

Physical Presence: the 1,095-Day Rule

Only the 5-year period before your application counts. You must accumulate at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada within that window. Time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident can count as half-days (up to 365 days) toward your total.

1. Use the official Physical Presence Calculator.
2. Print the completed calculation and include it with your application.
3. Keep travel records (entry/exit dates) accurate and consistent.

See IRCC’s presence calculator instructions here.

Fees (April 2025)

• Adult (18+): $530 processing + $119.75 right of citizenship = $649.75
• Minor (<18): $100 processing
• Pay online: Use IRCC e-payment and attach the receipt to your application.

See the current IRCC fee list here, fee change notice here, and pay online here.

Language Requirement (Ages 18–54)

Applicants aged 18–54 must show they can speak and listen at CLB/NCLC 4 or higher (English or French). Accepted proofs include certain standardized test results, certificates, or Canadian schooling records. If you don’t include valid proof, IRCC may return your whole application unprocessed.

Check accepted language proofs and the adult application guide.

Citizenship Test (Ages 18–54)

• Format: 20 questions, multiple-choice or true/false; in English or French.
• Time: 45 minutes.
• Passing score: 15/20.
• Modality: IRCC invites most applicants to take the test online; in-person options and accommodations exist.
• After the test: You get an immediate unofficial score online; IRCC later confirms your official result.

Prepare with IRCC’s official test info here and FAQs here / here.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply (Online or Paper)

1. Confirm eligibility: Read IRCC’s criteria and use the physical presence calculator; print your calculation.
2. Gather documents:
   • PR card (front/back), IDs with photos and signatures.
   • Language proof (ages 18–54).
   • Travel history and passports covering the 5-year eligibility period.
   • Tax filing confirmations (as applicable).
   • Name change or special circumstance documents (if any).
3. Pay fees online: Save the receipt PDF.
4. Complete the application: Follow the most recent adult application instructions precisely.
5. Submit:
   • Online: Create/sign in to your IRCC account, upload forms and documents, and submit.
   • Paper: Print, sign, include all photocopies and the fee receipt, and mail to the correct IRCC address.
6. After you apply: Watch for IRCC messages about background checks, test scheduling (if 18–54), and document requests.
7. Oath ceremony: If approved, IRCC will invite you to take the Oath of Citizenship in person or virtually.

Processing Time (Check Live)

Processing varies depending on volume, completeness, and verification. Always check the live estimate here: IRCC Processing Times.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Missing language proof (ages 18–54): applications can be returned unprocessed.
• Incorrect physical presence: confirm dates with the official calculator and attach the printout.
• Unpaid or wrong fee: pay online and attach the correct 2025 receipt.
• Incomplete travel history: ensure passport copies cover the entire 5-year eligibility period.
• Not reading your IRCC messages: missed deadlines can delay or refuse your case.

Official IRCC Links (Bookmark These)

• Who can apply (eligibility): IRCC
• Adult application guide: IRCC Guide
• Physical presence calculator: IRCC Calculator & instructions here
• Language proof (18–54): IRCC Language Requirements
• Citizenship test (format & pass score): IRCC Test Page
• Fees (2025): IRCC Fee List & fee changes update | Pay online: IRCC e-Payment
• Processing time (live): IRCC Status