Last Updated:March 4, 2025
Canadian Citizenship / Nationality
Obtaining Canadian citizenship means naturalization as a Canadian citizen. Canadian permanent residents who have been in Canada for at least 1,095 days out of the last five years may apply for Canadian citizenship. Canadian citizenship provides individuals with benefits such as the right to vote in elections, access to health care and social services, protection under Canadian law, and the ability to live and work freely in Canada without immigration restrictions. However, since Japan does not recognize dual citizenship, it is not possible to hold both Japanese and Canadian citizenship at the same time.
Required documents for Canadian Citizenship
- Application for Canadian citizenship.
- Documentation of proof of language proficiency.
- Approved English or French test scores (e.g., IELTS).
- Certificate of graduation from a school (high school or higher) where either English or French is used.
- Proof of completion of a language training program administered by the Government of Canada.
- A copy of a valid passport, travel document, or PR card.
- Two forms of photo ID.
- Two photographs taken within the last 12 months in the prescribed size.
Application requirements for Canadian Citizenship
- There are no age restrictions.
*Minors may apply for citizenship independently, with a parent or guardian acting on their behalf. - You must be a permanent resident.
- You must have resided in Canada for at least 3 years (1,095 days) within the past 5 years.
*The time spent as a temporary resident before becoming a permanent resident is calculated as 1 day = 0.5 days (approximately 121 days per year), and up to 365 days can be combined under the new residency rules for 3 of the 5 years prior to applying. - You must have filed taxes for 3 of the last 5 years.
- You must have passed a citizenship test (if you are between 18 and 54 years of age).
- You must be able to understand and speak English or French at an elementary level (if you are between 18 and 54 years of age).
- You must take an oath of citizenship.
Application process for Canadian Citizenship
01Download application forms from the IRCC website
The application forms contain detailed instructions and requirements, and careful preparation is required for citizenship applications. Each category has specific eligibility criteria, so consulting with an immigration consultant is recommended.
Adults (18 years or older): Must have resided in Canada for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
Minors (under 18): Eligibility criteria vary depending on the presence of a Canadian parent or legal guardian. Minors are categorized as either minor 5(2) or minor 5(1). A parent or legal guardian must provide documentation such as a birth certificate or adoption order. Minors between the ages of 14 and 17 must have the signatures of both themselves and their guardian.
Seniors (55+): No requirement to meet Canadian knowledge or language requirements. An interview is required to verify identity and other requirements.
02Pay the application fee
The fee for Canadian citizenship applications is $630 for adults (18 and older) and $100 each for minors (under 18) and seniors (55 and older).
03Submit your application online
You can submit your application online starting in 2023. Submit your application with all required documents.
04Obtain Canadian citizenship
After passing the examination, you will be required to pay a $100 citizenship registration fee.
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