Becoming a Canadian
To become a Canadian, you must:
- # be at least 18 years old (Children younger than 18 years old may become citizens, but they must meet other conditions;
- have permanent resident status in Canada;
- have lived in Canada for at least three of the four years immediately before you apply for citizenship (Children do not need to meet this requirement); and
- speak English or French.
Once you meet these requirements, you may apply to begin the process.
There will be a citizenship test (if you are between the ages of 18 and 54) to test your knowledge of Canada’s history, political system and geography. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will send you a book containing what you need to know in order to pass the test.
If you pass the test and meet all requirements for citizenship, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will take an oath of citizenship and receive a certificate.
Permanent Resident (PR) card
The Permanent Resident (PR) card is the proof of status document needed by permanent residents seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier such as an airplane, train, or bus.
Permanent residents who want to return to Canada and who do not have a valid PR card should contact the nearest Canadian visa office to get a limited use travel document to re-enter Canada. There is a fee for this service.
The PR card expires every five years. Check the expiry date and apply for a new one well before you plan to travel outside Canada.
To keep your status as a permanent resident, you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period.
Responsible and engaged citizenship
Your responsibilities as a resident of Canada include:
- knowing Canadian laws, rules and regulations;
- obeying laws, rules and regulations;
- acting responsibly and courteously towards others; and
- respecting the beliefs and practices (within the law) of others of different cultural or religious backgrounds.
When you become a Canadian, you gain the right to vote in municipal, provincial and federal elections.
