Canadian citizenship: Know how to apply, eligibility, process and rules
Canada welcomes more than 430,000 new permanent residents every year, and many of them eventually go on to become citizens after completing the required period of residency.
Digital and IT roles remain among the most difficult positions for employers to fill in 2026. (File Photo)
For many newcomers, including a large number of applicants from India, the path to Canadian citizenship can feel confusing, from figuring out where to begin to understanding the steps in the process.
Canada allows permanent residents to apply for citizenship after meeting a set of legal and residency requirements, a process that has gained renewed attention amid immigration backlogs and policy tweaks.
Each year Canada welcomes more than 430,000 new permanent residents, and many of them eventually go on to become citizens after completing the required period of residency.
From physical presence rules and language tests to the citizenship exam and oath ceremony, here’s how eligible immigrants can apply to become Canadian citizens and what the process involves.
Who is eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship?
According to CanadaVisa, a Cohen immigration law firm, a permanent resident can apply for citizenship after living in Canada for at least three years within a five-year period. Applicants must also meet other conditions such as:
Maintaining permanent resident status.
Filing taxes where required.
Demonstrating language ability (where applicable).
The firm explains that eligibility rules are designed to ensure applicants understand the responsibilities that come with citizenship.
How to apply for Canadian citizenship
In 2024, around 127,000 Indians became permanent residents of Canada. (Photo: Unsplash)
According to CanadaVisa, the application process generally involves the following steps:
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Confirm eligibility check, residency days and documentation.
Prepare documents — identity records, PR proof, travel history, and other forms.
Submit the application — pay the required government fees.
Attend the citizenship test or interview (if required).
Receive a decision — approval may lead to an invitation for the ceremony.
The firm adds that legal guidance can help applicants avoid mistakes during filing. “Contact Cohen Immigration Law for assistance,” the website says.
Citizenship test and interview
However, applicants may be asked to take a citizenship knowledge test, which includes basic information about Canada’s history, values, institutions and rights. In some cases, an interview may be conducted instead of a test.
Once approved, candidates attend a Citizenship Ceremony to take Canada’s Oath of Citizenship. CanadaVisa describes this as the final step where applicants formally commit to the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
Permanent residents share many rights with citizens, but citizenship provides additional benefits, including:
The right to vote and run for office.
The right to hold a Canadian passport.
Full participation in civic life.
CanadaVisa notes that citizenship also comes with duties such as respecting Canadian laws and democratic values.
Proof of citizenship and children born abroad.
The firm says that people with a Canadian parent or Canadians with children born outside Canada may be able to apply for proof of citizenship, instead of going through the regular naturalisation process.
The investiture ceremony is scheduled to be held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on March 19.
Dual citizenship
Canada recognises dual citizenship, meaning new citizens are not required to give up their previous nationality. CanadaVisa explains that applicants should still review the rules of their country of origin.
Mashkoora Khan is a journalist and sub-editor on the global desk at The Indian Express. She actively covers issues around Canada visa, immigration policy, global affairs, and international developments.
A trained multimedia journalist, she focuses on producing clear, accurate, and reader-centric explainers on policy-driven subjects that directly affect cross-border mobility and global audiences.
Experience
Mashkoora has worked across digital newsrooms and independent media platforms, with bylines in national and international publications including Al Jazeera, Down to Earth, The Wire, and Maktoob. Her professional experience spans breaking news, policy explainers, live coverage, and multimedia reporting.
At The Indian Express, she is part of the global desk, where she contributes to daily international coverage and plays a role in editing and producing stories on foreign policy, immigration systems, and regulatory changes — particularly those related to Canada’s study, work, and permanent residence pathways.
Expertise
Her core areas of reporting include:
• Canada visa and immigration: Coverage of policy updates, eligibility changes, application processes, and government announcements, with an emphasis on factual explainers and verified information.
• Global affairs: Reporting on international politics, diplomacy, and geopolitical developments.
• Migration and human impact: Stories that examine how policy decisions affect individuals, families, and migrant communities.
Her work prioritises accuracy, sourcing, and context, helping readers navigate complex systems without speculation or exaggeration.
Authoritativeness and trustworthiness
Mashkoora's reporting is grounded in official data, government releases, and on-record sources, in line with The Indian Express’ editorial standards. Her articles aim to distinguish clearly between verified information and developing updates, making her coverage a reliable reference point for readers seeking clarity on international and immigration-related issues. ... Read More
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Digital and IT roles remain among the most difficult positions for employers to fill in 2026. (File Photo) 
