Canadian Citizenship 2026: Requirements, Fee and Timing
Canadian citizenship rests on a single number: 1,095 days. A permanent resident who has been physically in Canada for that long within the last five years can apply, as long as the tax, language and test requirements are also met. The counting has details worth knowing, including half-credit for time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident. This guide sets out each requirement, the fee and the current waiting time, from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
You must be a permanent resident and have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years before you sign your application. You may need to have filed taxes for at least 3 of those years. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must prove English or French at level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks and pass the citizenship test. The adult fee is $653.00 and a minor pays $100.00. IRCC's estimate for a citizenship grant is about 12 months. Canada allows dual citizenship.
The requirements for adults
| Requirement | What IRCC asks for |
|---|---|
| Status | Valid permanent resident status, with no removal order and no unfulfilled conditions. You can apply with a valid or expired PR card |
| Physical presence | At least 1,095 days in Canada during the 5 years before the date you sign the application |
| Income tax | You may need to have filed taxes in Canada for at least 3 years during the 5 years right before you apply |
| Language, ages 18 to 54 | Adequate English or French: speaking and listening at level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks |
| Citizenship test, ages 18 to 54 | Questions on the rights and responsibilities of citizens and on Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols |
| Oath | Taken at the citizenship ceremony by applicants who are at least 18 |
| No prohibition | Most prohibitions are due to criminal and security reasons, inside or outside Canada |
How the 1,095 days are counted
- The window: the eligibility period is the 5 years before the date you sign your application.
- As a permanent resident: the period must include at least 730 days as a permanent resident.
- Before permanent residence: each day in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person counts as 0.5 days. A temporary resident is a visitor, student, worker or temporary resident permit holder.
- The cap: you can use a maximum of 365 days of physical presence from that earlier time, which equals 730 calendar days.
- What never counts: time in prison, on parole or on probation, and time waiting for a decision on a refugee claim.
- Crown servants: each day employed outside Canada as a Crown servant, or as the family member of one, counts as 1 day.
IRCC encourages people to apply with more than 1,095 days, in case there is a problem with the calculation.
Fees
| Application | Fee in Canadian dollars |
|---|---|
| Adult, 18 and over. Includes the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee | 653.00 |
| Minor, under 18 | 100.00 |
| Right of citizenship fee, within the adult amount | 123.00 |
| Citizenship certificate, proof of citizenship | 75.00 |
The amounts come from IRCC's fee list, last modified on 21 September 2026.
How long it takes
IRCC's processing times tool, last updated on September 3, 2026, estimates about 12 months for a citizenship grant applied for today, with about 327,100 people waiting. The department notes that an application may take longer than the time shown, which is neither a maximum nor a guarantee.
Children
| Process | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Minor 5(2) | The minor has a Canadian parent, or a parent who is applying for citizenship at the same time |
| Minor 5(1) | The minor does not have a Canadian parent or a parent applying at the same time |
Language and test requirements apply only to applicants aged 18 to 54.
Three points to know
- Marriage does not make you a citizen. IRCC states that you do not automatically become a citizen when you marry a Canadian. A spouse must meet the same requirements as other applicants.
- You may already be a citizen. If you have a Canadian parent or grandparent, you may be a Canadian citizen. To find out for sure, apply for a citizenship certificate.
- Your other passport may be at risk. Canada allows dual citizenship, but not every country does. You may lose your current citizenship when you become Canadian, so IRCC advises checking with your country's embassy, high commission or consulate.
How to apply, step by step
- Calculate your physical presence and wait until you are safely over 1,095 days.
- Check your tax filing for the 5 years before you apply.
- Gather language proof if you are aged 18 to 54. IRCC accepts various certificates, diplomas and tests.
- Apply online or on paper and pay the fee.
- Take the citizenship test when IRCC invites you, after you submit your application.
- Take the oath at the citizenship ceremony once the application is approved.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to live in Canada to become a citizen?
You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days, which is 3 years, during the 5 years before you sign your application.
Does time as a student or worker count towards Canadian citizenship?
Yes, at half value. Each day as a temporary resident counts as 0.5 days, up to a maximum of 365 days of credit.
How much does Canadian citizenship cost in 2026?
$653.00 for an adult, which includes the processing fee and the right of citizenship fee, and $100.00 for a minor.
How long does a Canadian citizenship application take?
IRCC estimated about 12 months for a citizenship grant, in figures last updated on September 3, 2026.
Is there a language test for Canadian citizenship?
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show adequate English or French, equivalent to level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks in speaking and listening.
Does Canada allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Canada allows dual citizenship, but your other country may not, so check with its embassy or consulate.
Do I become Canadian by marrying a Canadian?
No. You do not automatically become a citizen when you marry a Canadian, and you must meet the same requirements as other applicants.
Official sources
- IRCC — Apply for Canadian citizenship: who can apply
- IRCC — Citizenship and immigration application fees: fee list (21 September 2026)
- IRCC — Check processing times
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. Processing times are updated monthly, so check the tool before you apply. Information, not legal advice.