Become Canadian
Canadian Citizenship
Complete your Canadian journey by becoming a citizen! Enjoy full rights including the powerful Canadian passport, the right to vote, and the security of permanent belonging.
Complete support: Eligibility assessment, physical presence calculation, application preparation, test preparation, and oath ceremony guidance.
Citizenship in Montreal: calculate physical presence
Most adult applicants must generally have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years before applying. Certain days spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident may count as half-days, up to the limit set by IRCC.
LIMAJ offers support in Montreal to review travel history, identify records to retain and prepare a consistent application. IRCC's official physical-presence calculator remains the reference for confirming the calculation.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship
Citizenship offers rights and privileges beyond permanent residence.
Canadian Passport
Canadian citizens may apply for a Canadian passport and use the consular services available to Canadian travellers.
Right to Vote
Participate in Canadian democracy. Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections. Run for political office.
Can't Be Deported
Unlike permanent residents, citizens cannot be deported. Your status is permanent and irrevocable (with rare exceptions).
Government Jobs
Access to federal government jobs requiring security clearance. Some positions are restricted to citizens only.
Dual Citizenship
Canada allows dual citizenship. Keep your original citizenship while becoming Canadian (check your home country's rules).
Pass Citizenship to Children
Your children born abroad can be Canadian citizens by descent. Protect your family's future generations.
Citizenship Eligibility Requirements
Key requirements you must meet to become a Canadian citizen.
Permanent Resident Status
You must be a permanent resident of Canada. Not conditional PR or under removal order.
- Valid PR status at time of application
- Not under deportation order
- No unfulfilled PR conditions
Physical Presence
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years before applying.
- 1,095 days minimum in last 5 years
- Each day in Canada counts
- Time as temp resident counts ½ (max 365 days)
- Use online calculator to verify
Income Tax Filing
You must have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5 years before applying.
- File taxes for 3+ years
- Must be within the 5-year period
- Includes years with no income
- Complete any outstanding filings
Language Skills
You must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English OR French (CLB 4 minimum) if age 18-54.
- CLB 4 in speaking AND listening
- English: IELTS, CELPIP
- French: TEF, TCF
- Waived for 55+ years old
Pass Citizenship Test
Answer questions about Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols. 75% pass mark.
- 20 multiple choice questions
- 75% required (15/20 correct)
- Based on "Discover Canada" guide
- Waived for 55+ years old
No Prohibitions
You must not be prohibited from becoming a citizen due to criminal or fraud concerns.
- No criminal charges pending
- No recent prison sentences
- No misrepresentation in immigration
- No citizenship revocation history
Citizenship Application Process
A structured 10-step journey from eligibility check to oath ceremony.
Verify Eligibility
1-2 daysWe calculate your physical presence using IRCC's method, verify tax filing status, and assess any potential prohibitions.
Gather Documents
2-4 weeksCollect required documents: PR card, passport, travel history, language test results, NOA for taxes, photos.
Calculate Physical Presence
1-2 weeksWe meticulously calculate your days in Canada using travel records, stamps, boarding passes, and any other evidence.
Complete Application Forms
2-3 daysWe complete Form CIT 0002 (adults) or CIT 0003 (minors) accurately, ensuring all information is correct.
Take Language Test
Before or after submissionIf you don't have acceptable proof of language, take IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French). CLB 4 minimum.
Submit Application
1 daySubmit the complete application with all required documents and the fee shown by IRCC at the time of filing.
Receive AOR
1-4 weeksAcknowledgment of Receipt confirms IRCC received your application. You can check status online.
Citizenship Test
According to the IRCC file scheduleIf age 18-54, you'll be invited to take the citizenship test (in-person or online). Study "Discover Canada" guide!
Interview (If Required)
If applicableSome applicants may be called for interview to verify information or assess language/knowledge.
Oath Ceremony
If and when invited by IRCCTake the Oath of Citizenship at ceremony (in-person or virtual). Receive citizenship certificate. You're Canadian!
Citizenship Test Preparation
The citizenship test assesses your knowledge of Canada's history, values, institutions, and symbols. It's based on the "Discover Canada" study guide.
📚 Test Topics
Rights & Responsibilities
Voting, obeying laws, jury duty, respecting others' rights
Canadian History
Indigenous peoples, Confederation, World Wars, key historical figures
Government System
Constitutional monarchy, federal/provincial/municipal, Parliament, Prime Minister
Geography & Regions
Provinces & territories, capitals, major cities, natural features
Canadian Symbols
Flag, national anthem, beaver, maple leaf, Canadian Crown
Economy & Culture
Major industries, multiculturalism, official languages, arts
💡 Study Tips
- Read "Discover Canada" guide thoroughly (available free online)
- Take practice tests online (many free resources available)
- Focus on facts, dates, and names that appear frequently
- Test is multiple choice with some true/false questions
- You need 15/20 correct (75%) to pass
- If you fail, you can retake the test
Note: If you're 55 years or older, you're exempt from the language and knowledge requirements!
Other Citizenship & Related Services
Citizenship Certificate
Proof of Canadian citizenship for those who are citizens but don't have documentation. Replacement for lost certificates.
Citizenship for Children Born Abroad
Register citizenship for children born outside Canada to Canadian parents (first generation only).
Criminal Rehabilitation
Overcome inadmissibility due to past criminal convictions. Required before citizenship if you have a record.
Access to Information (GCMS/ATIP)
Request your complete immigration file from IRCC. Useful for understanding delays or preparing applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the citizenship application take?
Processing time varies by application and can change. Check IRCC's official processing-time tool for the estimate available when you apply. We can help organize the file and respond to document requests, but no completion date can be guaranteed.
How do I calculate my physical presence for citizenship?
You need 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada within the 5 years before applying. Count each full day you were in Canada. Time as a temporary resident (student, worker, visitor) counts as ½ day (up to 365 days maximum). Use IRCC's online calculator. Keep all travel records, passport stamps, and boarding passes!
What if I fail the citizenship test?
Don't worry! You can retake the test. If you fail twice, you may be scheduled for an interview with a citizenship official to assess your knowledge verbally. We provide study materials and practice tests to help you prepare. The test is based entirely on the "Discover Canada" guide.
Do I need to attend the oath ceremony in person?
IRCC now offers both in-person and virtual (online) oath ceremonies. Virtual ceremonies became common during COVID and continue to be offered. You'll receive an invitation with your assigned ceremony type and instructions. Both are equally valid - you become a citizen the moment you take the oath!
Can I keep my original citizenship?
From Canada's perspective: YES, Canada fully allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. However, check your home country's rules - some countries don't allow dual citizenship and may revoke your original citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere. This is your home country's policy, not Canada's.
What language level do I need for citizenship?
CLB 4 in speaking AND listening. This is a basic level of proficiency. Tests accepted: English - IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General. French - TEF Canada, TCF Canada. You can also provide other evidence like Canadian education or previous language test results. Those 55+ years old are exempt from language requirements.
Can my children become citizens with me?
A child who is a permanent resident may be eligible to apply for citizenship, subject to the rules that apply to the child's situation. Requirements and fees can change, so verify the current minor application instructions on Canada.ca.
What happens at the oath ceremony?
The oath ceremony is the final step! You'll: Take the Oath of Citizenship (in English or French), Receive your citizenship certificate, Sing O Canada. Ceremonies are often emotional events celebrating your journey. You can invite family/friends to watch. After the oath, you're officially Canadian!
How soon can I get a Canadian passport after citizenship?
After becoming a citizen and receiving proof of citizenship, you may apply for a Canadian passport if you meet the passport program's requirements. Verify the current application steps and processing times on Canada.ca.
What are the prohibitions that prevent citizenship?
You cannot become a citizen if: Serving a prison sentence, Recently served a prison sentence (1-4 years depending on length), Under a deportation order, Facing criminal charges, Citizenship was previously revoked, Convicted of specific offenses in last 4 years. We assess your situation during consultation.
Ready to Become Canadian?
Let us help you complete your Canadian journey. Book a consultation today!