Obtaining
Canadian citizenship
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Citizenship is the final stage of the immigration process. It is not granted automatically after a certain number of years: you must be a permanent resident, demonstrate sufficient physical presence in Canada, have met your tax obligations and, depending on your age, pass the test and prove your language skills.
Most rejections and delays are due to an incorrect calculation of days or missing documents, not to any underlying issue. It is worth checking your application before signing it, as the date of signature determines the period under review.
Immigration rules change regularly. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For a personalized assessment of your situation, please schedule a consultation.
Under what circumstances can you apply for Canadian citizenship?
Canadian citizenship is based on two basic requirements: holding permanent resident status and having been physically present in Canada for a sufficient portion of the years preceding the application.
Calculating this period of residence is more complicated than it seems. Not all periods spent in the country count equally; some do not count at all; and the date on which the application is signed determines the period under consideration. This is one of the most common mistakes, and one of the most costly.
Minors follow a separate procedure, which is simplified in several respects; the details of this procedure vary depending on whether the parent is already a citizen or is submitting their own application at the same time.
Several criteria may apply depending on your circumstances. A consultation will enable us to confirm your eligibility period before the application is signed.
What are the requirements for submitting your application for citizenship?
As well as your presence in the country, the application also relates to your tax obligations: depending on your circumstances, you must have filed tax returns for part of your eligibility period. This is a point that is often overlooked, and it is better to sort it out before submitting your application than afterwards.
Depending on their age, applicants must also demonstrate sufficient knowledge of French or English and pass an exam on Canada, its history and how it works. These requirements do not apply to everyone, and there are specific guidelines on how to provide evidence of this.
You will also need to provide proof of identity, a full record of your absences from Canada, and the government fees set by IRCC.
We check the calculations, supporting documents and declarations before you sign: once the application has been signed, the period under review cannot be changed. A consultation allows us to assess your case in accordance with the current rules.
What other steps are required whilst your application is being processed?
Once your application has been submitted, IRCC will check your eligibility and may request further documentation. Some cases may require an interview with an officer, particularly where there are issues regarding the calculation of actual presence or where periods of absence are poorly documented.
The final stage is the citizenship ceremony and oath. Participation, as well as the arrangements for children, varies according to age.
The final stage is the citizenship ceremony and oath. Participation, as well as the arrangements for children, varies according to age.
Support tailored to your circumstances
Checking your situation
We analyze your background and status to help you understand the conditions that apply to your application.
The process explained clearly
We guide you through the various stages of the Canadian citizenship application process.
Application prepared with meticulous care
We assist you in preparing the documents required for your application.
Professional support
Our practice, which is exclusively dedicated to Canadian immigration, enables us to offer you professional and personalized support.
Our team
Alice Mardelet-Santamaria
Solicitor and founder of the firm
Chloé yin
Chartered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
Our areas of practice
What our customers ask us most often.
The law requires a period of actual residence in Canada as a permanent resident, calculated on the basis of the years preceding the application. Certain periods do not count; the calculation must be verified before submitting the application.
Filing tax returns is a requirement where required by tax law. Each individual’s circumstances are assessed for the years covered by the claim.
The exam on Canada and the requirement to demonstrate knowledge of French or English apply to a specific age group. Exemptions are available in certain circumstances.
Applications involving minors are subject to simplified procedures, and not everyone is required to take an oath. The specific requirements depend on the child’s age and the type of application.
The rules governing the conferral of citizenship on children born abroad have been amended by the Act amending the Citizenship Act, which came into force on 15 December 2025. Each family’s circumstances must be considered on a case-by-case basis: a consultation will enable us to assess your case in accordance with the current rules.
Immigration rules change regularly. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For a personalized assessment of your situation, please schedule a consultation.
Your future in Canada starts here.
Every immigration journey is unique. Our team offers you personalized, thorough and compassionate support to help you move forward with confidence at every stage of your journey.
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Associated office — Paris, France
