Citizenship grant (naturalization)
Eligible permanent residents can apply for a grant of citizenship. Requirements may include physical presence, tax filing, language ability and a citizenship test, depending on the applicant.
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Citizenship applications.
The first step is to determine whether you need to apply for Canadian citizenship or whether you may already be a citizen and need proof. These are different applications, and the answer depends on your circumstances.
For a citizenship grant, eligibility must be checked against the applicable requirements. For citizenship through birth, descent or adoption, details such as where and when you were born and your parent’s citizenship can affect the correct route.
Eligible permanent residents can apply for a grant of citizenship. Requirements may include physical presence, tax filing, language ability and a citizenship test, depending on the applicant.
Most people born in Canada are Canadian citizens, although exceptions apply. A provincial or territorial birth certificate is generally used as proof of citizenship for someone born here.
Someone born outside Canada to a Canadian parent may already be a citizen. The applicable rules depend on the person’s birth date and family circumstances; a citizenship certificate can establish proof.
A child adopted outside Canada by a Canadian parent does not automatically become a citizen through the adoption alone. A separate citizenship application may be available if the requirements are met.
General information checked against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidance on October 9, 2026. Requirements and program availability can change.