Guide CIT 0003 - Application for Canadian Citizenship - Minors (under 18 years of age)

This information will help you complete the forms and guide you through the application process.

Accessing help

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Steps to Canadian Citizenship

• Step 1– Make sure the minor is eligible
• Step 2– Gather the minor’s documents
• Step 3– Complete the application form
• Step 4– Pay the fees
• Step 5– Submit the application
• What happens next
• Appendix A– Name change
• Appendix B– Date of birth correction
• Appendix C– Change of gender designation
• Appendix D– Waiver request(s)
• Need help?

Step 1 – Make sure the minor is eligible

To be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship, the minor must:

• be under 18 years of age at the time the application is signed;
• be a permanent resident of Canada;
• have at least one parent (includes legally adoptive parent) who is a Canadian citizen or who will become a citizen at the same time as the minor (applying together as a family).

Note: A step parent or grandparent is not considered a parent for citizenship application purposes unless that step parent or grandparent has legally adopted the minor.

Minor children must not:

• be subject to any prohibition under the Citizenship Act (see section 11 of the application form CIT 0003); and/or
• have any unfulfilled conditions relating to their permanent resident status; and/or
• be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada).

Note: A guardian may file an application on behalf of a minor child as long as the minor has at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen.

If the minor does not have a Canadian parent or is not applying at the same time as a parent; please use Application for Canadian citizenship – Minor (under 18 years of age) under subsection 5(1).

Is the minor already a citizen?

A minor born outside Canada to a Canadian parent on or after April 17, 2009, is a citizen by birth if the minor is in the first generation born outside Canada, and the Canadian parent:

• was born in Canada; or
• became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada (becoming a permanent resident) and being granted citizenship (also known as naturalization).

If the minor is a Canadian citizen and requires a citizenship certificate, use the Application for a Citizenship Certificate under section 3 (CIT 0001).

Is the minor adopted?

If the adopted minor is a permanent resident of Canada, and under 18 years of age, this is the application form you should use to apply for a grant of citizenship on their behalf. If the adopted minor is not a permanent resident of Canada, you can submit an adoptive grant of citizenship application on their behalf instead.

See Adoption guide for a table outlining all the options.

If the adoptive minor is over 18 but is not eligible to apply for a 5(1) grant of citizenship, they might want to submit an adoptive grant of citizenship application instead.

Possible loss of other citizenship

The minor could lose their present nationality or citizenship if they become a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, please contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory of the minor’s present nationality before applying for Canadian citizenship.

Step 2 - Gather the minor’s documents

Submit the following documents with your application:

Photocopies of the minor’s biographical page of all valid and expired Passport(s)/Travel documents for the five (5) years immediately before the date of application, or since the minor became a permanent resident if that date is more recent than five (5) years. The biographical page means the page where it has the minor’s name, photo, passport/travel document number, issue date and expiration date. If the minor was included in the passport(s) of one of the parents, provide copies of that (these) passport(s). Provide photocopies of any renewal pages of the passport(s)/travel document(s).

Note: If any of these documents are no longer in your possession, provide an explanation in the space provided in question 8C on the application form.

Note: If there are any gaps in time between the validity periods of the minor’s passports or travel documents during the past five (5) years, or since the minor became a permanent resident if the minor became a permanent resident within the past five years, provide an explanation in the space provided in question 8D.

• permanent resident card (PR card)
  • A PR card may only be used as personal identification if your second piece of personal identification was issued by the Canadian government
  • the minor’s name;
  • date of birth;
  • place of birth;
  • the names of the parents or adoptive parents.
  • jugement d’adoption ;
  • jugement sur requête en adoption ;
  • reconnaissance de jugement d’adoption ;
  • certificat d’inscription d’adoption ;
  • attestation d’adoption ;
  • lettre d’attestation d’adoption.
  • provincial/territorial birth certificate;
  • certificate of Canadian citizenship;
  • certificate of naturalization;
  • certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad;
  • certificate of retention issued between January 1, 1947 and February 14, 1977.

  Step 3. Complete the application form

  • You must answer all the questions on this form unless instructed otherwise.
  • Download and fill out the form on a computer.
  • You also have the option to save your form and fill it out later.
  • Read and follow the questions below to help you fill out the form.
  Question 1

  From the list, select the language (English or French) in which you would like to receive your service.

  Question 2

  Tell us if the minor has any special needs that require accommodation. If yes, select the appropriate accommodation you require in the drop down menu.

  Some examples of special needs are:

  • wheelchair access
  • sign language interpretation (for example, deaf individuals may have a sign language interpreter to help with the assessment of “listening and speaking” ability)
  • personal assistance (for example, the minor will be accompanied by a care attendant, an interpreter, a service animal, a sighted guide, etc.).
  • materials in accessible formats (for example, the study guide is available in large print, audio or Braille versions)

  If the special need is not listed, please explain in the space provided.

  Question 3

  Question 3A

  Indicate your relationship to the minor using the drop down menu.

  You must provide a document which proves the relationship between you and the minor.

  • If you are the Biological parent(s) submit:
    • the minor’s birth certificate showing the names of the minor and their parents;
    • the legal document showing guardianship;
    • the adoption order.

    Note: For adopted minors living in Quebec, submit one of the following documents:

    • jugement d’adoption;
    • jugement sur requête en adoption;
    • reconnaissance de jugement d’adoption;
    • certificat d’inscription d’adoption;
    • attestation d’adoption; or
    • lettre d’attestation d’adoption.
    Question 3B

    Write the full name of the person applying on behalf of the minor (the person filling out this form).

    Question 3C

    Using the drop down menu, select “Yes” to indicate if the minor is legally adopted, select “No” if not.

    Question 4

    Question 4A

    Copy the Unique Client Identifier (UCI) exactly as it appears on the minor’s Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), or last Permanent Residence Card (PR Card)You can find the minor’s UCI on their:

    • Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
      • the number next to their photograph;
      • the number at the top right corner of the document;
      • if there is no client ID number listed, provide the document number located at the bottom right corner that begins with a W followed by 9 digits (Example: W 012 345 678).

      The UCI is an eight or ten-digit number.

      Question 4B

      Copy the minor’s full name as shown on their Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), or last Permanent Residence Card (PR Card).

      • If the minor does not have a given name, leave this field blank. Do not enter “*”, “Not applicable” or “NA”.
      • If the minor’s name was shortened (truncated) on the immigration document, it will appear in full length on the minor’s citizenship certificate, up to 50 characters for the family name(s) and 50 characters for the given name(s).
      Question 4C

      If the minor’s name has changed since becoming a permanent resident, check the “Yes” box and provide the required documents listed in Appendix A – Name change.

      If the minor does not have a given name, leave this field blank. Do not enter “*”, “Not applicable” or “NA”.

      Question 4D

      We need to know all of the names the minor has ever used in order to verify their identity. If the minor used any other names other than the one being requested in their grant of citizenship application, print them in the chart.

      You can add or remove rows as you need by pressing the plus sign (+) or minus sign (-) buttons.

      Note: only complete this section if it applies to the minor.

      • name at birth;
      • name before marriage;
      • previous married names;
      • married names;
      • nicknames; or
      • other names the minor has used, etc.

      Question 5

      Question 5A

      Write the minor’s date of birth exactly as it appears on the minor’s most recent Canadian immigration document.

      • If the minor’s entire date of birth is unknown, please use ‘**’ (two star signs or asterisks) to fill in the spaces for the month or day, where applicable.
      • Do you need to correct the minor’s date of birth? If the minor’s date of birth is incorrect on previous immigration documents, see Appendix B - Date of birth correction section in this guide.

      Write the minor’s place of birth, including the city or town and country or territory.

      Note: If the city, town, country or territory of birth is indicated on their passport or travel document, please record it as it appears on the document.

      Question 5C

      Tell us if the minor has had immigration, permanent resident status and/or citizenship in any other country or territory outside of Canada, including their country of birth.

      • Check either “Yes” or “No”.
      • If you check yes, complete the chart.
      • Tell us which countries or territories the minor has held status in, and exactly what status they held or currently hold (student, refugee/protected person, permanent resident, citizen, employment/worker).
      • Provide the date (YYYY-MM-DD) that the minor obtained each status.
      • If the minor’s status is no longer valid, provide the date (YYYY-MM-DD) their status ended. If the minor still holds this status, leave the “End date” section blank.

      Note: If the gender identifier chosen is F or M, it must match the sex that appears on the passport or travel document you provide with the minor’s application. If the gender identifier chosen is X, it should match an equivalent non-binary option

      • Annulled Marriage - This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marital union did not have a binding force.
      • Common-Law - This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of one year.
      • Divorced - This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage.
      • Separated - This means that you are married, but are no longer living with your spouse.
      • Married - This means that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada.
      • Single - This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship.
      • Widowed - This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.
      Question 6

      Home address in Canada

      Enter the minor’s current home address (where the minor lives).

      Note: All correspondence will go to this address unless you give us your e-mail address.

      • Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies
      • Street Number (No.)
      • Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
      • City or Town
      • Country or Territory
      • Province or State
      • Postal Code
      • District, if it applies.

      Note: Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding Service does not forward parcels and a citizenship application package is considered a parcel. If IRCC needs to return your application package to you because it is incomplete, the package will be returned to IRCC instead of being forwarded to the address you have indicated with Canada Post. If your application package is returned to IRCC by Canada Post, it will not be processed.

      Mailing address

      Indicate if the minor’s current home address is the same as your mailing address. If you select “No”, enter the following:

      • Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies
      • Street Number (No.)
      • Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.)
      • City or Town
      • Country or Territory
      • Province or State
      • Postal Code
      • District, if it applies.

      Note: If you wish to authorize the release of information from your application to a representative, indicate their e-mail and mailing address on the IMM5476 form.

      Phone number(s)

      Check the correct box to tell us if your other telephone number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

      Choose the type of telephone:

      • Residence (home)
      • Cellular (cell or mobile)
      • Business (work)

      Enter your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

      If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

      Note: Providing an alternative phone number is optional.

      Email Address

      If you have one, type your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: name@provider.net, in both spaces.

      Note: Make sure you check your email regularly. Any emails sent to you by IRCC will end in:

      • “@cic.gc.ca”,
      • “@canada.ca” or
      • “@international.gc.ca”.

      Please add these to your “safe senders” list in your email program and check the junk mail folder in case important emails get filtered. If we find that your email address does not work or no longer exists, we will communicate with you by mail.

      By giving us your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing us to send your correspondence, including file and personal information electronically to this address.

      Question 7

      For each parent enter the following information. If only one parent is known, select “Unknown” for parent 2 and leave the section blank.

      Indicate if the minor's parent is the biological or adoptive parent. A biological parent means the minor has a genetic or gestational connection to that parent. An adoptive parent means you legally adopted the minor

      Enter the family name (surname/last name) and given name(s) of the minor’s parent. Include any other names used.

      Enter the country or territory and date of birth of the minor’s parent.

      Select “Yes” or “No” to indicate if the minor's grandparent(s) was a Canadian citizen at the time of the parent's birth.

      Indicate whether the parent will be submitting an application with the minor’s application.

      Indicate the parent’s Canadian Birth Certificate Registration number OR Canadian Citizenship Certificate number and the date it was issued, if applicable.

      Indicate whether the minor's parent left Canada for more than one (1) year before 1977. If “Yes”, provide the dates the minor's parent was away and indicate the country they were staying in.

      Indicate whether the parent was employed outside Canada as a Crown servant (in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory other than as a locally engaged person) at the time of the minor's birth or adoption.

      Indicate whether either of the minor's grandparents was employed outside Canada as a Crown servant (in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory other than as a locally engaged person) at the time of the parent’s birth or adoption.

      Question 8

      Question 8A

      Write the date when the minor became a permanent resident of Canada. The date can be found on their Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), or last Permanent Residence Card (PR Card).

      You must let us know if the minor left Canada for a total of 730 days or more in the past five (5) years or since becoming a permanent resident.

      If “Yes”, complete the chart. If you require more space, add rows by pressing the plus sign (+) button.

      Indicate if the minor has held passports or travel documents in the five (5) year period before signing the application.

      The five (5) years period of review is the five (5) years prior to the date you sign the application. If the minor became a permanent resident more recently than five (5) years, the review period would start on the date they received permanent residence status.

      If there are gaps of time between the validity of any passports or travel documents, explain why in the space provided.

      Question 9

      Certain conditions outlined in the Citizenship Act, may affect the minor’s application for citizenship.

      To find out if any of these conditions applies to the minor, answer questions in section 10 of the application. If you indicate yes to any of the questions, you must provide details in box at the bottom of section 10.

      IRCC does not need to know whether the minor was found guilty of an offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act if it was a youth sentence and the sentence has been successfully completed.

      Note: IRCC checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) to find out if there are any criminal or security reasons which could prevent the minor from acquiring Canadian citizenship. Also, the minor’s entry to Canada and status will be verified with Immigration officials.

      The minor’s fingerprints and/or court documents may be required to ensure that the minor is not prohibited under the Citizenship Act. Please do not include fingerprints and/or court documents in the application. If needed, a separate request will be sent by IRCC. The minor may also need to attend an in-person interview. If you receive a notice to appear, both you and the minor must attend the interview.

      WARNING : The minors’ citizenship can be taken away (revoked) if, at the time they take the oath (required if 14 years of age or older), you or the minor knows that any of the above prohibitions apply to the minor.

      Question 10

      Citizenship Certificate Type

      If your application is approved you will be issued a citizenship certificate as proof of citizenship. Citizenship certificates come in either paper or electronic (printable PDF) format. Citizens can have only one type of certificate but are allowed to print a copy of their electronic certificate.

      Check the box next to the type of citizenship certificate that you would like to receive, either paper or electronic citizenship certificate.

      Question 11

      Select “Yes” or “No” to indicate if a minor under 14 years of age wishes to participate in a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of citizenship.

      Minors under 14 years of age are not required to attend a citizenship ceremony to take the oath of citizenship. Citizenship certificates are mailed to the minor if they are not applying at the same time as one or both of their parents.

      Note: Minors aged 14 and over must take the oath of citizenship.

      If a minor aged 14 and over is unable to understand the significance of taking the oath of citizenship due to mental disability, they can request a waiver of the oath of citizenship. To request an oath waiver, please provide a Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers [CIT 0547] (PDF, 2.59 MB), filled out by a medical professional licensed to practice in Canada. Any additional documentation that we should consider with the waiver request should also be included.

      • Requesting a waiver does not guarantee it will be approved. Waiver requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
      Question 12

      Tell us if someone helped you complete your application package using the drop down menu.

      If you appoint an individual, firm or organization as your representative, you must complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476).

      Note that once you appoint a representative, all correspondence from IRCC regarding your application will be directed to them and not to you.

      For instructions on completing the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476), see: Guide IMM 5561 – Use of a Representative.

      Question 13

      Print the completed application form. The parent or legal guardian(s) must sign the application, by hand, with the signature they use on other official documents. Enter the place (city, town or village) and date beside the signature.

      Note: Minors who are 14 years of age or older must co-sign the application form.

      Note: Your application will be returned to you if it is:

      • not signed and dated;
      • dated more than 90 days before we receive it;
      • post-dated (dated into the future).

      To complete the form:

      Once the application is completed, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form. This will generate a barcode page – see image below. If this application form is completed on a computer and printed, you must place the barcode page on the top of your application (or if applying as a group, each individual application package).

      • If a barcode does not appear, find out why and how to fix the issue.

      Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hand.

      Citizenship photos

      • include two (2) identical citizenship photos
      • print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to a photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo
      • don't staple, glue or otherwise attach the photo directly to the application

      Your application will be returned if you do not include two (2) photos that meet the citizenship photo specifications.

      Translation of documents

      You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:

      • the English or French translation; and
      • an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they are not a certified translator).

      Translations may be done by:

      • a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
      • a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).

      If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

      The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

      In Canada:

      • a notary public;
      • a commissioner of oaths; or
      • a commissioner of taking affidavits.

      Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.

      Outside of Canada:

      Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.

      Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

      Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.

      Certified true copies

      To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:

      • the name and signature of the authorized person;
      • their official position or title;
      • the name of the original document;
      • the date they certified the document; and
      • the phrase “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”.

      Who can certify copies?

      Only authorized people can certify copies.

      Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

      People authorized to certify copies include the following:

      In Canada:

      • a notary public;
      • a commissioner of oaths; or
      • a commissioner of taking affidavits.

      Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who can certify documents.

      Outside Canada:

      Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who can certify documents in your country.

      Step 4 - Pay the fees

      You must pay your fees online. If you have forgotten your password for the online payment system, please visit How do I reset my password for the online payment system in the Help Centre.

      The fee is $100 for each applicant under 18 years of age applying for Canadian citizenship.

      Calculating your fees

      If more than one member of your family is applying for Canadian citizenship pay the fees all together.

      Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. After you pay, print the receipt and include it with the application.

      Application (per person)	$CAN
      Minor (under 18) Processing fee ($100)	$100

      Explanation of fees and refund

      This section describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable. All payment must be made in Canadian funds.

      Processing Fee

      Amount: $100 for each minor (under 18 years of age) applicant.

      You cannot get a refund once processing of the minor’s application has begun, even if you withdraw the application, abandon the application or if the minor’s application is refused.

      Payment Issues

      No fee included or insufficient fees

      If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your application(s). We will only start processing your application after you return it with the correct fees.

      For immigration applications, see section 10 of the IRPR and for citizenship applications, see section 13 of the Citizenship Act for more information.

      Overpayment

      If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.

      Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.

      Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (if a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.

      Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your application.

      How to pay the fees for your application

      To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

      • a valid e-mail address;
      • access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
      • a credit card, Debit MasterCard ® or Visa ® Debit card.

      Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

      • Go to Online Payment.
      • Follow the online instructions.
        • At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
        • Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

        Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!

        Note: The only acceptable form of payment is online payment. If you send any other form of payment, IRCC will return your application.

        Step 5 – Submit your application

        Send your completed application to one of the following addresses:

        Regular Mail
        Case Processing Centre-Sydney
        P.O. Box 7000
        Sydney, NS B1P 6V6
        

        Courier
        IRCC Digitization Centre - Citizenship
        3050 Wilson Ave
        New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8
        

        If you are sending more than one application

        If you are sending more than one application (for example, applications for family members, including siblings), you may send one receipt to cover all applications. Mail the receipt (if applicable) and all applications together in one envelope so that they will be processed together.

        Note: If you are sending more than one application and one of the applications is incomplete, all the applications will be returned to you.

        What happens next

        Processing your application

        The list below presents the phases of the Citizenship process of most applications. In some cases, processing may take longer.

        Application review and file creation

        The Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney makes sure the application:

        • meets the minimum processing requirements;
        • includes all the required documents;
        • has the right fee.

        You will receive:

        • acknowledgement of receipt;
        • correspondence asking for more information (in some cases).

        Your application will be returned if:

        • it doesn’t meet the minimum processing requirements;
        • doesn’t include the correct fee payment; and/or
        • isn’t complete.

        If your application is returned, we’ll send you a letter that explains why your application is incomplete and what the next steps are.

        The letter will tell you:

        • which forms, documents or fees are missing
        • if you have to
          • fill out a new application form
            • if so, use the newest version of the form: Application for Canadian Citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) [CIT 0003] (PDF, 3.53 MB)
            • sign and date the form
            • if so, include the new calculator printout when you resubmit the application
            • if the letter doesn’t ask for a new receipt, include the same receipt used for the first form when you resubmit the application

            Be sure to check the Document Checklist [CIT 0008] (PDF, 1.82 MB). Once you get the information we ask for in the letter, resubmit your complete application.

            Decision

            • The IRCC office completes the steps necessary for a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge to make a decision on the application.
            • The applicant and person applying on their behalf may be asked to come to the IRCC office for an interview to:
              • review the original documents submitted in support of the application,
              • all passports and travel documents for the five (5) year eligibility period or since the minor became a permanent resident.

              Note: If invited to an interview, the minor and the person who applied on their behalf must both attend.

              Correspondence you may receive:

              • Notice to appear to take the oath of citizenship;
              • Certificate of Canadian Citizenship received at the ceremony after taking the oath of citizenship;
              • Notice of a negative decision of the minor’s request to waive the requirement that the application be made by a person with custody/empowered to act on behalf of the minor;
              • Notice to appear for an interview with a citizenship official; and/or,
              • Notice to appear for a hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge.

              Take the oath

              If, up until this point, the minor meets all the requirements for citizenship, the final requirement is to take the oath of citizenship to become a Canadian citizen!

              Minors aged 14 or over will receive a Notice to Appear with the location and time to attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of citizenship before a citizenship judge or presiding official. Once the oath is taken, you will receive the minor’s certificate of Canadian citizenship.

              Minors under 14 years of age are not required to take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony. However minors are welcome to attend a citizenship ceremony. If you would like them to attend a ceremony, please check “Yes” box in Question 11 on the application form.

              If an application for a minor under 14 years of age is not submitted at the same time as a parent (non-concurrently), the certificate of Canadian citizenship is mailed to the parent/guardian.

              To avoid delays or closure of the minor’s application, tell us as soon as possible if you/ the minor can’t attend the scheduled ceremony.

              Remember to tell us if any of the situations that prevent a person from becoming a citizen apply to the minor when arriving at the ceremony.

              If a minor aged 14 and over is unable to understand the significance of taking the oath of citizenship due to mental disability, a waiver can be requested. To request an oath waiver, please provide a Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers [CIT 0547] (PDF, 2.59 MB), filled out by a medical professional licensed to practice in Canada. You should also provide any additional documentation that we should consider with your waiver request.

              • Requesting a waiver does not guarantee it will be approved. Waiver requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
              
              For more information

              Current processing times

              You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.

              
              Important information

              Updating your contact information

              While your application is in process, you must tell us if you change your address, e-mail address, or telephone number. Use the Change your address tool to give us your new contact information.

              If you do not notify us of any change in your/the minor’s contact information, and we can’t reach you, the minor’s application could be abandoned or closed.

              Remember, Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding Service does not forward parcels and a citizenship application package is considered a parcel.

              Checking application status

              You can check the status of the minor’s application online. The status will only appear online once we receive and have accepted the minor’s application into processing.

              Protecting your information

              Your personal information is:

              • available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
              • not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Actor the Citizenship Regulations.

              Note: The legal authority for IRCC to collect income tax information including filing history and the Social Insurance Number (SIN) is provided for in subsections 5(1.2) of the Citizenship Act, subsection 26.6 of the Citizenship Regulations and paragraph 2(2)(d) of the Citizenship Regulations No.2. The CRA’s legal authority to disclose income tax information including filing history upon applicant consent is provided for in paragraph 241(5)(b) of the Income Tax Act. Income tax information including filing history provided by the CRA to IRCC may be used to verify a citizenship applicant’s income tax information including filing history for the purpose of assessing their citizenship application against the tax filing requirement of subsection 5(1.2) of the Citizenship Act. IRCC may, on occasion, send information pertaining to a citizenship application to the CRA in respect of any relevant information related to any discrepancies between the information obtained from the applicant and that provided by the CRA if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the discrepancy is a result of false representation, fraud or concealment of material circumstances made in the course of an application, as well as any personal information, including the SIN, of an applicant that the CRA is authorized to collect for the purpose of the administration of the Income Tax Act. IRCC will not use this information for any other purpose or share it with any other third party.

              For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Frequently Asked Questions/Help Centre.

              Quality Assurance Program

              Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:

              • verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
              • verify that your application has been completed properly.

              Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.

              Appendix A – Name Change

              Consult the information below to determine the documents that are to be included with the minor’s application.

              If you have legally changed the minor’s name within Canada

              Then you must submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority. The document must show both the minor’s previous and amended names.

              The following documents are accepted:

              • legal change of name document;
              • court order specifying name change;
              • adoption order.

              The following documents are accepted for changes to family name only:

              • marriage certificate;
              • divorce decree;
              • registration or declaration of union issued by civil authorities;
              • revocation of declaration or annulment of union issued by civil authorities;
              • registration for common-law relationship, in provinces that permit changes of name for common-law relationships under their provincial/territorial law.

              If you have legally changed the minor’s name outside Canada and the minor is residing in Canada

              Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:

              • a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
              • a foreign name change document that links the minor’s previous name to the new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation); and
              • a document in the new name from Canadian provinces/territories (ex. driver’s license, health card).

              If you have legally changed the minor’s name outside Canada and the minor is residing outside Canada

              Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:

              • a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
              • a foreign name change document that links the minor’s previous name to the new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation) or other foreign legal change of name document issued by foreign authorities; and
              • an authoritative national or state/province (or equivalent) issued photo identification document issued in the country, territory or state/province in which the minor resides that displays the new name, such as:
                • a foreign passport or other travel documents, if the minor is a dual citizen;
                • a state/provincial (or equivalent) identification card.

                If you have applied and obtained an amendment to the minor’s Record of Landing, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence due to errors made by Canadian immigration officials when recording the minor’s name, then you must submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of name.

                Important information: Once processing of the application has begun a name change can only be made due to an administrative error made by the Department, or a legal change of name.

                Important information: You cannot request a change of an adopted person’s name after Part 2 of the application has been submitted.

                If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the request for a change of name, the name that appears on the citizenship certificate will be the name listed on the adoption order.

                Appendix B – Date of Birth Correction

                The date of birth on the minor’s citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on their immigration document unless you:

                • have corrected the date of birth on the minor’s immigration document; or
                • have legally changed it after arriving in Canada; or
                • are requesting a different date of birth for the minor’s citizenship certificate and you can provide supporting documents.

                If the date of birth has been corrected on the immigration document, you must provide a copy of:

                • an approved Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688); and
                • the new corrected Permanent Resident Card (if the minor has one).

                If you have legally changed the minor’s date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order, then you must provide a copy of:

                • provincial/territorial court order changing the minor’s date of birth; and
                • completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] (PDF, 2.4 MB).

                If the minor did not change the date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order and the date of birth has not been corrected on the minor’s immigration document, then you must provide a copy of:

                • a refused Request to Amend the Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688); and
                • completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] (PDF, 2.4 MB); and
                • documents to support the minor’s new date of birth.

                Important information: You cannot request a change in the minor’s date of birth after the application has been submitted. If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the date of birth requested, the citizenship certificate will reflect the date of birth indicated on the minor’s immigration document.

                Important information: If you do not have a provincial/territorial court order changing the minor’s date of birth, you must first request an amendment to your immigration document before requesting a different date of birth on the minor’s citizenship certificate.

                Appendix C – Change of Gender Designation

                If the minor would like to use a different gender than the one on the immigration document or need to change the gender on their citizenship certificate, complete and submit the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.34 MB) with your application.

                Appendix D – Waiver Request(s)

                If the minor is 14 and over and is requesting a waiver of the oath of citizenship, please submit the Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers [CIT 0547] (PDF, 2.59 MB), filled out by a medical professional (physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner) licensed to practice in Canada.

                Waivers of the oath of citizenship only occur if the minor is unable to understand the significance of taking the oath of citizenship due to mental disability.

                Need help?

                If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.