Complete Canadian Citizenship Application Checklist
The documents needed for Canadian citizenship depend on the type of application. Missing, outdated, or incorrect documents can delay processing or cause IRCC to return the application. In most cases, applicants apply through citizenship by grant, which requires forms, identity documents, travel records, and supporting evidence. Other application types, such as proof of citizenship and minor applications, follow different forms, checklists, and document rules. Some documents apply only in specific cases. Common mistakes can also lead to delays or returned applications, so it is important to use the right checklist and prepare a complete file.
Citizenship by Naturalization Application Checklist
Required Forms and Documents for Citizenship by Naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization is the standard application process for eligible adult permanent residents applying to become Canadian citizens.
Required forms and documents generally include:
- CIT 0002 – Application for Canadian Citizenship: Adults
- CIT 0007 – Document Checklist: Application for Canadian Citizenship under Subsection 5(1) – Adults, for paper applications
- passports and travel documents – current and expired passports and travel documents covering the eligibility period; paper applicants must provide colour copies of the identity pages and any pages showing an extension of the document’s validity
- physical-presence calculation – generally completed using IRCC’s online physical-presence calculator
- language evidence – required for applicants aged 18 to 54 and separate from the citizenship test
- 2 pieces of personal identification – each must show the applicant’s name, photograph and date of birth
- citizenship photos – paper applications require
- 2 identical printed colour photos that meet IRCC specifications; online applicants must follow the photo instructions in their IRCC account
- proof of fee payment – paper applicants must include a printed copy of the payment receipt
- documents requested through the IRCC account, for online applications
A valid PR card is not required to apply for citizenship. A valid or expired PR card may be used as one of the 2 pieces of identification. If a PR card is used, the second identification document must be issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government.
Additional Documents for Citizenship by Naturalization
Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant’s travel history, identity or circumstances. These documents are not required in every application and should be included only when they apply or when IRCC requests them. Online applicants must also follow the document instructions shown in their IRCC account.
Police Certificate
A police certificate may be required if, during the relevant four-year period after turning 18, the applicant spent 183 consecutive days or more in one country outside Canada.
In some cases, a police certificate may not be required for time spent in the applicant’s country of origin immediately before becoming a permanent resident and arriving in Canada, even if that period falls within the four-year timeframe. IRCC may also request a police certificate during processing.
Translations
Documents that are not in English or French must include the original-language document and a complete translation. Depending on who prepared the translation, certification or an affidavit may also be required.
Name or Identity Documents
If names or personal details differ across the applicant’s records, official documents should be provided to explain and connect the differences.
These may include:
- a legal name-change certificate
- a marriage certificate
- a divorce record
- an adoption order
- a court order
Missing or Unavailable Documents
If a required document is missing or unavailable, the applicant should provide a clear explanation and the closest available supporting records.
If a passport or travel document is unavailable, the supporting records should help explain the applicant’s travel history.
Use of a Representative
Applicants using an authorized representative may need to submit:
- IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative
This form is not required if the applicant is not using a representative.
Fingerprints
Fingerprints are not normally submitted with the citizenship application. IRCC may request them later if they are needed for identity verification or processing.
Waiver or Accommodation Documents
Applicants requesting a waiver or accommodation may need to provide supporting documents based on their circumstances.
Other Case-Specific Documents
Additional documents or explanations may be required when an application involves unusual travel history, missing passports, custody or guardianship issues, adoption records, inconsistent identity information, or other circumstances not fully explained by the standard documents.
Common Mistakes in Citizenship by Naturalization Applications
Citizenship applications may be delayed or returned when incorrect forms are used, required information is missing or supporting documents do not match the application. These issues can also affect the overall citizenship processing time.
- Using the wrong or an outdated form or checklist – applicants should use the current adult citizenship forms and instructions.
- Missing information, signatures or dates – incomplete, unsigned, undated, post-dated or incorrectly dated applications may be returned.
- Incomplete passport or travel records – applicants should include the required current and expired travel documents covering the eligibility period.
- Travel-history or physical-presence inconsistencies – all absences should be declared, and the calculation should match the application and supporting records.
- Unacceptable language evidence – applicants who must provide language proof should submit evidence accepted by IRCC.
- Incorrect identification or citizenship photos – identity documents and photos must meet the applicable requirements.
- Missing translations or unexplained identity differences – documents not issued in English or French must include the required translation, and differences in names or personal details should be supported.
- Submitting unnecessary documents – fingerprints and other additional records should only be provided when required.
- Not following the application-method instructions – paper and online applicants must follow the requirements that apply to their submission method.
Citizenship by Descent Document Checklist
Required Forms and Documents for Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent generally applies to a person born outside Canada who may already be a Canadian citizen through a Canadian parent. The person applies for a citizenship certificate, also called proof of citizenship, to confirm and document that status. A person recognized as Canadian through descent may also hold citizenship of another country, depending on that country’s laws, resulting in dual citizenship.
Eligibility depends on factors such as when the applicant was born and how and when the Canadian parent became a citizen. Applicants should confirm that they may qualify before preparing the application.
Required forms and documents generally include:
- CIT 0001 – Application for a Citizenship Certificate
- CIT 0014 – Document Checklist: Application for a Citizenship Certificate, for paper applications
- 2 pieces of personal identification – documents confirming the applicant’s identity
- the applicant’s birth certificate or birth record – showing the applicant’s birth details and, where applicable, the parent-child relationship
- proof of the Canadian parent’s citizenship – such as a Canadian birth certificate, citizenship certificate or another accepted citizenship record
- documents establishing the citizenship connection – birth, citizenship and relationship records connecting the applicant to the Canadian parent or other relevant Canadian ancestor
- citizenship photos – photos that meet the requirements for the application method
- proof of fee payment, where required
- documents requested through the IRCC account, for online applications
The documents should clearly establish the applicant’s identity, birth, relationship to the Canadian parent and the parent’s Canadian citizenship.
Additional Documents for Citizenship by Descent
Additional documents may be required when the applicant’s birth, identity or citizenship connection is not fully established by the standard records. These documents should be included only when they apply or when IRCC requests them.
Late or Amended Birth Records
If the applicant’s birth was registered late or the birth record was amended, additional evidence or an explanation may be required to support the birth details and family relationship.
Name or Identity Documents
If names or personal details differ across the applicant’s or family records, official documents should be provided to explain and connect the differences. These may include:
- a legal name-change certificate
- a marriage certificate
- a divorce record
- a court order
- another official civil-status document
Missing or Unavailable Records
If a required birth, relationship or citizenship record is missing or unavailable, the applicant should provide a clear explanation and the closest available supporting evidence.
Translations
Documents that are not in English or French must include the original-language document and a complete translation. Depending on who prepared the translation, certification or an affidavit may also be required.
Use of a Representative
Applicants using an authorized representative may need to submit:
- IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative
This form is not required if the applicant is not using a representative.
Additional Evidence Requested by IRCC
IRCC may request further documents if the submitted records do not clearly establish the applicant’s identity, family relationship or entitlement to citizenship.
Common Mistakes in Citizenship by Descent Applications
Citizenship certificate applications may be returned or require further review when the wrong application is used, required records are missing or the documents do not clearly establish the citizenship connection.
- Using the wrong application – a person who may already be Canadian normally applies for a citizenship certificate rather than citizenship by naturalization.
- Missing proof of the citizenship connection – the application should include sufficient birth, citizenship and relationship records connecting the applicant to the relevant Canadian parent or ancestor.
- Incomplete or unclear birth records – birth documents should clearly identify the applicant and support the claimed family relationship.
- Unexplained late or amended birth records – additional evidence or an explanation may be required when a birth was registered late or the record was later changed.
- Unexplained differences in names or personal details – inconsistencies across family and identity records should be supported by official documents.
- Missing translations – documents not issued in English or French must include the required translation.
- Not following the applicable checklist – paper applicants should follow CIT 0014, while online applicants should provide the documents listed in their personalized checklist.
Citizenship by Birth Document Checklist
Required Forms and Documents for Common Canadian Citizenship Streams
Most people born in Canada acquire Canadian citizenship automatically through birthright citizenship and do not need to apply to become citizens. A provincial or territorial birth certificate is generally used as proof of Canadian citizenship, although limited exceptions may apply.
Required documents generally include:
- provincial or territorial birth certificate – the main document normally used to prove citizenship by birth
- CIT 0001 – Application for a Citizenship Certificate, if an IRCC citizenship certificate is needed
- CIT 0014 – Document Checklist: Application for a Citizenship Certificate, for paper certificate applications
- personal identification documents, if applying for a citizenship certificate
- citizenship photos, where required
- proof of fee payment, where required
- documents requested through the IRCC account, for online applications
A citizenship certificate provides formal proof of existing citizenship. It is not an application to become a citizen. Once Canadian citizenship is established and the required proof of citizenship is available, the person may use that proof when applying for a Canadian passport.
Additional Documents for Citizenship by Birth
Additional documents may be required when applying for a citizenship certificate and the applicant’s birth or identity records require clarification.
Late or Amended Birth Records
If the birth was registered late or the birth record was amended, additional supporting evidence or an explanation may be required.
Name or Identity Documents
If the applicant’s current name or personal details differ from the birth record, official documents should be provided to connect the information.
These may include:
- a legal name-change certificate
- a marriage certificate
- an adoption order
- a court order
Missing or Unavailable Documents
If a required birth or identity document is missing or unavailable, the applicant should provide a clear explanation and the closest available supporting evidence.
Translations
Documents that are not in English or French must include the original-language document and a complete translation. Depending on who prepared the translation, certification or an affidavit may also be required.
Use of a Representative
Applicants using an authorized representative may need to submit:
- IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative
This form is not required if the applicant is not using a representative.
Common Citizenship Checklist Mistakes That Cause Delays
Applications for proof of citizenship may be returned or require further review when the wrong process is used or the submitted records do not clearly establish the applicant’s birth and identity.
- Applying through naturalization – most people born in Canada acquired citizenship automatically and do not need to apply to become citizens.
- Confusing a birth certificate with a citizenship certificate – both can serve as proof of citizenship, but they are different documents issued by different authorities.
- Submitting an incomplete or unclear birth record – the document should clearly show the applicant’s identity and Canadian birth details.
- Not explaining changes to birth or identity records – late registrations, amended records or differences in personal details may require supporting evidence.
- Missing translations – supporting documents not issued in English or French must include the required translation.
- Not following the applicable certificate checklist – paper applicants should follow CIT 0014, while online applicants should provide the documents requested through their IRCC account.
Minor Citizenship Application Checklist
Required Forms and Documents for Minor Citizenship Applications
Canadian citizenship for minors uses different application forms depending on the child’s circumstances. The correct application is under either paragraph 5(2) or subsection 5(1).
Minor Applying Under Paragraph 5(2)
This stream generally applies when the minor has a Canadian parent or is applying for citizenship at the same time as a parent.
Required forms and documents generally include:
- CIT 0003 – Application for Canadian Citizenship: Minors
- CIT 0008 – Document Checklist: Application for Canadian Citizenship under Paragraph 5(2) – Minors, for paper applications
- the minor’s passports and travel documents, where applicable
- 2 pieces of personal identification confirming the minor’s identity
- birth certificate or adoption order showing the relationship between the minor and the parent
- proof of the parent’s Canadian citizenship, where applicable
- citizenship photos that meet the requirements for the application method
- proof of fee payment, where required
- documents requested through the IRCC account, for online applications
Minor Applying Under Subsection 5(1)
This stream generally applies when the minor does not have a Canadian parent and is not applying for citizenship at the same time as a parent.
Required forms and documents generally include:
- CIT 0403 – Application for Canadian Citizenship: Minors Applying under Subsection 5(1)
- CIT 0560 – Document Checklist: Application for Canadian Citizenship under Subsection 5(1) – Minors, for paper applications
- physical-presence calculation
- the minor’s passports and travel documents covering the eligibility period
- 2 pieces of personal identification confirming the minor’s identity
- citizenship photos that meet the requirements for the application method
- proof of fee payment, where required
- documents requested through the IRCC account, for online applications
Minors aged 14 to 17 must also sign their application.
Additional Documents for Minor Citizenship Applications
Additional documents may be required depending on the minor’s family, legal or identity circumstances.
Custody, Guardianship or Consent Documents
Custody, guardianship, consent or court documents may be required to show that the person submitting the application has authority to act for the minor.
Additional Adoption Records
Where the standard adoption order does not fully establish the legal relationship or the minor’s identity, additional adoption records may be required.
Name or Identity Documents
If names or personal details differ across the minor’s, parent’s or family records, official documents should be provided to explain and connect the differences.
These may include:
- a legal name-change certificate
- a marriage certificate
- an adoption order
- a court order
- Missing or Unavailable Documents
If a required document is missing or unavailable, the applicant should provide a clear explanation and the closest available supporting evidence.
Translations
Documents that are not in English or French must include the original-language document and a complete translation. Depending on who prepared the translation, certification or an affidavit may also be required.
Use of a Representative
Applicants using an authorized representative may need to submit:
- IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative
This form is not required if the applicant is not using a representative.
Common Mistakes in Minor Citizenship Applications
Minor citizenship applications may be returned or delayed when the wrong minor application is used, required family records are missing or the documents do not match the minor’s circumstances.
- Using the wrong minor application – applicants should confirm whether paragraph 5(2) or subsection 5(1) applies.
- Using an adult form or checklist – minors must use the forms and checklist for the applicable minor stream.
- Applying when the minor may already be Canadian – a child who acquired citizenship by birth or descent may need a citizenship certificate instead.
- Missing relationship or legal-authority documents – birth, adoption, custody, guardianship or consent records should be included where required.
- Missing proof of the parent’s citizenship – this evidence should be provided when required for a paragraph 5(2) application.
- Signature errors – the application must be signed by the person authorized to apply, and minors aged 14 to 17 must also sign.
- Missing travel documents or physical-presence information – applicants should provide the records required for the applicable minor stream.
- Incorrect identification or citizenship photos – identity documents and photos must meet the applicable requirements.
- Unexplained differences in names or personal details – inconsistencies across the minor’s and parent’s records should be supported by official documents.
- Missing translations – documents not issued in English or French must include the required translation.
- Not following the applicable checklist – paper applicants should follow CIT 0008 or CIT 0560, while online applicants should provide the documents requested through their IRCC account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tax records or proof are required, and how do taxes affect citizenship eligibility?
Adult applicants must have met their Canadian income tax filing obligations for at least 3 taxation years within the 5-year eligibility period, if they were required to file under Canadian tax law.
Applicants provide their tax-filing information in the citizenship application and may authorize IRCC to verify it with the Canada Revenue Agency. Copies of tax returns and notices of assessment are not normally submitted with the application unless IRCC specifically requests them.
How should citizenship forms and supporting documents be submitted?
For a paper application, applicants should complete the applicable forms, arrange the supporting documents in the order shown on the document checklist, place the completed checklist on top of the application package and send it to the address provided in the instruction guide.
For an online application, applicants complete the application through the appropriate IRCC account and upload the documents requested in the personalized checklist. All uploaded documents should be clear, complete and in the required format.
Applicants should not submit both an online and a paper application for the same request.
Which citizenship forms and documents require signatures, dates, certification, copies or other formatting?
The exact requirements depend on the citizenship stream and whether the application is submitted online or on paper. Applicants should complete every required field and provide all signatures and dates in the format specified by the applicable form, instruction guide and document checklist.
Supporting documents may need to be submitted as clear copies, colour copies or originals, depending on the application instructions. Certain records may also require certification or an affidavit. Applicants should review the current requirements carefully because missing signatures, incorrect dates, incomplete forms or unacceptable document copies may result in the application being returned or delayed.
What should applicants do with missing, expired, incorrect or updated documents?
Applicants should not leave out a required document without an explanation. If a document is missing or unavailable, they should follow the applicable instructions, explain why it cannot be provided and include the closest available supporting evidence.
Expired passports and travel documents may still need to be included if they cover part of the relevant eligibility period. Incorrect forms or documents should be corrected before submission. If personal information or circumstances change after submission, the applicant should update IRCC using the method available for the application.
