Canadian citizenship for adults: requirements, fees, timing and the test

1,095 days of physical presence, language proof, the citizenship test, $530 + $123 in fees and what to know about processing times before you apply as an adult.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

The requirements, one by one

1. Be a permanent resident. Your PR status must be valid. You must not have a removal order or unfulfilled conditions tied to your PR status, such as medical screening. You can apply with a valid or expired PR card.
2. Have enough physical presence. You need at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the eligibility period, which is the 5 years before the date you sign your application and must include at least 730 days as a permanent resident. Time in prison, on parole or on probation, and the time you wait for a decision on a refugee claim, are not included.
3. File your income taxes in Canada if you were required to: you may need to file for at least 3 of the 5 years before you apply. Your application asks whether you were required to file and whether you did.
4. Prove your language skills in French or English if you are 18 to 54 on the day you sign: level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (English) or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (French), in speaking and listening.
5. Pass the citizenship test (ages 18 to 54). It covers the rights and responsibilities of citizens and Canada’s history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols. You are invited to take it after you submit your application.
6. Take the Oath of Citizenship at the ceremony if you are at least 18 when you sign and your application is approved.
7. Not be under a prohibition. Most relate to criminality or security. IRCC advises waiting until the situation no longer affects your eligibility before you apply.

How to count your days of physical presence

Each day in Canada as a permanent resident counts as one day. Before permanent residence, each day as a temporary resident (visitor, student, worker or temporary resident permit holder) or as a protected person counts as 0.5 days, up to a maximum of 365 days of physical presence, which equals 730 calendar days.

Example. You were a student for 2 years (730 calendar days, so 365 days counted) and then a permanent resident for 730 days. The total is 1,095 days, exactly at the minimum. IRCC recommends waiting until you have more days before you apply.

Each day employed outside Canada as a Crown servant (or as their spouse, common-law partner or child) counts as one day of physical presence. Locally engaged employees abroad are not included.

Fees

According to IRCC’s March 27, 2026 notice, the adult right of citizenship fee rises from $119.75 to $123 for applications received on or after March 31, 2026, and the adult citizenship grant processing fee stays at $530. The total is therefore $653. The right of citizenship fee is adjusted every year for inflation, so check IRCC’s fee list when you pay. Fees for minors are not shown here.

Processing time

IRCC shows the current processing time dynamically on the application page rather than as fixed text. What IRCC states is that processing time:

• starts when your complete application is received, with no missing information or documents;
• ends when you become a Canadian citizen;
• includes the citizenship test and the ceremony, if applicable;
• can be longer if the application is considered unusual or complex.

An incomplete application therefore delays the clock itself: review the application guide before you submit.

How many days must I have spent in Canada to apply for citizenship?

At least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence during the 5 years before you sign your application, including at least 730 days as a permanent resident. IRCC encourages applying with more than 1,095 days in case of a calculation error.

How much does an adult citizenship application cost?

According to IRCC’s March 27, 2026 notice: a $530 processing fee plus a $123 right of citizenship fee (applied to applications received on or after March 31, 2026), for a total of $653. The right of citizenship fee is adjusted every year.

How long does processing take?

IRCC does not give one fixed figure in the page text. Processing time starts when your complete application is received and ends when you become a citizen, including the test and ceremony. Check the time shown on the official application page.

Do I have to take the citizenship test?

Yes, if you are 18 to 54 years old on the day you sign your application. You are invited to take it after you submit your application.

Sources and limits

Official sources read on November 9, 2026: <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/adult-minor/who.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRCC, Who can apply</a>, <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/adult-minor.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRCC, Apply for Canadian citizenship</a> and <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/right-citizenship-fee-increasing.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRCC notice of March 27, 2026 on the right of citizenship fee</a>. Fees are indexed every year and rules can change: IRCC’s information prevails. This guide does not cover applications for minors.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-11-09.