خدمات مهاجرت ایبلینکا - (EZAPPLY)
Canadian Citizenship
Ready to become a Canadian citizen? We help eligible permanent residents prepare complete citizenship applications, verify eligibility, calculate physical presence, and guide them through every step of the citizenship process. Professional fee starts at CAD $1,000. Government processing fees are additional.
IRCC processing times vary depending on your country of residence and IRCC workload. Visit the IRCC website for current estimates, or contact us for an assessment.
Why Choose iBlinka
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment
We carefully evaluate your background, qualifications, and immigration goals to determine the best pathway before you apply.
End-to-End Application Preparation
We prepare, review, and organize your application forms and supporting documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Licensed RCIC Legal Representation
Your application is submitted by a licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), with professional support throughout the process.
Dedicated Client Care & Support Services
We provide responsive communication, personalized advice, and ongoing assistance from your initial consultation until a final decision is made.
Is This Service Right for You?
Permanent Residents Ready to Apply
Permanent residents who believe they meet the citizenship requirements and are ready to submit their application.
Unsure About Eligibility
Individuals who want to confirm whether they meet the physical presence and other citizenship requirements before applying.
Families Applying Together
Parents who wish to apply for Canadian citizenship with their eligible children.
Complex Residence Histories
Applicants with extensive travel histories who need assistance calculating their physical presence.
Applicants with Previous Immigration Issues
Permanent residents who have previous refusals, enforcement issues, or other concerns affecting their citizenship application.
Applicants Requiring Urgent Processing
Individuals who may qualify to request urgent processing based on IRCC's eligibility criteria.
Citizenship Test Applicants
Applicants seeking guidance before taking the Canadian citizenship test.
Citizenship Ceremony Preparation
Applicants approaching the final stage of the citizenship process.
What’s Included
Eligibility Assessment
We review your permanent resident status, physical presence, tax filing history, and other eligibility requirements before you apply.
Physical Presence Calculation
We carefully review your travel history to calculate your physical presence in Canada and confirm that you meet the residency requirement.
Personalized Document Checklist
Receive a customized checklist based on your circumstances.
Complete Application Preparation
We prepare and review all required forms and supporting documents before submission.
Application Submission
Where retained for representation, we prepare and submit your application and communicate with IRCC as required.
Ongoing Support
We continue assisting you throughout processing until a final decision is made.
Our Process
Initial Consultation
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Eligibility Assessment
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Physical Presence Review
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Application Preparation
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Application Submission
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Citizenship Test & Oath Ceremony
Typical Required Documents
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Permanent Resident Card
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Passports and Travel Documents
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Language Proof (if required)
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Identification Documents
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Physical Presence Records
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Tax Filing Information (if applicable)
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Immigration Records
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Civil Status Documents
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Name Change Documents (if applicable)
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Supporting Evidence Requested by IRCC
Canadian Citizenship FAQs
Find answers to some of the most common questions about Canadian Citizenship. Click on any question below to view the answer.
1. How many days do I need to be physically present in Canada before applying for Canadian citizenship? To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must generally have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) during the five years immediately before the date you sign your application. If you lived in Canada before becoming a permanent resident, some of that time may also count toward your physical presence requirement. Each day you were physically present in Canada as an authorized temporary resident (such as a worker, student, or visitor) or as a protected person generally counts as one-half day, up to a maximum credit of 365 days (one year). For example, if you worked in Canada on a valid work permit for two years before becoming a permanent resident, you may receive the maximum credit of 365 days toward your citizenship application. This means that after becoming a permanent resident, you would generally need 730 additional days (two years) of physical presence to reach the required total of 1,095 days, provided you continue to meet all other eligibility requirements. Because calculating physical presence can become complicated—particularly for applicants with frequent international travel or multiple immigration statuses—it is important to carefully verify your eligibility before submitting your citizenship application.
2. Can I count the time I spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident? Yes, in certain situations. Time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident may count toward your physical presence requirement if you were legally authorized to remain in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person. Each eligible day before becoming a permanent resident generally counts as one-half day, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. Because not every period of residence qualifies, applicants should carefully review their immigration history before relying on pre-permanent residence time.
3. Do I need to file income taxes before applying for Canadian citizenship? Possibly. As part of the citizenship eligibility requirements, you may need to have met your personal income tax filing obligations for the required number of taxation years within your eligibility period, if you were required to file. Whether you were required to file taxes depends on your individual circumstances and Canadian tax law. Meeting your tax obligations is an important part of determining your eligibility for Canadian citizenship.
4. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if my Permanent Resident Card has expired? Yes. An expired Permanent Resident (PR) Card does not automatically prevent you from applying for Canadian citizenship. Your eligibility is based on your permanent resident status—not on whether your PR Card is still valid. As long as you remain a permanent resident and meet all other citizenship requirements, you may generally submit a citizenship application even if your PR Card has expired. However, if you plan to travel outside Canada, you should consider how you will return to Canada if your PR Card is no longer valid.
5. Can I apply for citizenship while my PR Card renewal application is being processed? Yes. In many cases, applicants may submit a Canadian citizenship application while their Permanent Resident Card renewal application is still being processed. The two applications are processed independently. However, applicants should ensure that they continue to meet all citizenship eligibility requirements and promptly notify IRCC of any changes affecting either application.
6. Do I need to prove my English or French language ability? It depends on your age. Applicants between the ages specified by IRCC must generally demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French by submitting accepted language evidence or by qualifying through another accepted method. Applicants who are outside the applicable age range are generally exempt from the language proof requirement. Because acceptable language evidence varies, applicants should ensure that their documentation satisfies IRCC's current requirements before applying.
7. Who is required to take the Canadian citizenship test? If you are between 18 and 54 years of age on the day you sign your citizenship application, you are generally required to take the Canadian citizenship test. Applicants who are under 18 or 55 years of age or older are generally exempt from the test. The test is based on IRCC's official study guide, Discover Canada, and covers topics such as: Canadian history Geography Government Rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens Canadian laws National symbols The test is usually completed online, although IRCC may require an interview instead in certain situations.
8. Do I need to prove my English or French language ability when applying for Canadian citizenship? If you are between 18 and 54 years of age on the day you sign your application, you must generally demonstrate that you have Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 (or NCLC 4 in French) in speaking and listening. Applicants who are under 18 or 55 years of age or older are generally exempt from this requirement. IRCC accepts several types of language proof, including: Approved English or French language test results Certain Canadian secondary or post-secondary diplomas or transcripts completed in English or French Approved government-funded language training certificates Other forms of proof accepted by IRCC It is important to ensure that your language evidence meets IRCC's requirements before submitting your application
9. Do all trips outside Canada count when calculating my physical presence? Yes. When calculating your physical presence for Canadian citizenship, you should report every absence from Canada during your five-year eligibility period, regardless of the reason for travel or the length of your trip. This includes vacations, business travel, family visits, and same-day trips across the border. IRCC may compare the travel history you report with information from your passports, CBSA travel records, and other government records. Providing an accurate and complete travel history is essential, as errors or omissions can delay processing and may raise questions about your eligibility.
10. Can applying for Canadian citizenship too early result in a refusal? Yes. Submitting your application before you satisfy all citizenship requirements may result in your application being refused. Before applying, you should ensure that you: Have accumulated at least 1,095 days of eligible physical presence in Canada. Meet your income tax filing obligations, if required. Can provide acceptable language proof (if you are between 18 and 54 years of age). Are prepared to take the citizenship test, if required. Continue to hold permanent resident status and are not subject to any prohibitions under the Citizenship Act. Carefully reviewing your eligibility before signing and submitting your application can help avoid unnecessary refusals, delays, and the cost of submitting a new application.
Check Your Eligibility
11. Can I leave Canada after submitting my Canadian citizenship application? Yes. Submitting a Canadian citizenship application does not require you to remain in Canada throughout the processing of your application. Many applicants continue to travel internationally for work, family, or vacation while their application is being processed. However, you should ensure that you: Continue to maintain your permanent resident status until you become a Canadian citizen. Are able to receive correspondence from IRCC. Return to Canada if you are required to attend a citizenship test, interview, hearing, or oath ceremony. If you are outside Canada when IRCC schedules an appointment, you should notify IRCC as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
12. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if I am outside Canada? Possibly. Your eligibility for Canadian citizenship is determined based on whether you meet the requirements on the day you sign your application, including the required physical presence in Canada during the five-year eligibility period. If you already meet all eligibility requirements, you may still submit your application while temporarily outside Canada. However, you should be prepared to return to Canada if IRCC requires you to attend a citizenship test, interview, hearing, or oath ceremony. Because every situation is different, applicants planning to remain outside Canada for an extended period should carefully consider how this may affect the processing of their application.
13. How long does it usually take to process a Canadian citizenship application? Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your application, application volumes, and IRCC's workload. Most applications go through several stages, including: Completeness review Background verification Physical presence assessment Citizenship test (if required) Interview (if required) Citizenship ceremony Because processing times change regularly, applicants should refer to IRCC's current processing times when planning their application.
14. Can I request urgent processing of my citizenship application? Yes, but only in limited circumstances. IRCC may consider urgent processing if you can demonstrate a compelling reason, such as: Employment requiring Canadian citizenship Serious illness or death of a family member outside Canada Humanitarian reasons Other exceptional circumstances accepted by IRCC Simply wanting your application processed more quickly is generally not sufficient. Applicants requesting urgent processing should provide supporting documentation explaining why the request should be approved.
15. What happens after I submit my citizenship application? After IRCC receives your application, it will generally go through several stages: Completeness review Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) Background verification Physical presence verification Citizenship test (if applicable) Citizenship interview (if required) Oath ceremony Canadian citizenship certificate issued Not every applicant will require an interview, but all applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements before citizenship is granted.
16. What documents are required for a Canadian citizenship application? The required documents depend on your circumstances. Commonly requested documents include: Permanent Resident Card (if available) Current and expired passports or travel documents covering your eligibility period Government-issued identification Language proof (if required) Immigration documents Name change documents (if applicable) Custody documents (if applicable) Any additional documents requested by IRCC Submitting a complete application can help avoid delays and requests for additional information.
17. Can I update my citizenship application after it has been submitted? Yes. If important information changes after you submit your application, you should notify IRCC as soon as possible. Examples include: Change of address New passport Marriage or divorce Birth or adoption of a child Legal name change Criminal charges or convictions Other significant changes affecting your application Keeping your application current helps ensure that IRCC has accurate information throughout the process.
18. What happens if I miss my citizenship test or interview? If you cannot attend your scheduled citizenship test or interview, you should notify IRCC as soon as possible and explain the reason. IRCC may allow you to reschedule if you have a reasonable explanation. However, repeatedly missing appointments without a satisfactory reason could delay your application or, in some cases, lead to your application being closed.
19. What happens if I miss my citizenship oath ceremony? The citizenship oath ceremony is the final step before becoming a Canadian citizen. If you cannot attend your scheduled ceremony, you should inform IRCC immediately and request a new appointment if appropriate. If you fail to attend without notifying IRCC or providing a reasonable explanation, your application may be considered abandoned.
20. Can IRCC request additional documents after I submit my citizenship application? Yes. Even after submitting a complete application, IRCC may request additional information or documents to verify your eligibility. For example, IRCC may request: Additional travel records Copies of passport pages Language documentation Identity documents Court records Other documents relevant to your application Responding completely and within the deadline provided by IRCC helps avoid unnecessary delays in processing your application.
21. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if I have a criminal record? It depends. Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen. However, certain criminal charges or convictions may make you ineligible to be granted citizenship or may delay your application. For example, you may be prohibited from obtaining Canadian citizenship if you are: Serving a sentence inside or outside Canada On parole or probation Charged with or convicted of certain criminal offences Subject to specific prohibitions under the Citizenship Act If you have a criminal history or pending criminal charges, it is important to obtain professional advice before submitting your citizenship application.
22. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if I have a removal order? It depends on the type and status of the removal order. Generally, you must continue to hold permanent resident status and not be subject to a prohibition under the Citizenship Act when your application is assessed. If you have received a removal order or are involved in enforcement proceedings, you should obtain legal advice before applying, as your eligibility may be affected.
23. Can I apply for citizenship if I spent long periods outside Canada? Possibly. Spending extended periods outside Canada does not automatically make you ineligible for citizenship. The key question is whether you still accumulated the required 1,095 days of eligible physical presence during the five years immediately before signing your application. Applicants with extensive travel histories should carefully calculate their physical presence and maintain accurate travel records before applying.
24. Why did IRCC refuse my Canadian citizenship application? IRCC may refuse a citizenship application if an applicant does not satisfy one or more requirements under the Citizenship Act. Common reasons for refusal include: Insufficient physical presence in Canada Failure to meet the language requirement (where applicable) Failure to pass the citizenship test (where applicable) Misrepresentation Criminal prohibitions Failure to provide requested documents Incomplete or inaccurate application Submitting a complete and accurate application can significantly reduce the risk of unnecessary delays or refusal.
25. What happens if I make a mistake on my citizenship application? Minor mistakes do not necessarily result in a refusal. However, inaccurate information, omitted travel history, incorrect dates, or inconsistencies with previous immigration applications may delay processing or lead IRCC to request additional information. If you discover an error after submitting your application, you should notify IRCC as soon as possible and provide the correct information.
26. Do I need to include all of my old passports with my citizenship application? You should provide copies of all passports and travel documents that cover your five-year eligibility period, even if they have expired. Old passports help IRCC verify your travel history and physical presence in Canada. If a passport has been lost or is unavailable, you should explain the circumstances and provide any alternative evidence requested by IRCC. Providing complete travel documentation can help avoid delays and additional document requests.
27. Can I change my name before or during my Canadian citizenship application? Yes. If your legal name changes before or during the citizenship process, you should notify IRCC and provide the appropriate legal documents, such as a legal name change certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or court order, depending on your circumstances. Ensuring that your identity documents are consistent throughout the application helps prevent processing delays.
28. Can I apply for Canadian citizenship if I received permanent residence through refugee protection, family sponsorship, Express Entry, or another immigration program? Yes. Once you become a permanent resident, your pathway to permanent residence generally does not affect your eligibility for Canadian citizenship. Whether you became a permanent resident through: Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Family Sponsorship Refugee or Protected Person status Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds Another immigration program the citizenship eligibility requirements are generally the same. The important consideration is whether you meet the requirements under the Citizenship Act, including physical presence, language (if applicable), tax obligations, and any applicable prohibitions.
29. Can I withdraw my Canadian citizenship application after submitting it? Yes. You may request to withdraw your citizenship application before a final decision is made. Some applicants choose to withdraw their application because they realize they do not yet meet the eligibility requirements, wish to correct significant errors, or prefer to submit a stronger application later. Before requesting a withdrawal, you should carefully consider how it may affect your plans and whether another solution may be available.
30. Why should I work with an RCIC for my Canadian citizenship application? Although many citizenship applications appear straightforward, mistakes involving physical presence calculations, travel history, supporting documents, language evidence, or eligibility can lead to delays or refusal. At iBlinka Immigration, we carefully review your eligibility, verify your physical presence calculation, assess your supporting documents, identify potential issues before submission, and guide you throughout the citizenship process. Our goal is to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted with confidence.
Every immigration case is unique. Before recommending the most appropriate immigration strategy, we need to understand your background, current circumstances, and long-term goals.
Complete the short assessment below, and one of our licensed immigration professionals will review your information and contact you with the next steps.
Prefer to Speak With an RCIC?
Don't have time to complete the eligibility assessment? Book a one-on-one consultation with a licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and receive personalized advice tailored to your situation.