Canadian Citizenship Application
At IPJ Immigration Solutions, our dedicated team brings over 20 years of experience helping permanent residents and their families apply for Canadian citizenship. With personalized support and deep knowledge of Canadian citizenship requirements, we help make your goal of becoming a Canadian citizen clear and achievable.
Your Trusted Partner for Canadian Citizenship in Canada
Canadian citizenship gives you full legal rights in Canada. You can vote, apply for a Canadian passport, and fully participate in Canadian society. You continue to have access to healthcare, education, and legal protection.
To apply, you must meet key requirements. Most applicants need at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada within the last 5 years. You must also meet language and tax requirements. No job offer is needed for citizenship.
At IPJ Immigration, our women-owned RCIC team has guided thousands over 20 years. We help calculate your physical presence, prepare your documents, and guide you through the test and oath process. We explain every step clearly, so you feel confident and prepared.
Who Can Apply for Canadian Citizenship?
Permanent residents who meet residency and legal requirements can apply under the Citizenship Act.
You may qualify if you:
Have permanent resident status
Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years
Filed taxes if required
Meet language requirements if age 18 to 54
Pass the citizenship test if required
Minors can apply with their parents. Children born outside Canada to Canadian parents may also qualify under specific rules.
Pathways to Canadian Citizenship
Citizenship streams focus on residency and descent; minors apply with parents.
Program | Who It Serves | Processing Time | Key Requirement |
Adult Citizenship | PRs 18+ with 1,095 days presence | 12-18 months | Language test (CLB 4) |
Minor Child Citizenship | Children under 18 with PR parent | 12-18 months | Parent’s app |
Citizenship by Descent (Bill C-3) | Born/adopted abroad to Canadian parent | 6-12 months | Proof of descent |
Urgent Processing (Paper Apps) | Time-sensitive cases (e.g., travel) | 3-6 months | Marked “Urgent” |
Rehabilitation for Inadmissibility | Those with minor criminal history | Varies | Waiver app |
Oath of Citizenship | All approved applicants | Scheduled post-approval | Virtual/in-person |
Adult Citizenship: The Primary Path to Full Rights
IRCC’s main stream for PRs, processed online for efficiency.
Create a profile on the IRCC portal. Calculate presence (1,095 days/5 years, half-days for kids’ time), prove language (IELTS/CELPIP CLB 4), and submit tax proofs.
Undergo knowledge test (20 questions, 75% pass; study guide available). 2026 emphasizes digital oaths, with virtual options nationwide.
Approval? Receive invitation to oath; certificate issued post-ceremony. Include minors in the app for joint processing.
No test for 55+? 90% pass on the first try with prep. Processing: 80% in 12 months.
Citizenship Eligibility Requirements
Fundamentals verified through background checks.
- Permanent Residence: Must hold PR status; no time limit to apply.
- Physical Presence: 1,095 days in Canada over the last 5 years (pre-PR time counts half).
- Language: CLB 4 for 18-54 (IELTS 4.5 speaking/reading, 4.0 listening/writing).
- Knowledge: Pass test on Canada (rights, history, symbols) for 18-54.
- Other: Filed taxes (if required), no prohibitions (criminal/terrorism); intent to reside.
For families, minors are exempt from tests/language. Common issue is Presence miscalculation causes 25% refusals we use trackers.
The Citizenship Application Process
Online via IRCC Portal (paper for urgent). Expect 12-18 months total, biometrics in 30 days. Track with UCI number.
- Assess/Prepare: Use IRCC wizard for presence/language fit. Gather PR card, tax docs.
- Gather Documents: Passports, presence proof (travel records), language results, 2 IDs.
- Submit: Upload CIT 0002 form; pay $630 adult/$100 child fees.
- Biometrics/Medical: Book at VAC if needed; arrive early.
- Verification: IRCC reviews presence/taxes over 6-12 months; possible interview.
- Test/Oath: Scheduled test (if 18-54); oath invitation post-approval.
- Decision/Certificate: Approved: Virtual/in-person oath; certificate mails 4-6 weeks.
Updates every 4 weeks via email. Delays from incomplete docs cause 30% refusals and we reduce anxiety through weekly calls.
Costs and Fees for Canadian Citizenship
Total for one: $800-$1,200 CAD.
IRCC Fees
- $630 processing per adult
- $100 per child under 18
- $85 biometrics per person ($170 family)
Additional Costs
- Language test: $280-$350
- Knowledge prep materials: $50-$100
- Police certificates: $25-$100
No Proof of Funds Required
- Exempt for citizenship; focus on tax compliance.
Urgent paper apps add courier fees ~$50.
Two Ways to Work With Us – Same Commitment, Different Support Levels
Every immigration journey is unique. Some prefer to be hands-on, while others need a team to manage everything.
We offer two options to match your desired level of support. Whether you want to handle parts of your application or leave it all to us, you’ll receive clear guidance and a dedicated legal team committed to your success.
Full Representation
This is our all-inclusive service, where we handle every detail of your immigration journey. From submitting your application to preparing all documentation and managing communication with the IRCC, we take full responsibility to ensure your process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Professional Audit
For those who prefer to manage their own application, this package provides expert guidance and a detailed review of your work. We provide a comprehensive strategy, a custom checklist for your documents, and a final legal audit to ensure your application is complete and error-free before submission.
How We Charge: Clear, Fair, and Transparent
We keep our pricing simple and predictable. You always know what you’re paying for, and there are no hidden fees or surprises.
What Our Clients Say
Every application represents someone’s hopes, dreams, and future. Here are just a few of the people we’ve been honored to help.
Trusted Immigration Guidance Backed by 20+ Years of Experience
We guide our clients with clear, steady expertise. For more than 20 years, our team has supported individuals and families through every stage of the Canadian immigration process — from temporary residence to permanent residence, citizenship, and complex cases that require careful strategy.
Experienced in Both Simple and Complex Cases
From straightforward applications to misrepresentation, inadmissibility, and procedural fairness letters, we bring over 20 years of experience to every situation — whether you need full representation or a guided review before submitting.
Warm, Human Support for Every Client
We take the time to understand your story, your goals, and your concerns. You’re never treated like a file number — you’re a person, and your journey matters.
ESL‑Friendly Communication
We explain every step in clear, simple language. No jargon. No confusion. Just steady, accessible guidance that supports both full‑service clients and those completing their own applications.
Thorough, Organized Application Preparation
Every form, document, and submission is reviewed with care to reduce delays and strengthen your application — including detailed reviews for clients who want expert feedback before submitting on their own.
Transparent, Predictable Process
You always know what stage you’re in, what comes next, and what we’re doing on your behalf. No surprises, no uncertainty
Clear, Steady Guidance You Can Trust
Immigration can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re preparing your application on your own. We provide calm, organized support so you always know what to expect and how to move forward.
A Women‑Led, Family‑Run Firm
Our approach is grounded in empathy, integrity, and genuine care — values that shape every interaction and every application we support.
A Lawyer and Immigration Consultants Working Together
Your application benefits from a team that combines legal insight with regulated Canadian immigration consulting. Our professionals are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, and we maintain active memberships with CILA and CAPIC to stay current with evolving policies and best practices. This collaborative approach strengthens your strategy, reduces errors, and ensures your case is reviewed from multiple professional perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must live in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the last 5 years before applying. Accurate travel records are important to prove your presence.
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show basic language ability in English or French. Applicants under 18 or over 54 are usually exempt.
Most applications are processed within 12 to 18 months. Processing time depends on document completeness and background checks.
The test includes questions about Canada’s history, government, and rights. It helps confirm your knowledge of Canada.
Yes, you must file taxes if required. Tax history helps confirm your residency and eligibility.
How Would You Like to Get Started?
You can reach us in the way that feels most comfortable for you. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can book a consultation. If you’re still deciding between Guided Application Review and Full Care Representation, you can complete a short questionnaire and receive a personalized recommendation within 24 hours.
Book a Consultation
Free 15‑Minute Discovery Call
A short conversation to understand your situation and help you choose between Full Care Representation and Guided Application Review.
Paid 45‑Minute Consultation
A focused session for specific needs such as strategy, refusals, restoring status, or detailed immigration questions.
Clear, practical guidance tailored to your case.
Start With a Guided Questionnaire
Complete a short questionnaire to help us understand your comfort level, your timeline, and the complexity of your situation. A licensed consultant will review your answers and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, personalized recommendation.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive clear, honest guidance from a team that cares about your future.
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