Application for a citizenship certificate (adults and minors)

Get help to open an application form or to fill one out in the Help Centre.

This application is for Canadian citizens who want to apply for a citizenship certificate. Citizenship certificates are proof of Canadian citizenship. For minors (under 18 years old), see the parental consent policy. If you are applying for a minor, remember that all questions apply to the minor.

Online applications

• the instruction guide to fill out the forms
• the supporting documents ( PDF , 0.99 MB ) you need to submit
• a digital photo that meets our specifications
• a scanner or digital camera
• a valid credit or debit card

Depending on your situation, you may need to submit:

You need an account to apply online. Use it to pay your fees and check your status.

Once you start your online application, you have 60 days to submit it.

Paper applications

• The instruction guide to prepare and submit your application
• Document checklist [CIT 0014] ( PDF , 0.99 MB )
• Application for a citizenship certificate (adults and minors) [CIT 0001] ( PDF , 3.07 MB )
  • Get help to download, save and open this form

  Depending on your situation you may need to submit:

  • Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] ( PDF , 1.52 MB )
  • Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifer [IRM 0002] ( PDF , 1.79 MB )

  

  1. Read the instruction guide and download your application forms
  2. Fill out, sign and date your application forms
  3. Pay the fees
  4. Submit your application

  Important: If your application is incomplete or missing information, we will return it to you.

  Credit cards and prepaid cards

  We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

  • Visa ® ,
  • MasterCard ® ,
  • American Express ® , and
  • JCB.

  If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier.

  We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

  The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

  • be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online, and
  • be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

  We also accept all Visa Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

  The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

  We no longer issue citizenship cards.

  As of February 1, 2012, the citizenship certificate has replaced the plastic wallet-sized citizenship card as proof of citizenship. We no longer give out citizenship cards or the commemorative certificates that came with them.

  If you apply to update or replace your citizenship card, we will send you the new certificate.