From Permanent Resident to Canadian Citizen

How to Get Canadian Citizenship

Quick answer: You can become a Canadian citizen in three main ways:

• Birth in Canada: almost everyone born in Canada is a citizen.
• Descent: you may be a citizen if you were born abroad to a Canadian parent. Since Bill C-3 came into force on 15 December 2025, this includes people beyond the first generation who were born before that date.
• Naturalisation: permanent residents can apply after living in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years. They must also file taxes, meet CLB 4 language and pass the citizenship test (ages 18–54), and pay CAD 653 per adult.

Most people become citizens through naturalisation, after first getting PR through routes such as Express Entry or a provincial nominee programme. See our Migrate to Canada guide for every PR option.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements (Naturalisation)

If you have a criminal record, read our guide to criminal inadmissibility in Canada and get advice before applying.

Canada PR to Citizenship: Your Timeline

1. Get PR: for example through Express Entry or a PNP such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or the Northwest Territories.
2. Live in Canada for 1,095 days: about 3 years, with some credit for time spent in Canada before PR.
3. Apply for citizenship: processing takes about 12 months (September 2026).
4. Take the test and oath: then receive your citizenship certificate.

In total, many people go from arriving in Canada to citizenship in about 4–5 years. Check your PR chances first with our Canada PR points calculator.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Canadian Citizen?

The right of citizenship fee rose from CAD 119.75 to CAD 123 on 31 March 2026.

Canadian Citizenship by Descent and Bill C-3

Bill C-3, in force since 15 December 2025, is the biggest change to Canadian citizenship law in years.

• Born abroad before 15 December 2025: the “first-generation limit” has been removed for you. If your parent was a Canadian citizen, including a citizen by descent, you are generally now a Canadian citizen. This means many people with a Canadian grandparent, often called “Lost Canadians”, have become citizens automatically.
• Born abroad on or after 15 December 2025: a Canadian parent who was born abroad can pass on citizenship if they meet the substantial connection test, meaning they spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.
• Proof of citizenship: if you are a citizen by descent, you do not apply to become a citizen. Instead, you apply for a citizenship certificate (CAD 75) and then a Canadian passport.

Canadian citizenship for Americans

Bill C-3 has attracted huge interest in the United States. Many Americans with a Canadian parent or grandparent may now be eligible. If your Canadian-born grandparent passed citizenship to your parent, and you were born before 15 December 2025, you may already be a citizen. You would apply for proof of citizenship rather than moving to Canada first. Each case depends on family documents, so it is worth checking carefully.

Canadian citizenship for British citizens

British citizens have two main routes:

• Descent: if you have a Canadian parent or grandparent, Bill C-3 may already make you a citizen.
• Naturalisation: move to Canada as a permanent resident (most commonly through Express Entry), live there for 1,095 days and then apply.

Canada and the UK both allow dual citizenship, so you do not need to give up your British passport.

Does Canada Have Birthright Citizenship?

Yes. Almost everyone born in Canada is automatically a Canadian citizen, whatever their parents’ status. The main exception is children of foreign diplomats. Canada does not offer citizenship through marriage alone: a foreign spouse must first become a permanent resident and then meet the naturalisation requirements. Canada also does not sell citizenship, so “buying” Canadian citizenship through investment is not possible.

Renew a Canadian Passport in the UK

If you are a Canadian citizen living in the UK, you renew your passport through Canada’s passport services abroad:

• Complete the application for use outside Canada and the US.
• Pay the fee online.
• Submit your application by mail or in person through the High Commission of Canada in London, following its current instructions.

If you are a citizen by descent applying for your first passport, you need a citizenship certificate first. Processing times and fees vary, so check the High Commission’s page before you send original documents.

How Long Does It Take to Get Canadian Citizenship?

• Citizenship grant (naturalisation): about 12 months after you apply (September 2026).
• Proof of citizenship (citizenship by descent): about 9 months in early 2026. Demand has been high since Bill C-3, so it may take longer.
• Search of citizenship records: about 18 months.

Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

• The right to vote and run for office.
• A Canadian passport with wide visa-free access.
• No PR residency obligation to maintain.
• Protection from losing status through long absences.
• The ability to pass citizenship to your children, subject to the substantial connection rules.

How GIEC Global Helps With Canadian Citizenship

GIEC Global’s Canada immigration consultants, supporting clients from the UK, the USA, India and worldwide, help you:

• check whether you may already be a Canadian citizen under Bill C-3;
• prepare proof of citizenship applications with the right family documents;
• calculate your physical presence and prepare your citizenship grant application;
• plan your PR route if you are not yet a resident; and
• avoid common mistakes that delay or refuse applications.

Read more on our Canadian citizenship page or book a free initial assessment.

Reviewed by the GIEC Global Canada immigration team. Information reflects Bill C-3 (in force 15 December 2025), citizenship fees including the right of citizenship fee from 31 March 2026, and IRCC processing times from September 2026. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Citizenship by descent depends on individual family history – always confirm with IRCC or a licensed professional before relying on this information.