If you are a permanent resident of Canada who is 18 years and older and you have been physically present in Canada for at least four (4) years during the last six (6) years, you and your minor children may be eligible to become Canadian citizens. You must also meet certain requirements with respect to income tax filing, criminal background check, intend to reside in Canada, knowledge of Canada and of one of the official languages in order to apply for citizenship. There are also different requirements for specific categories, as members of CAF, former Canadian citizens, and adopted children. The processing time of the application may vary depending on the completeness of the application submitted and the estimated IRCC processing times.

In some specific situations, you may also need to renounce your Canadian citizenship, for example, in order to become a citizen of a country that does not allow multiple citizenships.

In order to ensure that your application is processed efficiently, forms and supporting documentation must be always adequately prepared. Missing information can cause long delays or even the refusal of your application.

Once you have filed your application, the Citizenship Commission of IRCC will review it. Citizenship judges ensure that the applications meet the requirements of the Citizenship Act and Citizenship Regulations. You will also be asked to appear to take a citizenship test in order to prove your knowledge about Canada. If you do not pass the written test, you can be scheduled for a second test or for an interview. Once all requirements are fulfilled, you will be asked to take part of the citizenship ceremony in order to take the citizenship Oath. This is a final and mandatory step to take in order to become a Canadian citizen.

You should consult with an immigration lawyer to discuss the particular facts of your case, and to determine the best strategy for you to see if you are eligible to become a Canadian citizen.