How do I apply for Canadian citizenship in Toronto?

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada showing that you meet the physical presence, tax filing, language, and admissibility requirements. Most applicants must also pass a citizenship test and attend a citizenship oath ceremony. Ayodele Law assists Toronto-based and international clients with eligibility assessments, physical presence calculations, document review, and submission.

How long does a Canadian citizenship application take?

Most citizenship applications take between 12 and 24 months, depending on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada processing times, background checks, travel history, and whether additional documents or interviews are required. Applications involving frequent travel, residency concerns, or procedural fairness reviews may take longer.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for Canadian citizenship?

A lawyer is not required, but legal guidance is highly recommended if you have extensive travel history, expired or missing documents, prior refusals, criminal charges, misrepresentation concerns, or uncertainty about your physical presence calculation. Legal review helps reduce delays and refusals.

How many days do I need to live in Canada before applying for citizenship?

You must have at least 1,095 days, or three years, of physical presence in Canada within the five years before submitting your application. This includes time spent as a permanent resident and eligible pre-permanent residence time.

Does time in Canada before becoming a permanent resident count?

Yes. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident, such as a worker, student, or visitor, or as a protected person, counts as half a day per day, up to a maximum of 365 days toward the 1,095-day requirement.

What documents do I need for a citizenship application?

Most applicants need passports and travel documents, proof of permanent resident status, income tax filings for the required years, a physical presence calculation with supporting records, language proof for applicants aged 18 to 54, and police or court documents if applicable. Additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances.

Can criminal charges or convictions affect my citizenship application?

Yes. Certain criminal charges or convictions can create temporary prohibitions and may delay or prevent approval. Even unresolved charges can affect processing. An immigration lawyer can assess your eligibility and timing before you apply.

What is a Procedural Fairness Letter and what should I do?

A Procedural Fairness Letter means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has concerns about residency, misrepresentation, or criminality. These letters require a carefully documented response. Improper or incomplete responses often lead to refusal, so legal assistance is strongly recommended.

Can my citizenship application be refused or delayed?

Yes. Citizenship applications may be refused or delayed due to insufficient physical presence, misrepresentation, criminal prohibitions, or missing documentation. In some cases, applicants can reapply or seek judicial review depending on the issue.

Canadian Citizenship Application Lawyer in Toronto

Bronze statue of Lady Justice holding scales and a sword, symbolizing fairness in the legal system and Canadian immigration law.

Applying for Canadian citizenship is a major milestone — and for many permanent residents, the final step in their immigration journey. Whether you’re preparing a straightforward application or dealing with complex issues such as long travel history, expired documents, or criminality concerns, Ayodele Law provides clear, reliable guidance from start to finish.

Speak to a professional today

Our Toronto citizenship lawyer helps applicants confirm their eligibility, calculate physical presence, organize evidence, and submit a complete, well-supported Canadian citizenship application to avoid delays, errors, or refusals.

If you’re ready to apply for citizenship from Toronto or anywhere in the GTA, we can guide you through the entire process.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements: Who Can Apply?

To qualify for Canadian citizenship as an adult (18+), applicants must meet all IRCC requirements. Below is a clear, simplified breakdown of the criteria.

Understanding physical presence requirements

To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must usually have at least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada during the 5 years before you sign your application.

Your physical presence must include:

At least 730 days as a permanent resident
Eligible pre-PR time (visitor, student, worker, protected person) counted as 0.5 days, up to 365 days
Full-day credit for time spent outside Canada as a Crown servant or family member of one

Time spent in prison, on probation, or on parole does not count.
Because IRCC may calculate certain trips differently, it’s best to apply with more than 1,095 days to avoid issues.

What are the income tax filing requirements?

Most applicants must have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least three taxation years within the 5-year eligibility period. If you aren’t sure whether you needed to file taxes in certain years, we can help determine this before you apply.

What are the language requirements (Ages 18–54)

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate English or French ability at about CLB/NCLC Level 4, showing they can:

Take part in everyday conversations
Understand simple instructions
Use basic vocabulary and grammar

Accepted proof includes language tests, education completed in English/French, or IRCC-approved certificates.

Citizenship Test (Ages 18–54)

Applicants between 18 and 54 must complete the citizenship test, which covers:

Rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens
Canadian history and geography
Government, economy, and laws
National symbols

Tests may be online or in-person. Accommodations such as oral tests, large print, or extra time may be available.

Taking the Oath of Citizenship

If IRCC approves your application, the final step is taking the oath of citizenship at a ceremony.
Adults must take the oath unless granted a rare exemption.

Exemptions and Accommodations

Some applicants are automatically exempt:

Adults 55+: no language requirement or citizenship test
Minors under 18: no language requirement or citizenship test
Minors under 14: no oath required

Applicants may also request accommodations (e.g., Braille test, oral test, extra time) or waivers in specific situations.

  
    Key Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship (Adults 18+)
  
      ✔Permanent resident status

      You must be a permanent resident of Canada with no removal order, no unfulfilled conditions
      on your PR (such as medical screening), and no loss of PR status.
      An expired PR card is acceptable as long as your PR status itself is still valid.
    
      ✔Physical presence in Canada

      You must usually have at least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence
      in Canada in the 5 years before you sign your application, including:
      
      •At least 730 days as a permanent resident

      •Each day as a visitor, worker, student or protected person
      can count as 0.5 days (up to 365 days of credit)

      •Certain days outside Canada as a Crown servant or
      family member of a Crown servant may count as full days

      Time in prison, on parole or on probation does not count toward your physical presence.
    
      ✔Income tax filing

      If required, you must have filed Canadian income tax returns for
      at least 3 years in the 5-year eligibility period
      before applying for citizenship.
    
      ✔Language ability (ages 18–54)

      If you are between 18 and 54, you must demonstrate adequate knowledge of
      English or French (approximately CLB/NCLC level 4), showing
      you can take part in simple conversations, understand basic instructions
      and use everyday vocabulary and grammar.
    
      ✔Citizenship test (ages 18–54)

      Applicants aged 18–54 must take the citizenship test on the rights and responsibilities
      of Canadian citizens, and on Canada’s history, geography, economy, government and symbols.
    
      ✔Oath of citizenship

      If your application is approved, you must take the oath of citizenship
      at a citizenship ceremony before becoming a Canadian citizen.
    
      ✔No prohibitions

      You must not be under a prohibition due to certain criminal, security or immigration
      issues (for example, serving a sentence, recent serious convictions, or previous
      citizenship revocation). In some cases you must wait until a specific period has
      passed before you can apply.

Key Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship (Adults 18+)
✔Permanent resident status You must be a permanent resident of Canada with no removal order, no unfulfilled conditions on your PR (such as medical screening), and no loss of PR status. An expired PR card is acceptable as long as your PR status itself is still valid.
✔Physical presence in Canada You must usually have at least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada in the 5 years before you sign your application, including: •At least 730 days as a permanent resident •Each day as a visitor, worker, student or protected person can count as 0.5 days (up to 365 days of credit) •Certain days outside Canada as a Crown servant or family member of a Crown servant may count as full days Time in prison, on parole or on probation does not count toward your physical presence.
✔Income tax filing If required, you must have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least 3 years in the 5-year eligibility period before applying for citizenship.
✔Language ability (ages 18–54) If you are between 18 and 54, you must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (approximately CLB/NCLC level 4), showing you can take part in simple conversations, understand basic instructions and use everyday vocabulary and grammar.
✔Citizenship test (ages 18–54) Applicants aged 18–54 must take the citizenship test on the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, and on Canada’s history, geography, economy, government and symbols.
✔Oath of citizenship If your application is approved, you must take the oath of citizenship at a citizenship ceremony before becoming a Canadian citizen.
✔No prohibitions You must not be under a prohibition due to certain criminal, security or immigration issues (for example, serving a sentence, recent serious convictions, or previous citizenship revocation). In some cases you must wait until a specific period has passed before you can apply.

  
        Applicant Type
        Language Proof
        Citizenship Test
        Oath of Citizenship
      
        Adults 18–54
        
          Required.

          Must show adequate knowledge of English or French (CLB/NCLC 4) through language tests, schooling, or other accepted proof.
        
          Required.

          Must take the citizenship test on Canada’s history, values, institutions, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
        
          Required.

          Must take the oath at a citizenship ceremony if the application is approved. In rare cases, a waiver may be requested.
        
        Adults 55+
        Not required.
Automatically exempt from the language requirement.
        Not required.
Automatically exempt from the citizenship test.
        Required.
Must still take the oath of citizenship unless granted a specific waiver.
      
        Minors 14–17
        Not required.
Minors are exempt from proving language ability.
        Not required.
Minors do not have to take the citizenship test.
        Required.
Must usually take the oath of citizenship. A waiver can be requested in some circumstances.
      
        Minors under 14
        Not required.
No language requirement for children under 14.
        Not required.
No citizenship test requirement for children under 14.
        Not required.
Children under 14 do not need to take the oath of citizenship.

Applicant Type	Language Proof	Citizenship Test	Oath of Citizenship
Adults 18–54	Required. Must show adequate knowledge of English or French (CLB/NCLC 4) through language tests, schooling, or other accepted proof.	Required. Must take the citizenship test on Canada’s history, values, institutions, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.	Required. Must take the oath at a citizenship ceremony if the application is approved. In rare cases, a waiver may be requested.
Adults 55+	Not required. Automatically exempt from the language requirement.	Not required. Automatically exempt from the citizenship test.	Required. Must still take the oath of citizenship unless granted a specific waiver.
Minors 14–17	Not required. Minors are exempt from proving language ability.	Not required. Minors do not have to take the citizenship test.	Required. Must usually take the oath of citizenship. A waiver can be requested in some circumstances.
Minors under 14	Not required. No language requirement for children under 14.	Not required. No citizenship test requirement for children under 14.	Not required. Children under 14 do not need to take the oath of citizenship.

Citizenship Applications for Minors (Under 18)

Canadian citizenship rules for minors depend on whether they are applying with a parent, whether a parent is already a Canadian citizen, and which section of the Citizenship Act applies. There are two pathways: Section 5(2) and Section 5(1).

Minor Applications Under Section 5 (2)

A minor must apply under section 5(2) when:

The minor has a Canadian citizen parent, or
A parent is applying for citizenship at the same time

To apply under this section:

The application must be submitted by a parent (biological or adoptive) or a legal guardian
The minor must have valid permanent resident status with no removal order or unfulfilled conditions
If the minor is 14 to 17 years old, they must usually take the oath

Minors under 18 are not required to meet language or citizenship test requirements.

Minor Applications Under Section 5 (1)

A minor must apply under section 5(1) when:

They do not have a Canadian parent, and
Their parent is not applying for citizenship at the same time

Key points:

The minor must be a permanent resident
The minor must usually have 1,095 days of physical presence in the 5 years before the application (with similar rules to adults for counting pre-PR time)
If required, the minor must have filed Canadian income taxes for three years
Minors aged 14 to 17 must take the oath of citizenship
Like adults, minors must not be under any IRCC prohibition (such as certain criminality issues)

We assist with both 5(1) and 5(2) applications, including cases involving adoption, custody, or complex immigration histories.

What documents are needed for a Canadian Citizenship Application?

A complete and well-organized application package helps IRCC assess your eligibility without delays. While the exact documents required will depend on your personal history, the items below are commonly requested for most Canadian citizenship applications.

IRCC expects clear, consistent, and traceable documentation that supports your identity, permanent resident status, physical presence, and tax filing history. Applicants with frequent travel or complex immigration backgrounds may need additional evidence.

Below is a structured breakdown of the documents you may need to prepare.

  
    Category
    Documents Commonly Required
  
    Proof of Identity and Status
    
      Valid or expired PR card (if available).

      Record of landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or other IRCC status documents.

      Passport(s) or travel documents covering your eligibility period.

      Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s licence, provincial ID card).
    
    Physical Presence and Travel History
    
      Entry/exit stamps, visas and travel itineraries.

      Copies of old passports that show trips in and out of Canada.

      Employment letters, pay stubs, school records or leases that help prove
      where you lived and worked during the 5-year eligibility period.
    
    Income Tax and Financial Records
    
      Canadian tax returns and Notices of Assessment for at least
      3 taxation years in the last 5 years (if you were required to file).

      T4s, pay stubs or employer letters that confirm your employment history.
    
    Language Proof (Adults 18–54)
    
      Accepted language test results (e.g., IELTS General Training, CELPIP).

      School transcripts or diplomas in English or French.

      Other IRCC-accepted evidence showing CLB/NCLC 4 or higher.
    
    Criminality and Security (if applicable)
    
      Police certificates from countries where you spent significant time.

      Court documents, probation orders, or pardons/record suspensions if you have past charges or convictions.

      Any immigration decisions related to inadmissibility or previous findings of misrepresentation.
    
    Minors and Family Applications
    
      Child’s birth certificate and proof of custody or guardianship (for minor applications).

      Proof of parent’s Canadian citizenship or PR status if applying under section 5(2).

      Adoption orders or guardianship documents where applicable.
    
    Optional but Helpful
    
      Letters from employers, schools, or community organizations confirming your ties to Canada.

      Evidence of community involvement, volunteering, or other integration factors.

      A concise timeline of your immigration history to help the officer understand your story quickly.

Category	Documents Commonly Required
Proof of Identity and Status	Valid or expired PR card (if available). Record of landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or other IRCC status documents. Passport(s) or travel documents covering your eligibility period. Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s licence, provincial ID card).
Physical Presence and Travel History	Entry/exit stamps, visas and travel itineraries. Copies of old passports that show trips in and out of Canada. Employment letters, pay stubs, school records or leases that help prove where you lived and worked during the 5-year eligibility period.
Income Tax and Financial Records	Canadian tax returns and Notices of Assessment for at least 3 taxation years in the last 5 years (if you were required to file). T4s, pay stubs or employer letters that confirm your employment history.
Language Proof (Adults 18–54)	Accepted language test results (e.g., IELTS General Training, CELPIP). School transcripts or diplomas in English or French. Other IRCC-accepted evidence showing CLB/NCLC 4 or higher.
Criminality and Security (if applicable)	Police certificates from countries where you spent significant time. Court documents, probation orders, or pardons/record suspensions if you have past charges or convictions. Any immigration decisions related to inadmissibility or previous findings of misrepresentation.
Minors and Family Applications	Child’s birth certificate and proof of custody or guardianship (for minor applications). Proof of parent’s Canadian citizenship or PR status if applying under section 5(2). Adoption orders or guardianship documents where applicable.
Optional but Helpful	Letters from employers, schools, or community organizations confirming your ties to Canada. Evidence of community involvement, volunteering, or other integration factors. A concise timeline of your immigration history to help the officer understand your story quickly.

Common Reasons for Citizenship Application Delays or Refusals

Even when you meet all the requirements, IRCC may delay or refuse a citizenship application if certain concerns arise. The most common issues include unclear physical presence, inconsistent documents, or suspected misrepresentation. Understanding these issues ahead of time can help prevent unnecessary processing delays.

1. Physical Presence Concerns

IRCC may question your physical presence calculation if:

You travel frequently
You have multiple passports
Passport stamps are missing or inconsistent
Your travel history does not match CBSA entry/exit records
You lived in more than one country during the eligibility period

We help you gather and present clear documentation — such as entry and exit records, travel itineraries, school records, and employment evidence — to support your calculation.

2. Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation can be intentional or accidental, and either type can result in:

A refused citizenship application
A 5-year bar on reapplying
Potential issues with your permanent resident status

Common triggers include:

Incorrect dates in travel history
Inconsistencies between IRCC forms and documents
Missing or inaccurate passport information
Omitting immigration or criminal history

Ayodele Law prepares consistent, precise applications and can respond to IRCC Procedural Fairness Letters if concerns are raised.

3. Criminality

Criminal charges or convictions may:

Temporarily bar you from applying
Delay your application until the prohibition period ends
Lead to additional security checks

If you have any criminal or immigration enforcement history, legal advice is essential before you submit your citizenship application.

Children and Grandchildren of Canadian Citizens

If you have a Canadian parent or grandparent, you may already be a Canadian citizen—even if you were born outside Canada and have never held a Canadian passport.

This often applies when:

A parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth
A grandparent was a Canadian citizen and your parent obtained citizenship by descent
Your birth was registered abroad with a Canadian consulate or embassy

In many of these cases, the correct next step is not a citizenship application, but a Canadian Citizenship Certificate (proof of citizenship).

This certificate allows you to apply for a Canadian passport and confirms your legal status as a citizen.

Ayodele Law assesses your family history and determines whether you should apply for a citizenship certificate instead of a standard citizenship application.

Dual Citizenship Considerations

Canada permits dual or multiple citizenships, but your country of origin may not.
Before applying, it is important to confirm whether:

Your current citizenship will be automatically revoked
You need to notify your home country
Dual citizenship is restricted or not recognized

We can guide you in understanding the implications before you submit your Canadian citizenship application.

How Ayodele Law Can Help With Your Citizenship Application

Applying for Canadian citizenship is an important step — and a complete, accurate application can help you avoid delays or refusals. Ayodele Law assists with confirming eligibility, calculating your physical presence, organizing your documents, and preparing a clean, consistent application for IRCC.

We also help respond to Procedural Fairness Letters, handle complex travel histories, and advise on cases involving criminality or misrepresentation concerns. If needed, we can represent you in a citizenship appeal or Federal Court review.

📞 Contact us today to start your citizenship application with confidence.

+1 (647) 937-4330

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for Canadian citizenship involves more than submitting forms—eligibility, travel history, and admissibility issues can significantly affect your application. Below are answers to common questions from permanent residents considering citizenship. If your case involves travel, criminality, or IRCC concerns, early legal guidance is strongly recommended.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) showing that you meet the physical presence, tax filing, language, and admissibility requirements. Most applicants must also pass a citizenship test and attend a citizenship oath ceremony.
Ayodele Law assists Toronto-based and international clients with eligibility assessments, physical presence calculations, document review, and submission.
Most citizenship applications take 12–24 months, depending on IRCC processing times, background checks, travel history, and whether additional documents or interviews are required. Applications involving frequent travel, residency concerns, or procedural fairness reviews may take longer.
A lawyer is not required, but legal guidance is highly recommended if you have extensive travel history, expired or missing documents, prior refusals, criminal charges, misrepresentation concerns, or uncertainty about your physical presence calculation. Legal review helps reduce delays and refusals.
You must have at least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada within the 5 years before submitting your application. This includes time spent as a permanent resident and eligible pre-PR time.
Yes. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (worker, student, visitor) or as a protected person counts as half a day per day, up to a maximum of 365 days toward the 1,095-day requirement.
Most applicants need:
- Passports and travel documents
- Proof of permanent resident status
- Income tax filings for required years
- Physical presence calculation and supporting records
- Language proof (ages 18–54)
- Police or court documents (if applicable)
Your document checklist table already covers the full list—this FAQ reinforces key search intent.
Yes. Certain criminal charges or convictions create temporary prohibitions and may delay or prevent approval. Even unresolved charges can affect processing. A lawyer can assess eligibility and timing before you apply.
A Procedural Fairness Letter means IRCC has concerns about residency, misrepresentation, or criminality. These letters require a carefully documented response. Improper responses often lead to refusal, so legal assistance is strongly recommended.
Yes. Applications may be refused or delayed due to insufficient physical presence, misrepresentation, criminal prohibitions, or missing documents. In some cases, applicants can reapply or seek judicial review depending on the issue.

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