Is marriage enough for citizenship?

No. It grants PR eligibility, but naturalisation requirements still apply.

Main Blog Canadian citizenship in 2026 — naturalisation, marriage & descent

Canadian citizenship in 2026 — naturalisation, marriage & descent

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10/1/2025

Canadian citizenship in 2026 — naturalisation, marriage & descent

Q: How long must I live in Canada before applying?

At least 1,095 days in the past five years as a PR.

Q: Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Canada recognises dual nationality, but other countries may not.

Q: What is the citizenship test?

A 20-question exam on Canadian history, institutions, rights and responsibilities.

Q: Can adopted children get citizenship?

Yes, if the adoption is full and legally recognised.

Q: Do I need to file taxes before applying?

Yes, at least three tax years within the five-year period must be filed.

Q: What happens at the oath ceremony?

Applicants pledge loyalty to Canada and receive a citizenship certificate.

Q: How to prove descent?

Provide long-form certificates linking you to a Canadian parent otherwise than by descent.

Canadian citizenship provides one of the world’s strongest passports, full political rights, and permanent connection to Canada. For many, it represents the final step after permanent residence. Still building eligibility? Secure the right residence route first and keep your timeline clean — see our companion article on Canada residence.

Key terms

Naturalisation: acquiring citizenship after meeting residence, language and knowledge requirements.

Permanent residence (PR): required status before applying for Canadian citizenship.

CIT 0002: application form for adult citizenship applications.

Oath of Citizenship: final step where applicants pledge loyalty to Canada.

Dual nationality: Canada permits dual citizenship, though recognition varies by other countries.

Citizenship types

Naturalisation: Permanent residents can apply after at least 1,095 days of physical presence in the last 5 years. Applicants must pass the citizenship test, demonstrate English or French skills, and file Canadian taxes. Good character, absence of criminal prohibitions, and proof of long-term ties are reviewed. The oath ceremony grants citizenship formally.
Marriage: Spouses of Canadian citizens are not granted automatic citizenship. Instead, they qualify for PR via sponsorship and may apply for naturalisation after the same 1,095-day requirement. Marriage can accelerate entry but does not shorten the naturalisation timeline.
Descent (by blood): Children born abroad to Canadian citizens (otherwise than by descent) usually acquire citizenship automatically. Adults can claim descent if parentage is proven with original documents. However, citizenship by descent generally applies only to the first generation born abroad.
Birth in Canada: Canada applies jus soli. Any child born in Canada is a citizen, except children of foreign diplomats. This rule is a significant driver of Canada’s global reputation as a welcoming country.
Adoption: Internationally adopted children of Canadian citizens can acquire citizenship directly if the adoption meets Canadian legal standards and is fully recognised. This requires certified adoption orders and sometimes additional proof of parental capacity.
Military service / merit: In rare cases, citizenship is granted for exceptional service to Canada, including military contributions or extraordinary achievements benefiting the nation.
Humanitarian grounds: Exceptional grants may be given under ministerial discretion for individuals in urgent situations who cannot meet standard eligibility but have strong humanitarian reasons.

Routes & timelines

Route	Key conditions	Typical timeline
Naturalisation	PR status, 1,095 days physical presence in 5 years	≈12–24 months processing
Marriage	Sponsorship → PR → naturalisation	≈3–5 years total
Descent	Parent Canadian citizen otherwise than by descent	≈6–12 months
Birth in Canada	Automatic citizenship at birth (except diplomats)	Immediate
Adoption	Full legal adoption by Canadian citizen	≈12–24 months
Merit/humanitarian	Ministerial discretion	Case-specific

Step-by-step

Hold PR and meet the 1,095-day residence requirement.
Prepare documents: PR card, passports, language proof, tax returns.
Submit the CIT 0002 application with correct fees.
Take biometrics if requested.
Pass the citizenship knowledge test and interview.
Receive notice for the oath ceremony.
Take the Oath of Citizenship and obtain the certificate.

Documents

Applicants need passports, PR card, tax documents, proof of language, birth and marriage certificates where relevant. To prevent refusals for untranslated records, book professional document translations before filing.

Costs

Government fees apply to adult and minor applications, alongside costs for language tests, biometrics and translations. Compare routes and timelines across countries in our Residency & Citizenship section — templates, checklists and expert tips are available.

Integration

Integration is central to Canadian citizenship. Applicants should:

Show participation in Canadian community life.
Meet tax obligations fully.
Demonstrate English or French fluency.
Understand Canadian history, rights and responsibilities tested in the exam.

What changed in 2026

In 2026, Canada modernised online testing and interviews, allowing remote completion for many applicants. Processing times improved with e-certificates of citizenship in pilot projects. Language testing accepted a wider range of exams, including digital formats.

Did you know?

More than 85% of permanent residents in Canada eventually become citizens — one of the highest naturalisation rates globally.

Common mistakes

Miscounting physical presence days when travelling abroad.
Submitting incomplete tax filings before applying.
Confusing PR card validity with eligibility for citizenship.
Believing marriage grants automatic citizenship.
Not preparing for the citizenship knowledge test.
Failing to provide consistent documentation across generations in descent claims.
Delaying applications after meeting residence requirements, risking law changes.
Forgetting to attend or reschedule oath ceremonies properly.

FAQ

How long must I live in Canada before applying?

At least 1,095 days of physical presence in the past five years as a PR.

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Canada permits dual nationality, though your other country may have restrictions.

Is marriage to a Canadian enough for citizenship?

No. You must first gain PR and then meet naturalisation conditions.

What is the citizenship test?

An exam on Canadian history, rights, responsibilities and institutions, usually 20 questions.

Can adopted children get citizenship?

Yes, if the adoption meets Canadian and international standards, with full parental transfer of rights.

Do I need to file taxes before applying?

Yes, at least three tax years within the qualifying period must be filed.

What happens at the oath ceremony?

You pledge loyalty to Canada, sing the anthem, and receive your citizenship certificate.

How do I prove descent from a Canadian parent?

Provide long-form birth certificates linking you to a Canadian parent “otherwise than by descent.”

Are children born in Canada citizens?

Yes, automatically, unless parents are foreign diplomats.

Can humanitarian cases get citizenship?

Yes, but only by rare ministerial discretion for compelling needs.

Expert opinion

Canadian citizenship is straightforward for those who prepare early. The most common delays come from miscounted days abroad and incomplete tax filings. Applicants who track travel precisely, gather civil status records early and practise for the knowledge test usually succeed without complications.

— Daniel, Global Visa Consultant, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Ready to move? Receive a free consultation, document checklist, and a personalised timeline. Begin on our platform or explore the Residency & Citizenship section. Continue to the companion residence article for a complete pathway.