Process8 min readUpdated 2026-06-17

Canadian Citizenship for Children 2026: Under 18 Rules, No Test Required

Quick Answer

Children under 18 do NOT need to take the citizenship test or meet language requirements. A parent or legal guardian applies on their behalf. The child must be a permanent resident. Processing takes 12–18 months and costs $100 (no Right of Citizenship fee for minors).

Citizenship for Children: The Simple Path

If you're a permanent resident applying for citizenship with your family, here's the good news: children under 18 skip the hardest parts. No test, no language requirement, and lower fees.

Eligibility Requirements for Minors

Your child must meet these criteria:

Be a permanent resident of Canada
Physical presence: 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada within the 5 years before applying
Parent requirement: At least one parent must be a Canadian citizen OR be applying for citizenship at the same time
No criminal prohibitions (relevant for older teens)

Physical Presence Calculation for Children

Days spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident count at half value (1 day = ½ day), up to a maximum of 365 days. This helps families who lived in Canada on work/study permits before getting PR.

Example: A child who spent 2 years in Canada on a temporary visa, then 2 years as a PR: - Temporary visa: 730 days × 0.5 = 365 days (capped) - As PR: 730 days - Total: 1,095 days ✓

How to Apply

Step 1: Gather Documents

Child's PR card (or Confirmation of Permanent Residence)
Child's passport
Two citizenship photos (50mm × 70mm)
Birth certificate
Parent's proof of Canadian citizenship (or application reference number)
School records showing dates in Canada

Step 2: Complete the Application

Use form CIT 0003 (Application for Citizenship — Minors)
The parent or legal guardian signs the application
Calculate physical presence days carefully

Step 3: Pay the Fee

$100 processing fee per child
Pay online through IRCC's secure portal

Step 4: Submit

Apply online through your IRCC account
You'll receive an acknowledgment of receipt within weeks

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Current processing time: 12–18 months
IRCC may request additional documents
No test or interview required for children

Step 6: Ceremony (Ages 14–17 Only)

Children 14–17 must attend the oath ceremony
Children under 14 become citizens without attending
The certificate is mailed after the ceremony

Applying Together as a Family

You can submit your entire family's applications together: - Both parents + all children under 18 in one package - Applications are often processed together - Children's applications may be approved when the parent's is approved

Cost for a family of four (2 adults + 2 children): - Adults: $630 × 2 = $1,260 - Children: $100 × 2 = $200 - Total: $1,460

Special Situations

Adopted Children

Children adopted internationally by a Canadian citizen may be eligible for direct citizenship (without PR first) under the direct route. Check IRCC's adoption guidelines.

Children Born Abroad to Canadian Citizens

If at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of birth, the child may already be Canadian. This applies to the first generation born abroad. Apply for a proof of citizenship certificate.

Separated/Divorced Parents

Only one parent needs to be a Canadian citizen. The applying parent must have legal custody or written consent from the other parent.

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At what age are citizenship applicants exempt from the knowledge test?

Key Facts

Children under 18 are exempt from the citizenship test
No language requirement for minors
Must be a permanent resident of Canada
A parent/guardian with Canadian citizenship (or applying simultaneously) must apply on their behalf
Processing fee: $100 (no $100 Right of Citizenship fee for minors)
Processing time: 12–18 months (same as adults)
Child does not need to attend the oath ceremony if under 14
Children 14–17 must attend the ceremony and take the oath

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to take the citizenship test?

No. Children under 18 at the time the application is signed are exempt from both the knowledge test and the language requirement. They only need to meet the physical presence requirement (1,095 days in Canada within 5 years).

Can I apply for my child's citizenship at the same time as mine?

Yes. You can include your child's application with yours. If you're already a Canadian citizen, you can apply for your child separately. At least one parent must be (or be becoming) a Canadian citizen.

Does my child need to attend the oath ceremony?

Children under 14 do NOT need to attend. Children aged 14–17 MUST attend the ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship. A parent or guardian should accompany them.

How much does it cost to apply for a child's citizenship?

The processing fee is $100 per child. Unlike adult applications ($630 total), children do not pay the $100 Right of Citizenship fee, so the total is just $100.

What if my child was born in Canada?

Children born in Canada are automatically Canadian citizens (with rare exceptions for children of foreign diplomats). You do not need to apply — request a citizenship certificate as proof instead.

Can my child lose their citizenship if we move abroad?

No. Canadian citizenship does not expire and cannot be lost by living outside Canada. Your child remains a citizen regardless of where they live, unless they voluntarily renounce citizenship as an adult.

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