Canadian citizenship document checklist
The exact records IRCC expects for each citizenship pathway, with the ones that most often cause delays flagged. Progress is saved in your browser and can be exported as a PDF.
Proof of citizenship (Bill C-37 or Bill C-3 restoration) — CA$75
- Your long-form birth certificate naming both parents; short-form certificates are usually rejected.
- Two pieces of identification, one with your photo and signature, plus one citizenship photo meeting IRCC specifications.
- Your Canadian ancestor's birth certificate or citizenship certificate — the document that establishes the Canadian link.
- Every connecting birth and marriage certificate between you and that ancestor; one missing generation stops the file.
- Certified English or French translations, with the translator's affidavit, for any document in another language.
- Application for a Citizenship Certificate (form CIT 0001) and the online fee receipt.
Naturalization (permanent residents) — CA$630 per adult, CA$100 per minor
- Permanent resident card, two pieces of identification, and all passports covering the last five years.
- Complete travel history and the physical presence calculation showing 1,095 days in Canada in the past five years.
- Notices of Assessment for three of the last five tax years.
- Accepted proof of English or French at CLB 4 or higher for applicants aged 18 to 54.
Spousal sponsorship — CA$1,205 for a couple
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law cohabitation, plus joint financial records and relationship evidence.
- Sponsor's proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence and proof of residence in Canada.
- Immigration medical exam from a panel physician.
- Police certificates from every country lived in six months or more since age 18 — the most common cause of delay.
Where applications stall
Missing records, not eligibility, is the usual obstacle. Order vital records from provincial and foreign registries early, and use IRCC's Search of Citizenship Records (CA$75) when an ancestor's file sits in the federal archives.
Canada Citizen Center is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.