Canadian citizenship applicants with representatives can now apply online

Shelby Thevenot
Published: December 3, 2021

Canada's online citizenship application portal is open to people who have representatives, but reps will not be able to apply on their behalf until sometime next year.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded its online portal to include applications from applicants who have representatives on November 30.

"These applicants will still need to complete, sign, date and submit the application themselves and must not share their account access or password with anyone, including their representative," IRCC said in an email. "Representatives cannot yet apply online on behalf of an applicant, but they can still provide advice on completing the application and they can communicate with IRCC on the applicant’s behalf after the online application is submitted."

Get help with Canadian citizenship applications

This is the latest move in modernizing the citizenship application system. Single applicants have been able to apply for citizenship online since August. Recently, Canada also started accepting proof of citizenship applications online. These documents allow the foreign-born children of Canadians to prove their right to citizenship.

In 2022, IRCC says it will open the online applications to:

  • families,
  • minors,
  • representatives to apply on behalf of their clients, and
  • clients who are declaring residence outside of Canada as a crown servant or with a crown servant family member.

Eligibility for Canadian citizenship

Canadian citizenship allows you to hold a Canadian passport, vote in elections, and run for office. Many people also consider it to be a great source of pride.

Permanent residents can apply for citizenship if they are over the age of 18 and have fulfilled the residency requirement. Within the past five years of applying for citizenship, you need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days. Children may also be granted citizenship, but they do not necessarily have to meet the residency requirement.

Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 have to demonstrate their language proficiency in English or French with a Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) 4 or higher. This age group also has to take a citizenship test.

In addition, applicants cannot have a criminal history considered prohibitive to granting Canadian citizenship.

If you get approved after you apply, the next step is to take the citizenship test, if you need to. Then you will attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship.

Once that is done, you are officially a Canadian citizen.

Get help with Canadian citizenship applications

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
IRCC’s backlog continues to grow as department looks to reduce immigration in 2025
A pile on paperwork
How can I apply for Canadian citizenship?
A picture of a girl holding two Canadian flags
IRCC’s application backlog shows steady increase over the summer
A picture of a sign saying "welcome to Canada"
IRCC’s backlog increasing as department looks to reduce temporary resident numbers
Jasper National Park
Top Stories
CRA to hold webinar for international students
Manitoba announces new pilot pathway to permanent residency
Useful Information for Newcomers: Renting vs Buying in Canada
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Sponsor Content
Useful Information for Newcomers: Renting vs Buying in Canada
Live Webinar: Empowering Newcomer Success: Navigating Canada’s Job Market and Higher Education with WES Credential Evaluations
Man Watching Webinar and Taking Notes
Understanding Different Bank Accounts in Canada: A Guide for New Canadians
Finding Employment in Canada: Helpful Tips for International Students
Resume
Link copied to clipboard