Becoming a Canadian citizen is the final step for many immigrants. As of late 2025, several important legislative changes (specifically Bill C-3) have come into effect, particularly affecting those born or adopted abroad.

Here is everything you need to know about the application process and requirements for 2025.

1. The “3-out-of-5” Rule (Physical Presence)

To be eligible, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years immediately before the date you sign your application.

• Temporary Resident Credit: If you spent time in Canada as a student, worker, or visitor before becoming a Permanent Resident (PR), each of those days counts as half a day (up to a maximum credit of 365 days).

• Tip: Most people use the official Physical Presence Calculator to ensure their math is exact before submitting.

2. Major 2025 Update: Citizenship by Descent (Bill C-3)

Effective December 15, 2025, Canada has overhauled the “first-generation limit.”

• The New Rule: Canadian parents born abroad can now pass citizenship to their children born outside Canada, provided the parent can prove they lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) at any point before the child’s birth or adoption.

• Retroactive Fix: This law also automatically recognizes thousands of “Lost Canadians” who were previously excluded under the old 2009 rules.

3. Core Eligibility Requirements

• Permanent Resident Status: You must be a PR in good standing (not under review for fraud or subject to a removal order). Note: Your PR card can be expired, as long as your status is valid.

• Income Tax Filing: You must have filed taxes in Canada for at least 3 out of the 5 years before you apply.

• Language Proficiency: If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must prove you can speak and listen in English or French at a CLB level 4 or higher.

• Citizenship Test: Also required for those aged 18–54. It covers Canadian history, geography, government, and rights/responsibilities.

4. Application Fees (Updated 2025)

Fees increased slightly in early 2025. The current total costs are: | Applicant Type | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship Fee | Total Cost (CAD) | Adult (18+) | $530.00 | $119.75 | $649.75 | | Minor (<18) | $100.00 | $0.00 | $100.00 |

5. The Final Steps

1. Submission: Most applications are now submitted online via the IRCC portal.

2. The Test & Interview: You will be invited to take the citizenship test (often online) and may be asked for a short interview with a citizenship officer.

3. The Ceremony: If approved, you will attend a ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship, after which you receive your Citizenship Certificate.