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 shrinks for the first time in months
The Canadian flag against a bright blue sky
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"
Top Stories
IRCC announces transitional measures for some students changing DLIs next year
The major changes to Canadian permanent resident pathways in 2024
Study permit holders who applied before November 1 do not need to meet PGWP field of study requirements
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Study
IRCC announces transitional measures for some students changing DLIs next year
A group of students pose on their college campus.
Study permit holders who applied before November 1 do not need to meet PGWP field of study requirements
the back of the head of a recent graduate, on the way to his graduation ceremony
International students outearn Canadian-born grads in top Canadian university, study finds
A group of diverse international students sit on a bench
Canada vs. Australia: Which country is the best choice for international students seeking immigration?
A collage with the CN Tower and the Sydney Opera House
Link copied to clipboard