Applying for Canadian Citizenship as a Family: Parents & Children Guide

Applying for citizenship as a family is a joyful milestone. This guide covers everything you need to know about family applications, including how to include children and what special rules apply. CitizenPass helps you prepare for every step — read on, then start practicing for free.

When applying as a family, each adult (18+) submits their own individual application. Minor children (under 18) are included in a parent's application rather than applying separately.

Application Structure

Each adult must independently meet all citizenship requirements:

1. Permanent resident status — Each parent must be a PR
2. Physical presence — Each parent needs 1,095 days individually
3. Tax filing — Each parent must have filed taxes for 3+ years
4. Language — Each parent needs CLB 4+ (ages 18-54)
5. Knowledge test — Each parent takes their own test (ages 18-54)
6. No criminal prohibitions — Assessed individually

What If One Parent Is Not Yet Eligible?

If one parent does not yet meet the requirements (e.g., not enough physical presence days), the other parent can apply first and include the children. The second parent can apply later when eligible.

Minor children (under 18) have simplified requirements:

What Children Need

• Must be a permanent resident of Canada
• Must have at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen or is applying for citizenship at the same time
• Two citizenship photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Birth certificate (with certified translation if needed)
• Proof of PR status

What Children Do NOT Need

• No knowledge test
• No language requirement
• No personal tax filing history
• No independent physical presence calculation (if applying through a parent)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility for All Adults

Each adult should verify they meet all requirements independently. Use the IRCC eligibility tool and physical presence calculator.

Step 2: Gather Family Documents

Collect documents for every family member:

For each adult:

• PR card (both sides)
• Passport (all pages)
• Two citizenship photos
• Language proof (ages 18-54)
• Travel history

For each child:

• PR card (both sides)
• Passport (all pages)
• Two citizenship photos
• Birth certificate
• Custody documents (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Applications

• Each adult fills out their own Application for Canadian Citizenship (CIT 0002)
• Include minor children in one parent's application using the designated section
• Ensure children's information is complete and accurate

Step 4: Pay Fees

Pay all fees at the time of submission:

• $630 per adult
• $100 per minor child
• Payment by credit card only

Step 5: Submit Online

Submit all applications through IRCC online accounts. Adults can submit simultaneously or at different times.

Single Parents

A single parent with full custody can include their minor children in their application. Provide custody documents.

Separated or Divorced Parents

If parents are separated or divorced, the parent with primary custody typically includes the children. The other parent may need to provide consent depending on custody arrangements.

Adopted Children

Children adopted by Canadian citizens may qualify for citizenship through the adoption process. International adoptions and domestic adoptions have different pathways.

Grandparents as Guardians

If grandparents are the legal guardians of minor children, they can include the children in their application with proof of guardianship.

Family ceremonies are special occasions:

Adults

• Take the Oath of Citizenship
• Receive citizenship certificates
• Participate in the ceremony activities

Children 14-17

• Should attend the ceremony if possible
• Take a modified oath appropriate for their age
• Receive their own citizenship certificate

Children Under 14

• Not required to attend or take the oath
• Their citizenship certificate is issued to the parent
• Can still attend as guests

Once your family has received citizenship:

1. Apply for Canadian passports for all family members
2. Update Social Insurance Records with Service Canada
3. Register to vote (adults only)
4. Update any provincial IDs with new citizenship status
5. Celebrate! — You are all now Canadian citizens

Both parents need to pass the test (ages 18-54). Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass on their first attempt — completely free to start:

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Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.