The citizenship grant is the final step in your journey to becoming Canadian. This guide explains the entire process from approval to ceremony to your first Canadian passport. CitizenPass helps you pass the citizenship test that leads to your grant.
Trusted by thousands of new Canadians. CitizenPass is the #1 free citizenship test prep platform — 600+ practice questions, AI coaching, and lessons covering every chapter of the Discover Canada guide.
What Is a Citizenship Grant?
A "grant" of citizenship is the legal term used in the Canadian Citizenship Act for the process of bestowing citizenship on a permanent resident. It is different from citizenship by birth (being born in Canada or to Canadian parents).
Under Section 5(1) of the Citizenship Act, the Minister shall grant citizenship to any permanent resident who meets the requirements.
The Grant Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Application Approved
After IRCC reviews your application, completes background checks, and (if applicable) you pass the citizenship test, your application is approved for a grant of citizenship.
Step 2: Ceremony Invitation
You receive a notice with:
- Date and time of the ceremony
- Whether it is in person or online
- Instructions for attendance
Step 3: The Ceremony
At the ceremony:
- A citizenship judge or official presides
- You take the Oath of Citizenship along with other new citizens
- You receive your citizenship certificate
- You may also receive a small Canadian flag and pin
Step 4: You Are a Canadian Citizen
From the moment you take the oath, you are legally a Canadian citizen with all rights and responsibilities.
The Oath of Citizenship
Everyone who receives a grant of citizenship must take this oath:
"I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."
You may choose to "swear" (religious oath) or "affirm" (secular affirmation). Both have the same legal effect.
What Happens After the Grant
Immediately After the Ceremony:
- You are legally a Canadian citizen
- You receive your citizenship certificate
- You can vote in Canadian elections
- You can apply for a Canadian passport
Within 2 Weeks:
- Apply for your Canadian passport at a Service Canada office or online
- Passport processing takes 10-20 business days
- You no longer need a PR card for travel
Within 3 Months:
- Update your status with provincial services (health card, driver's license)
- Notify your bank and employer of your new citizenship status
- If you hold another citizenship, check whether your country allows dual citizenship
Types of Citizenship Grants
| Type | Who Is It For |
|---|---|
| Grant (Adults) | Permanent residents aged 18+ who meet all requirements |
| Grant (Minors) | Children under 18 whose parent or guardian applies on their behalf |
| Grant (55+) | Same as adults, but exempt from test and language requirement |
| Resumption | Former Canadian citizens who lost citizenship and want it restored |
Rights That Come with the Grant
Once you receive your grant of citizenship, you have the right to:
- Vote in all Canadian elections
- Run for political office
- Hold a Canadian passport
- Live and work anywhere in Canada
- Pass citizenship to your children born outside Canada
- Access Canadian consular services abroad
- Never lose your right to enter Canada
Prepare for the Test That Leads to Your Grant — With CitizenPass
The citizenship test is the key step before your grant. CitizenPass helps you pass with confidence:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
- AI-Powered Coach — Identifies your weak areas and builds a personalized study plan just for you
- 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
- Real-Time Progress Tracking — See exactly when you are ready to pass
- Bilingual Support — Study in English or French, switch anytime
- Mobile + Desktop — Available on iOS, Android, and web — study anywhere
CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 on their first attempt — well above the 15/20 passing score.
Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1How does the Canadian citizenship interview work?
If you pass the written test, you proceed directly to the ceremony (no separate interview). If you fail the written test twice, you may be called for an oral interview with a citizenship officer who will ask questions verbally about Canadian history, geography, government, and rights.
2How long after the test is the citizenship ceremony?
Typically 1-3 months after passing the citizenship test, you receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony. Ceremonies are scheduled regularly and may be in person or online.
3What do I receive at the ceremony?
At the ceremony, you take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate. This certificate is proof of your Canadian citizenship and is needed to apply for a Canadian passport.
4Can citizenship be revoked after it is granted?
Citizenship can only be revoked if it was obtained by fraud, false representation, or knowingly concealing material circumstances. If you obtained citizenship legitimately, it cannot be taken away.