Canadian citizen

Steps and rights after obtaining Canadian citizenship — from passport to family sponsorship, including voting rights.

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1
AFTER APPLICATION
Citizenship test + interview
Once your application is processed, IRCC summons you for the citizenship test — a multiple-choice quiz on Canada's history, geography, rights and institutions — and an interview. The official study guide is free online; the exact test format changes, so verify it on IRCC.
Pass the citizenship test
Also useful
- ↳The full citizenship guide
- ↳Voting in elections
2
CEREMONY
Oath ceremony
You take the citizenship oath at an official ceremony (in person or virtual). That exact moment is when you become a Canadian citizen. You receive your citizenship certificate the same day.
Read the citizenship guide
Also useful
- ↳Pass the citizenship test
- ↳The Canadian passport
3
AFTER THE OATH
Apply for a Canadian passport
With your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport — one of the most powerful in the world (visa-free access to about 185 countries). Standard processing: 4 to 6 weeks; express service available.
Read the passport guide
Also useful
- ↳The full citizenship guide
- ↳Government websites
4
AS OF THE OATH
Voter registration
Federal and provincial voter registration is usually automatic (via the tax form). Verify your status with Elections Canada and Elections Quebec. You can vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections — a right exclusive to citizens.
Read the voting guide
Also useful
- ↳Quebec media
- ↳Government websites
5
IMPORTANT
Verify dual-citizenship rules
Canada permits dual (and multiple) citizenship. But some countries of origin do not — they may require you to renounce their nationality as soon as you become Canadian. Check your country of origin's rules BEFORE the ceremony to avoid administrative complications.
Some countries (China, India, Japan, etc.) do not recognize dual citizenship. Possible consequences: loss of original passport, loss of inheritance rights.
Read the citizenship guide
Also useful
- ↳The Canadian passport
- ↳Free legal aid
6
AT ANY TIME
Family sponsorship
As a citizen, you can sponsor your spouse, dependent children, parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Timelines vary (a few months for a spouse to several years for parents via the PGP).
Read the sponsorship guide
Also useful
- ↳The permanent resident card
- ↳Steps when a child is born
7
EVERY YEAR
Taxes — tied to residence, not citizenship
Unlike the United States, Canada does not tax its citizens abroad: if you leave Canada and cease to be a tax resident there, you no longer have to declare your worldwide income to Canada (but you remain a citizen).
Read the taxes guide
Also useful
- ↳Understand GST and QST
- ↳Understand your pay stub
8
FOR TRAVEL
Travel with your Canadian passport
To re-enter Canada, always present your Canadian passport (not the one of your other nationality, if you are a dual national). CBSA may refuse boarding to a dual national who presents a foreign passport.
Read the passport guide
Also useful
- ↳The full citizenship guide

In short

Canadian passport (one of the world's most powerful) and voting rights at every level: federal, provincial, municipal.
Eligibility for some federal jobs that require citizenship.
Easier sponsorship of family members.
Dual citizenship generally allowed by Canada — but check your country of origin's rules; some require renunciation.
Status for life unless documented fraud; tax obligations remain tied to your residence, not your citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly happens on the day of the oath ceremony?▾

You take the citizenship oath at an official ceremony, in person or virtual. That exact moment is when you become a Canadian citizen, and you receive your citizenship certificate the same day.

How long does it take to get my Canadian passport after the oath?▾

With your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport. Standard processing is 4 to 6 weeks, and express service is available.

Do I need to register myself on the voter lists?▾

Usually not: federal and provincial voter registration happens automatically via the tax form. It's still worth verifying your status with Elections Canada and Elections Quebec.

Do I lose my country of origin's nationality by becoming a Canadian citizen?▾

It depends on your country of origin. Canada allows dual and multiple citizenship, but some countries, such as China, India or Japan, do not recognize it and may require you to renounce their nationality as soon as you become Canadian.

Which passport should I present to re-enter Canada if I am a dual national?▾

Always present your Canadian passport, not the one from your other nationality. CBSA may refuse boarding to a dual national who presents a foreign passport.

Who can I sponsor now that I am a citizen?▾

As a citizen, you can sponsor your spouse, dependent children, parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Timelines vary, from a few months for a spouse to several years for parents via the PGP.

If I leave Canada, do I still have to pay tax on my worldwide income?▾

No. Unlike the United States, Canada does not tax its citizens abroad: if you leave Canada and cease to be a tax resident there, you no longer have to declare your worldwide income to Canada, even though you remain a citizen.

What does the citizenship test involve?▾

It's a multiple-choice quiz on Canada's history, geography, rights and institutions, followed by an interview with IRCC. The official study guide is free online, but the exact test format changes, so it's best to verify it directly on the IRCC website.