Canadian citizen
Steps and rights after obtaining Canadian citizenship — from passport to family sponsorship, including voting rights.
From oath to dual nationality · 8 steps
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Canadian citizen
Steps and rights after obtaining Canadian citizenship — from passport to family sponsorship, including voting rights.
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.
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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 - 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 - 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 - 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 guideAlso useful
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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.
Read the citizenship guideSome countries (China, India, Japan, etc.) do not recognize dual citizenship. Possible consequences: loss of original passport, loss of inheritance rights.
Also useful
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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 - 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 - 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 guideAlso useful
What's next?
You've finished settling in. Here's where to go next.
