Application for Canadian citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) – (CIT 0403)

Canada is a country that embodies multiculturalism and diversity and encourages newcomers to achieve their full potential by supporting their integration and active participation in social, cultural, economic and political affairs. We thank you for the commitment you are showing to Canada by applying to become a Canadian citizen!

This form and guide is for Permanent Residents, under 18 years of age, who do not have a Canadian parent or are not applying with their parent or legal guardian and wish to apply to become Canadian citizens on their own.

Accessing help

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If you are having difficulties downloading the form, visit How do I download and open a PDF form for IRCC’s website? in the Help Centre.

Steps to Canadian Citizenship

• Step 1 – Make sure the minor is eligible
• Step 2 – Calculate how long a minor has been in Canada
• Step 3 – Gather documents
• Step 4 – Complete the application form
• Step 5 – Pay the fees
• Step 6 – Submit your application
• What happens next?
• Appendix A – Name change
• Appendix B – Date of birth correction
• Appendix C – Change of gender designation
• Appendix D – Waiver request(s)
• Need help?

Step 1 – Make sure the minor is eligible

To be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship, the minor:

• must be under 18 years of age on the day you sign the application
• must be a permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada
• must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply
• may need to file personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period, if required under the Income Tax Act
  • Find out if you need to file your taxes
• can’t already have a Canadian parent
• can’t have any unfulfilled conditions relating to their permanent resident status
• can’t be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada)
• can’t be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds

Check to make sure the minor is eligible to apply

The five (5) year eligibility period is only the five (5) years before the date you sign your application.

The five (5) year eligibility period includes the time since the minor became a permanent resident and each day that the minor was physically present in Canada as an authorized temporary resident or protected person before they became a permanent resident, if applicable.

This is the time period you will use in the Physical Presence Calculator.

If the minor is applying at the same time as their parent, or already has a Canadian parent, please use the Application for Canadian citizenship - Minors (under 18 years of age) under subsection 5(2).

Exception to citizenship by birth in Canada

A child born in Canada is not a Canadian at birth if they were born to:

• a foreign diplomat,
• a representative or employee in Canada of a foreign government,
• an employee in the service of a person mentioned above,
• an officer or employee of a specialized agency of the United Nations or another international organization who is granted diplomatic privileges or immunities.

This does not apply if the other parent was a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child’s birth.

Who can submit the application on behalf of the minor?

A person with custody of the minor, or who is empowered to act on the minor’s behalf can submit the application. This can be:

• a biological parent with legal custody of the minor
• an adoptive parent with legal custody of the minor
• a person or agency that can provide court documents confirming custody of the minor
• a person or agency that can provide an order of permanent guardianship of the minor

Waiver of the requirement that a person applies on behalf of the Minor Applicant

The Citizenship Act requires applications for minors (under 18) applying under subsection 5(1) be submitted by:

• a person who has custody of the minor, or
• by a person who is empowered to act on behalf of the minor by virtue of a court order or written agreement or by operation of law.

In exceptional cases, a minor will not have access to an individual who meets this criteria. The Citizenship Act allows for the minor to apply where the Minister waives this requirement. For us to consider the application, a minor must request a waiver of this requirement. To request a waiver, the minor must check the boxes in sections 1B and 20 of the application form declaring that they cannot obtain the necessary signature of the person who can make the application and are therefore requesting a waiver of this requirement.

The act of checking the boxes is not a confirmation or indication that the waiver request is accepted. We will consider the request. We may ask for supporting documents or evidence to support the request for a waiver and then communicate the decision to the minor or individual, firm or organization appointed by the minor as appropriate.

If the waiver request is not accepted, we will not be able to accept the application for processing without the application being submitted by a person who is eligible to do so. We will return the application to you and refund the application fee.

Possible loss of other citizenship

The minor could lose their present nationality or citizenship if they become a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, please contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country of the minor’s present nationality before applying for Canadian citizenship.

Step 2 – Calculate how long a minor has been in Canada

Use the online calculator to check that a minor meets the requirement for physical presence (time spent in Canada) for Canadian citizenship. Then print the result and include it when you send us the application.

If you cannot use the calculator, fill out our form: How to Calculate Physical Presence form (CIT 0407) (opens in new tab) . Be sure to carefully check your calculations as any errors can cause delays in processing the application.

For more information, visit the Physical Presence Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 3 – Gather documents

Submit the following documents with the application:

1. Application for Canadian Citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) (CIT 0403) (opens in new tab) .

2. Original printout of the minor’s Online Physical Presence Calculation or completed How to Calculate Physical Presence form (CIT 0407) (opens in new tab) .

3. Photocopy of proof you are the person with custody of the minor or are legally empowered to act on the minor’s behalf. You must submit one of the following documents:

• A birth certificate listing you as the parent;
• Adoption order;
• Documents issued by the provincial/territorial courts granting custodial guardianship;
• order of permanent guardianship

Exception: If the minor is requesting a waiver of the signature requirement.

4. Passports and travel documents the minor must provide colour photocopies of all pages of passport(s) and travel documents (valid and cancelled) for the five (5) year eligibility period, including the biographical page which includes: name, photo, date and place of birth, document number, issue date and expiration date.

Also, provide colour photocopies of any renewal pages of the passport(s) and travel documents.

• If the minor’s passport or travel document validity was extended, include a photocopy of the page(s) containing the extension stamp(s)
• If the minor does not have a passport or travel document, provide an explanation in question 15 of the application form

5. Colour photocopy of two (2) pieces of identification, one which must have a photo.

Examples:

• a copy of the biographical page of the minor’s passport or travel document can be used as one (1) piece of identification;
• permanent resident card (PR card);
  • A PR card may only be used as personal identification if your second piece of personal identification was issued by the Canadian government.
• identity card issued by a provincial/territorial/federal government;
• social services card;
• a Canadian driver’s licence;
• a Canadian health insurance card;
• school identification card;
• non-government issued identification;
• foreign identity documents.

For a minor under school age, examples of identification you can submit include:

• a passport page containing the minor’s photo and personal details,
• a hospital or immunization record.

The following documents are not acceptable as pieces of identification:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) card;
• Bank cards;
• Credit cards.

6. Two (2) identical citizenship photos

• print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo

7. Fee Receipt - The application fee of $100.00 per minor paid online.

8. Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476) (opens in new tab) , if applicable.

• For instructions on completing the Use of Representative form (IMM 5476), see: Guide IMM 5561 – Use of a Representative
• Document Checklist (CIT 0560) (opens in new tab)  to make sure your application package is complete.

Step 4 – Complete the application form

• Application for Canadian citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under Subsection 5(1) (CIT 0403)

  Get the instructions (opens in a new tab)

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:

• the name and signature of the authorized person;
• their official position or title;
• the name of the original document;
• the date they certified the document; and
• the phrase “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”.

Who can certify copies?

Only authorized people can certify copies.

Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

People authorized to certify copies include the following:

In Canada:

• a notary public;
• a commissioner of oaths; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits.

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.

Outside Canada:

• a notary public

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.

Step 5 – Pay the fees

You must pay your fees online. If you have forgotten your password for the online payment system, please visit How do I reset my password for the online payment system in the Help Centre

The fee is $100 for each applicant under 18 years of age applying for Canadian citizenship.

Calculating your fees

If more than one member of the family is applying for Canadian citizenship (for example, minor siblings applying together), please pay the fees all together.

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. After you pay, print the receipt and include it with your application.

Explanation of fees and refund

This section describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable. All payment must be made in Canadian funds.

Processing Fee

Amount: $100 for each minor applicant.

You cannot get a refund of your processing fee once we start processing your application, even if you are refused.

Step 6 – Submit your application

Send your completed application to one of the following addresses:

What happens next?

Processing your application

The list below presents the phases of the Citizenship process of most applications. In some cases, processing may take longer.

Application review and file creation

In cases where a minor has made a waiver request in Section 1B and 20 of the application form, the Case Management Branch will make a decision on the request. This decision will determine if the application can continue to be processed.

The Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney makes sure the application

• meets the minimum processing requirements;
• includes all the required documents;
• has paid the right fee.

You will receive:

• acknowledgement of receipt;
• correspondence asking for more information (in some cases)

Your application will be returned if:

• it doesn’t meet the minimum processing requirements
• doesn’t include the correct fee payment; and/or
• isn’t complete

If your application is returned, we’ll send you a letter that explains why your application is incomplete and what the next steps are.

The letter will tell you:

• which forms, documents or fees are missing
• if you have to
  • fill out a new application form
    • if so, use the newest version of the form: Application for Canadian Citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) (CIT 0403) (opens in new tab) 
    • sign and date the form
  • recalculate your physical presence/time you’ve lived in Canada (opens in a new tab) 
    • if so, include the new calculator printout when you resubmit the application
  • submit a new fee receipt
    • if the letter doesn’t ask for a new receipt, include the same receipt used for the first form when you resubmit the application
  • resubmit any documents

Be sure to check the Document Checklist (CIT 0560) (opens in new tab) . Once you get the information we ask for in the letter, resubmit your complete application.

Decision

• The IRCC office completes the steps necessary for a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge to make a decision on the application.
• The applicant and person applying on their behalf may be asked to come to the IRCC office for an interview to:
  • review the original documents submitted in support of the application,
  • all passports and travel documents for the five (5) year eligibility period or since the minor became a permanent resident.

Correspondence you may receive:

• Notice to appear to take the oath of citizenship;
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship received at the ceremony after taking the oath of citizenship;
• Notice of a negative decision of the minor’s request to waive the requirement that the application be made by a person with custody/empowered to act on behalf of the minor;
• Notice to appear for an interview with a citizenship official; and/or,
• Notice to appear for a hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge.

Take the oath

If, up until this point, the minor meets all the requirements for citizenship, and is 14 years of age or older, the final requirement is to take the oath of citizenship to become a Canadian citizen.

Minors 14 years of age and older will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath of citizenship before a citizenship judge or presiding official. Once the oath is taken, the minor will receive their Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.

Minors under 14 years of age are not required to take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony. However minors are welcome to attend a citizenship ceremony. If you would like them to attend a ceremony, please check the box “Yes” in question 10 on the application form.

 To avoid delays or closure of the minor’s application, tell us as soon as possible if you/ the minor can’t attend the scheduled ceremony.

 Remember to tell us if any of the situations that prevent a person from becoming a citizen apply to the minor when arriving at the ceremony.

If a minor aged 14 and over is unable to take the oath of citizenship due to compassionate grounds, a waiver of the oath of citizenship can be requested.

• To request an oath waiver for minors aged 14-17 due to a medical reason, please provide a Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers (CIT 0547) (opens in new tab) , filled out by a medical professional licensed to practice in Canada. You should also provide any additional documentation that we should consider with your waiver request.
• To request an oath waiver for minors aged 14-17 due to other compassionate grounds, please provide a Waiver Request Form for Minor Applicants [CIT 0554] (opens in new tab)  with any additional documents that support the request.
• Requesting a waiver does not guarantee it will be approved. Waiver requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not notify us of any change in your/the minor’s contact information, and we can’t reach you, the minor’s application could be abandoned or closed.

Remember, Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding Service does not forward parcels and a citizenship application package is considered a parcel.

Protecting your information

Your personal information:

• is only available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you,
• may be shared, with your consent, with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the purposes of validating your tax filing information; and
• is not disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Citizenship Regulations.

For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre.

Appendix A – Name Change

Consult the information below to determine the documents that are to be included with the minor’s application.

If you have legally changed the minor’s name within Canada

Then you must submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority. The document must show both the minor’s previous and amended names.

The following documents are accepted:

• legal change of name document;
• court order specifying name change;
• adoption order.

The following documents are accepted for changes to family name only:

• marriage certificate;
• divorce decree;
• registration or declaration of union issued by civil authorities;
• revocation of declaration or annulment of union issued by civil authorities;
• registration for common-law relationship, in provinces that permit changes of name for common-law relationships under their provincial/territorial law.

If you have legally changed the minor’s name outside Canada and the minor is residing in Canada

Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:

• a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
• a foreign name change document that links the minor’s previous name to the new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation); and
• a document in the new name from Canadian provinces/territories (ex. driver’s license, health card).

If you have legally changed the minor’s name outside Canada and the minor is residing outside Canada

Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:

• a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
• a foreign name change document that links the minor’s previous name to the new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation) or other foreign legal change of name document issued by foreign authorities; and
• an authoritative national or state/province (or equivalent) issued photo identification document issued in the country, territory or state/province in which the minor resides that displays the new name, such as:
  • a foreign passport or other travel documents, if the minor is a dual citizen;
  • a state/provincial (or equivalent) identification card.

If you have applied and obtained an amendment to the minor’s Record of Landing, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence due to errors made by Canadian immigration officials when recording the minor’s name, then you must submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of name.

 Important information: Once processing of the application has begun a name change can only be made due to an administrative error made by the Department, or a legal change of name.

 Important information: You cannot request a change of an adopted person’s name after Part 2 of the application has been submitted.

If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the request for a change of name, the name that appears on the citizenship certificate will be the name listed on the adoption order.

Appendix B – Date of Birth Correction

The date of birth on the minor’s citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on their immigration document unless you:

• have corrected the date of birth on the minor’s immigration document; or,
• have legally changed it after arriving in Canada; or,
• are requesting a different date of birth for the minor’s citizenship certificate and you can provide supporting documents.

If the date of birth has been corrected on the immigration document,
you must provide a copy of:

• an approved Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688); and
• the new corrected Permanent Resident Card (if the minor has one).

If you have legally changed the minor’s date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order,
then you must provide a copy of

• provincial/territorial court order changing the minor’s date of birth; and
• completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] (PDF, 2.4 MB).

If the minor did not change the date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order and the date of birth has not been corrected on the minor’s immigration document,
you must provide a copy of:

• a refused Request to Amend the Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688); and
• completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] (PDF, 2.4 MB); and
• documents to support the minor’s new date of birth.

Important information:You cannot request a change in your date of birth after your application has been submitted. If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the date of birth requested, the citizenship certificate will reflect the date of birth indicated on your immigration document.

Important information: If you do not have a provincial/territorial court order changing your date of birth, you must first request an amendment to your immigration document before requesting a different date of birth on your citizenship certificate.

For more information. For information on amending your immigration document refer to the guide Request to Amend Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents (IMM 5218).

Appendix C – Change of Gender Designation

If the minor would like to use a different gender than the one on the immigration document or need to change the gender on their citizenship certificate, complete and submit the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (IRM 0002) (opens in new tab)  with your application.

Appendix D – Waiver Request

If the minor is 14 and over and is requesting a waiver of the oath of citizenship, please submit the appropriate form(s):

• For a waiver based on medical grounds, please submit the Medical Opinion Form for Citizenship Waivers (CIT 0547) (opens in new tab) , filled out by a medical professional (physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner) licensed to practice in Canada. You should also provide any additional documentation that we should consider with the waiver request.
• For a waiver based on other compassionate grounds, please submit a Waiver Request Form for Minor Applicants [CIT 0554] (opens in new tab)  with any additional documents that support the request.
• Requesting a waiver does not guarantee it will be approved. Waiver requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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