Applying for Canadian Citizenship as a Family: How It Works

To apply for Canadian citizenship as a family, you can bundle each member's application in one package so they are processed together. Each person must still meet their own requirements: adults use the adult form, minors use the minor form. Applying together often makes a shared ceremony easier. The official source is always canada.ca.

Key takeaways

• Bundle applications in one package for joint processing.
• Each person must meet their own eligibility requirements.
• Adults: adult form. Minors: minor form.
• Applying together often makes a shared ceremony easier.
• Always confirm the current forms on canada.ca.

Sending applications together

Putting the applications in a single package lets IRCC process the family's files in parallel. It is simpler to track, and it improves the odds that everyone moves at the same pace. Make sure each file is complete before you send it: a missing document for one person can slow that person's application.

Even bundled, the applications stay individual. IRCC reviews each file separately against the conditions that apply to each person. For an overview of those conditions, see our guide on Canadian citizenship eligibility requirements.

The right form for each age

The form depends on the applicant's age. Adults use the adult citizenship application form. Minors (under 18) use the minor form, usually completed by a parent or guardian.

Requirements also differ by age. The test and knowledge requirement mainly apply to people aged 18 to 54; minors usually do not take the test. Each person must still satisfy their own conditions, such as permanent resident status.

Physical presence and each member's case

The physical presence requirement applies differently from person to person. Adults generally have to show enough physical presence in Canada, while some special rules cover minors. Check each member's situation before you send the family package.

To estimate where everyone stands, our physical presence calculator helps you count each adult's days in Canada, file by file.

Frequently asked questions

Can we send the whole family's applications together? Yes. You can bundle the family members' applications in one package so they are processed together. Each person still fills out the form that matches their age.

Do children have to take the citizenship test? The test generally applies to people aged 18 to 54. Minors use the minor form and usually do not take the test.

Will the whole family attend the same ceremony? Applying together often makes a shared ceremony easier, but nothing is guaranteed. Each file follows its own processing pace.

While the applications move forward, prepare the adults who will take the test together. Our chapter quizzes let everyone study at their own pace, as a family.