Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship is the final milestone in your immigration journey. As a Canadian citizen, you gain the right to vote, run for political office, hold a Canadian passport, and enjoy the full benefits and protections of citizenship in one of the world's most respected democracies.

Applying for citizenship is an exciting moment—it represents years of hard work, patience, and commitment to building your life in Canada. But the application itself requires careful attention to detail, accurate calculation of your physical presence in Canada, and thorough documentation of your time as a permanent resident.

At Fireweed Immigration, we can help you navigate the citizenship application process with confidence. Whether you're ready to apply after three years of physical presence, uncertain about your eligibility, managing a complicated travel history, or applying for your children—including adopted children with unique circumstances—we ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly the first time.

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant achievement. We're here to help you get there.

We provide citizenship application services for:

• Permanent residents who have met the residency requirements (1,095 days of physical presence in the last 5 years) and are ready to apply

• Permanent residents unsure if they qualify and need help calculating physical presence or understanding eligibility

• Individuals with complex travel histories who need assistance tracking and documenting time in and out of Canada

• Permanent residents with complicated residency situations (time as temporary residents, time with removal orders, etc.)

• Parents applying for citizenship for their children (minors under 18)

• Parents of adopted children seeking Canadian citizenship, including children adopted abroad

• Individuals who need proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate applications)

• Former Canadian citizens seeking to resume their citizenship

• Applicants facing citizenship application delays or complications

Becoming a Canadian Citizen

Our Citizenship Services

How we can help you become a Canadian Citizen

Citizenship Applications for Minors (Children Under 18)

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship on behalf of your child who is under 18 years old. The child must be a permanent resident, but does not need to meet the physical presence requirement.

Children do not take the citizenship test or attend a citizenship interview—citizenship is granted based on the application alone.

Citizenship Applications for Adults

If you are a permanent resident aged 18 or older and have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

We help you:

• Calculate your physical presence accurately using the IRCC calculator

• Determine your eligibility based on residency, tax filing, language ability, and other requirements

• Gather all required documents

• Complete your citizenship application thoroughly and accurately

• Submit your application to IRCC

• Track your application through processing

• Prepare you for the citizenship test and ceremony

Proof of Canadian Citizenship (Citizenship Certificate)

Citizenship for Adopted Children

Resumption of Canadian Citizenship

If you have adopted a child or are in the process of adopting a child from another country, securing Canadian citizenship for that child may involve additional considerations and documentation.

We provide specialized guidance for:

• Children adopted abroad by Canadian citizens

• Children adopted by permanent residents

• International adoption processes that intersect with Canadian immigration and citizenship

• Proof of adoption documentation required by IRCC

• Citizenship certificate applications for adopted children

Adopted children have the same rights to Canadian citizenship as biological children, but the application process may require additional documentation. We help you navigate the specific requirements for your situation.

If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, or if you are a Canadian citizen but do not have proof of your citizenship, you can apply for a citizenship certificate.

We help with:

• Citizenship certificate applications for people born outside Canada to Canadian parents

• Replacement citizenship certificates

• Proof of citizenship for adopted children

• Applications demonstrating citizenship by descent

If you lost Canadian citizenship in the past (for example, due to renunciation or old citizenship laws), you may be eligible to resume your Canadian citizenship. We can help you determine eligibility and prepare your application.

Eligibility

Physical Presence: Getting Your Days Right

Accurately calculating your physical presence in Canada is critical. You must have been in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years before you apply.

Key points:

• Each day in Canada as a permanent resident = 1 full day

• Each day in Canada as a temporary resident (before PR) = 0.5 days (maximum credit of 365 days)

• Days outside Canada do not count

• You must use the IRCC physical presence calculator

Common complications we help with:

• Complex travel histories with frequent trips in and out of Canada

• Multiple passports or renewed travel documents

• Time as a temporary resident before becoming a PR

• Missing passport stamps or unclear entry/exit records

Physical presence calculation errors are the most common reason for citizenship refusals. We ensure your calculation is accurate before you apply.

Basic Requirements for Canadian Citizenship

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must:

1. Be a permanent resident with PR status not under review

2. Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before you apply

3. Have filed Canadian income taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years (if required to file)

4. Demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (ages 18-54)

5. Pass the citizenship test (ages 18-54)

6. Not be prohibited from applying (no removal orders, certain criminal convictions, or other prohibitions)

Eligibility can be complex, especially if you have a complicated travel history, time as a temporary resident before PR, or other unique circumstances. We assess your specific situation and help you determine when you're ready to apply.

When Applications are Refused

If IRCC refuses your citizenship application, you will receive a letter explaining why. Common reasons include not meeting physical presence requirements, failing the citizenship test, or prohibitions.

Options after refusal:

• Reapply once you address the reasons for refusal

• Request judicial review with the Federal Court (we can refer you to qualified immigration lawyers for this)

If Your Citizenship Application Is Denied

Why choose Fireweed for Citizenship Applications?

We help you avoid common errors:

• Incorrect physical presence calculations (the most common reason for refusal)

• Missing or incomplete documentation

• Inaccurate travel history

• Applying too early (before meeting the 1,095-day requirement)

• Missing tax filing requirements

We ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted at the right time. Getting it right the first time saves months of delays and stress.

Why Professional Help Matters

WHY CHOOSE FIREWEED FOR CITIZENSHIP

We Ensure You're Ready - We confirm you meet all requirements before applying to prevent refusals and delays.

We Prepare Complete Applications - Missing documents lead to delays. We ensure thoroughness from the start.

We Calculate Physical Presence Accurately - Physical presence calculations are complex, especially with complicated travel histories. We get it right.

We Serve Diverse Families - Whether you're applying for yourself, your children, or adopted children with unique circumstances, we understand the specific requirements.

We Handle Complex Situations - Multiple passports, frequent travel, time as a temporary resident—we've handled it all.

We're Here for Your Entire Journey - Many of our clients have worked with us from their first work or study permit, through permanent residence, and now to citizenship. We're proud to be part of your journey to becoming Canadian.

Expert Guidance for Your Final Immigration Milestone

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to be a permanent resident before applying for citizenship?

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before you apply. You can apply as soon as you meet this requirement—you do not need to wait any longer.

Does time as a temporary resident count toward citizenship?

Yes, but only partially. Each day you were physically in Canada as a temporary resident (work permit, study permit, visitor, etc.) before becoming a permanent resident counts as 0.5 days, up to a maximum credit of 365 days (1 year). For example, if you lived in Canada on a study permit for 2 years before getting PR, you receive 1 year of credit toward citizenship.

How do I calculate my physical presence?

You must use the IRCC physical presence calculator, which accounts for every day you were in or out of Canada during the 5-year eligibility period. You need your travel history from all passports and travel documents. We help you calculate accurately, especially if your travel history is complex.

What if I don't have all my old passports?

You should provide copies of all passports and travel documents you held during the 5-year eligibility period, even if they are expired. If you cannot obtain an old passport, you must explain why and provide alternative evidence of your travel (entry/exit records, travel receipts, etc.). We help you document your travel history even with missing documents.

Do I need to take a citizenship test?

If you are between 18 and 54 years old, yes. The test assesses your knowledge of Canada and is based on the study guide "Discover Canada." If you are under 18 or 55 and older, you are exempt from the test.

Certain criminal convictions can make you ineligible for citizenship (prohibitions). The specific impact depends on the nature of the offense, when it occurred, and whether you have completed your sentence. Contact us to assess your situation—we can advise you on eligibility and timing.

What if I have a criminal record?

Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen?

If you are a permanent resident ready to apply for citizenship, or if you're unsure whether you meet the requirements, we can help.