How to Apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate
A complete walkthrough of the CIT0001 application process — from checking eligibility to receiving your certificate.
Forms
| Form | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CIT0001 ↗ | Application for a Citizenship Certificate | Main application. For Gen 3+, attach extra sheets explaining your line of descent. |
| CIT0014 ↗ | Document Checklist | Submitted alongside CIT0001 to confirm all required documents are included. |
| IMM 5476 | Use of a Representative | Only needed if someone is representing you (lawyer, consultant). |
Step-by-Step Process
Check your eligibility
Confirm you have a qualifying Canadian ancestor. Use our eligibility quiz to understand your generation and next steps.
Take the quiz →Gather your documents
Collect birth, marriage, and death records for every person in your line, from you back to your Gen 0 Canadian ancestor. Priority order: birth certificate → baptism → marriage → death → other.
Document requirements guide →Fill out CIT0001 and CIT0014
CIT0001 is the main form. It has fields for parents and grandparents. If your Canadian ancestor is further back, attach additional sheets explaining your full line of descent. CIT0014 is a checklist you submit alongside it. Read the guide section at the bottom of CIT0001 carefully.
Get your passport photos
You need two photos, same specifications as Canadian passport photos but different info on the back. Both photos must have your name, date of birth, and height written on the back in permanent marker. Available at Walgreens, CVS, Staples, AAA, and most pharmacies.
Pay the $75 CAD fee
Pay online via the IRCC fee payment portal using a debit or credit card. Print the receipt and include it in your mailed package.
Pay fees on IRCC → ↗Mail your application
Assemble your package and mail it to IRCC. Organize documents in the order listed in CIT0014.
Wait for your AOR
Your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) will arrive by mail in roughly 40 days (as of April 2026). It includes your UCI (Unique Client Identifier). Use this to contact IRCC via webform or check your status.
Processing times tracker →Receive your certificate
After a positive decision, an electronic citizenship certificate arrives within ~48 hours by email. It has the same legal standing as a paper certificate. You can use it to apply for a Canadian passport.
What's next after approval →Mailing Addresses
Courier (FedEx, UPS, Purolator)
IRCC Digitization Centre - Proofs3050 Wilson Ave
New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8
If FedEx rejects "New Waterford," try "New Victoria"
USPS or Canada Post only
Case Processing Centre - Sydney-ProofsP.O. Box 10000
Sydney, NS B1P 7C1
Declare value $1, HS code 4911.99.