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Citizenship · CIT 0002

Become a
Canadian citizen

You've lived here, worked here, built your life here. Now make it official. AI fills your CIT 0002 from your documents, tracks your physical presence, and prepares your complete application package. Your consultant reviews everything before submission to IRCC.

Start for $299 CAD Check eligibility
$299 CAD flat fee
AI fills CIT 0002
Physical presence calculator
Expert consultant review
1,200+ approvals
Canadian Citizenship Application
CIT 0002
$299 CAD
Flat fee · No hidden costs · IRCC gov't fees separate
The final milestone in your Canadian journey. AI counts your days, flags gaps, and builds your physical presence record automatically.
1
Book a free consultation - we verify your 1,095 days and eligibility
2
Upload your PR card, travel history, and tax records
3
AI fills CIT 0002 and calculates your physical presence automatically
4
Consultant reviews, approves, and submits your complete package to IRCC
No obligation · 30 minutes · Presence check included
What you need to know

Applying for Canadian citizenship

Canadian citizenship is the final step in the immigration journey - granting you the right to live, work, and vote in Canada permanently, with a Canadian passport and full constitutional protections.

To apply, you must be a permanent resident, have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years before you apply, have filed taxes for at least 3 of those 5 years, and - if between 18 and 54 - pass a citizenship test and demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French.

The most common complication is the physical presence calculation. Every trip outside Canada reduces your count. Time spent in Canada before becoming a PR can count at half-credit (up to 365 days). Our AI reads your travel history and gives you an exact day count before you apply - so there are no surprises.

Good news on processing: IRCC citizenship processing times have improved significantly. Most complete applications are processed within 12 months. Applying with a complete, error-free package is the single biggest factor in faster processing.
Quick Facts - CIT 0002
Form numberCIT 0002
Applicant statusPermanent Resident
Physical presence required1,095 days / 5 years
Tax filing required3 of 5 years
Citizenship test (age 18–54)Required
Language requirementCLB 4 (English or French)
IRCC application fee (adult)$630 CAD
IRCC fee (minor)$100 CAD
BiometricsNot required
Processing time~12 months
GetNorthPath fee$299 CAD (flat)
The most critical calculation

Physical presence - how the 1,095 days work

IRCC counts every day you were physically inside Canada in the 5-year window before your application date. Miss the threshold by a single day and your application will be refused.

The Rule at a Glance
1,095
days required
Minimum physical presence inside Canada in the 5-year window before you apply
5
year window
IRCC looks back exactly 5 years (1,825 days) from your application date
½
credit (pre-PR days)
Time in Canada before becoming a PR counts at half-rate, up to max 365 days credit
Our AI reads your passport travel history and automatically calculates your exact day count - including half-credit for pre-PR days, border-crossing days, and days spent travelling. You'll know if you're eligible before we submit anything.
Days that count
Every day physically inside Canada as a PR. The entry day and exit day both count. Days spent in Canada before becoming a PR count at ½ credit (max 365 days).
Days that don't count
Any day outside Canada (regardless of reason - vacation, work travel, family emergency). Days before the 5-year window. Days spent in Canada as a visitor or on a temporary permit (before PR).
Eligibility

Who can apply for citizenship

You must meet all of the following requirements to apply for Canadian citizenship as an adult permanent resident.

Permanent Residency
You must be a permanent resident of Canada
You must not be under a removal order
You must not have PR status conditions preventing you from applying
Your PR status must be in good standing
Physical Presence
1,095 days (3 years) in Canada within the 5-year window before applying
Pre-PR days in Canada count at ½ credit, up to max 365 days
Every trip abroad reduces your count - our AI tracks all of them
Missing this threshold by even one day results in refusal
Tax Filing
Filed Canadian income tax for at least 3 years within the 5-year window
Applies even if you had no income - you must still file
IRCC cross-checks with CRA; missing returns are a common cause of refusal
Your consultant will flag any gaps before submission
Language (Ages 18–54)
Adequate knowledge of English or French at CLB Level 4
Demonstrate through approved language tests (IELTS, TEF) or other evidence
IRCC may also assess language ability during the interview or ceremony
Applicants under 18 or over 54 are exempt from this requirement
Citizenship Test (Ages 18–54)
20-question test based on Discover Canada study guide
Questions cover Canadian rights, history, government, and symbols
75% passing grade required (15 of 20 correct)
Conducted in person or online; some applicants may skip if interview waived
Prohibitions
No criminal charges or convictions (subject to exceptions for minor offences)
Not currently serving a prison sentence or on parole
Not declared a security threat or having violated human rights
Not under investigation for citizenship fraud
Eligibility by situation

Does your situation qualify?

Different life situations affect eligibility in different ways. Select your situation below.

Typical PR applicant
Heavy traveller
Minors (under 18)
Ages 55+
Armed forces
You likely qualify if…
You have been a PR for at least 3 years and have stayed mostly in Canada
You have filed Canadian taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years
You have no serious criminal record
You can demonstrate English or French at a conversational level
You are prepared to study for the citizenship test (Discover Canada)
Watch out for…
Extended vacations or family visits abroad - every day counts against your 1,095
Missed tax years - even years with no Canadian income require a return
Applying too early - our AI confirms your exact count before we submit
You may still qualify if…
Despite frequent travel, your total Canadian days in the 5-year window reaches 1,095
You have pre-PR Canadian days to claim for half-credit (up to 365 days bonus)
You can document every trip with passport stamps, flight records, or employer letters
Key considerations
IRCC will scrutinize travel history carefully - every trip outside Canada must be documented
Work travel abroad doesn't earn extra credit - only days physically in Canada count
Our AI calculates your exact count - we confirm eligibility before collecting your fee
You may need to gather supporting documents (flight records, employer letters) to defend your calculation
Minors (under 18)
A minor can apply on their own if they are a PR - even without a parent applying at the same time
A Canadian citizen parent can apply for a minor child under certain provisions (simpler process)
Minors are exempt from the language requirement and citizenship test
IRCC fee is $100 CAD for minors (vs $630 for adults)
Key considerations
The physical presence requirement still applies to minors applying independently
A parent or guardian must sign the application if the minor is under 18
If a parent is applying at the same time, the family can typically be processed together
Ages 55 and over
Applicants aged 55 or older are exempt from the citizenship test requirement
No language assessment requirement - you will not be tested on English or French
All other requirements (physical presence, tax filing, PR status, prohibitions) still apply
Key considerations
The physical presence calculation is the same - 1,095 days in 5 years, no exceptions
Extended visits abroad to care for family still reduce your count
Tax filing requirement still applies - your consultant will check your CRA records
Canadian Armed Forces
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces can apply under an accelerated pathway
Time served in the CAF counts toward physical presence regardless of location
One year of authorized service may satisfy the physical presence requirement
Separate application stream - your consultant will advise on the CAF-specific form
Key considerations
The accelerated pathway requires you to be currently serving or have been honourably released
Tax filing and prohibition requirements still apply
Documentation of service record is required - your consultant will advise on what IRCC needs
What you'll need

Documents for your CIT 0002 application

Our AI reads your documents and fills CIT 0002 automatically. Your consultant reviews the complete package before submission.

Identity Documents
Permanent Resident card (front & back)
Valid passport - all pages Required
Previous passports (covering the 5-year window)
Birth certificate
Any name change documents
Physical Presence Evidence AI reads
Passport stamps and entry/exit records
Travel history declaration (AI fills from your passports)
Flight records or boarding passes (if gaps in passport stamps)
Employer confirmation of work travel (if applicable)
CIC travel history printout (optional but helpful)
Tax Filing Proof
CRA Notice of Assessment for each qualifying year Required
Tax return confirmation (T1 or equivalent)
If not required to file - supporting documentation explaining exemption
Covers minimum 3 of the 5 years in your window
Language Evidence (Ages 18–54)
IELTS, TEF, CELPIP, or TCF test results (CLB 4 minimum)
Canadian post-secondary diploma or degree (accepted as language proof)
Evidence of completing a provincially funded language program
Other approved evidence of language proficiency
Application Forms AI fills
CIT 0002 - Application for Canadian Citizenship
CIT 0177 - Physical Presence Calculator printout
RCMP criminal record check (if requested by IRCC)
Schedule A - Background / Declaration form
Photos & Fees
2 passport-size photos (meets Canadian specifications)
IRCC application fee: $630 CAD (adult), $100 CAD (minor)
Right of Citizenship fee: $100 CAD (payable at oath - adults only)
GetNorthPath fee: $299 CAD (flat, all-in)
How GetNorthPath works

From start to citizenship - 5 steps

Expert-guided. AI-accelerated. $299 CAD flat.

1
Free Consultation
We verify your 1,095 days and confirm you meet every eligibility requirement before you pay anything.
Free · 30 min
2
Upload Documents
Securely upload your passports, PR card, tax records, and language evidence through our portal.
AI-ready
3
AI Fills CIT 0002
Our AI reads every document, calculates your physical presence day-by-day, and fills your complete application.
AI-powered
4
Consultant Review
Your ICCRC-registered consultant checks every field, flag, and document - and approves the final package.
Expert review
5
Submit to IRCC
We submit your complete package online. You receive confirmation and we guide you through the test and ceremony.
Submitted
What to expect after you apply

The citizenship process - step by step

After submission, IRCC processes your application in several stages. Here's what happens and how long to expect.

Application submitted & acknowledged
IRCC sends an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) confirming your application is in the queue.
Within 2–4 weeks of submission
Background check & security screening
IRCC and CBSA conduct background checks with RCMP and other agencies. This is usually the longest step.
2–8 months (varies)
Citizenship test (ages 18–54)
Invited to write a 20-question test on Canadian history, government, rights, and values. 75% required to pass. Your consultant provides study resources.
Typically ~6–10 months after applying
Interview (if required)
Not all applicants are called for an interview. If IRCC has questions about your application, presence calculation, or language - they may invite you in person or virtually.
If required - scheduled after test
Application approved
IRCC approves your application and sends you a Notice to Appear for the citizenship ceremony.
~10–14 months after applying
Oath of Citizenship ceremony
You take the Oath of Citizenship - in person or virtually - and receive your citizenship certificate. You are now Canadian.
Typically ~12–16 months total
Why GetNorthPath

Expert guidance. AI precision. $299 flat.

AI Physical Presence Calculator
Our AI reads every page of every passport you upload and counts your days to the exact figure. Pre-PR half-credit, border day rules - all handled automatically. You see your exact total before we submit anything.
CIT 0002 auto-fill
AI maps your identity, travel history, tax records, and declarations directly onto the CIT 0002 form. No manual copying, no transposition errors - the most common cause of application delays.
Gap detection & flag prevention
Before your consultant sees the application, AI scans for inconsistencies between your passport history, travel declaration, and tax records - the most common reasons IRCC sends Procedural Fairness Letters.
ICCRC-registered consultant review
Every application is reviewed by a licensed immigration consultant. They check the AI's work, add professional judgment, and approve the final package before it ever reaches IRCC.
What traditional firms charge vs. GetNorthPath
Law firm / consultant$2,500–$5,000+
DIY (no professional help)$0 - high error risk
GetNorthPath$299 CAD flat
GetNorthPath includes
AI physical presence calculation
CIT 0002 auto-fill
Document gap detection
ICCRC consultant review
Online IRCC submission
Post-submission guidance
Pricing

Simple, honest pricing

One flat fee. No hourly rates. No surprises. IRCC government fees are separate and payable directly to the government.

Canadian Citizenship - CIT 0002
Adult application · Includes all GetNorthPath services
$299 CAD
Flat fee · No hidden charges
What's included
Free eligibility consultation & physical presence check
AI physical presence day counter (all passport pages scanned)
CIT 0002 auto-fill from your documents
Document checklist & gap detection
ICCRC-registered consultant review & approval
Online submission to IRCC
Post-submission support & test prep guidance
IRCC government fees (separate)
$
Adult application fee: $630 CAD (payable to IRCC)
$
Minor application fee: $100 CAD (payable to IRCC)
$
Right of Citizenship fee: $100 CAD (adults, paid at ceremony)
Biometrics: Not required for citizenship
GetNorthPath is not a law firm. Consultants are ICCRC-registered immigration consultants.
Start for $299 CAD
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I've met the 1,095-day requirement?
+
The 1,095-day count looks back 5 years (1,825 days) from the date you submit your application. Every day you were physically inside Canada as a PR counts. Additionally, days in Canada before you became a PR count at half-credit - up to a maximum of 365 bonus days. At your free consultation, we run the AI calculation on your passport history and give you your exact number before you pay anything. If you're not there yet, we'll tell you the earliest date you can apply.
I missed filing taxes for one year. Does that disqualify me?
+
You need to have filed taxes for at least 3 of the 5 years in your window - so one missed year may not disqualify you, depending on which year it was and which years fall in your window. However, IRCC cross-checks with the CRA, and a missing return will cause delays or refusal. If you have a missed year, the best step is to file it retroactively before applying. Your consultant will check your CRA records at the consultation and flag any issues.
What is the citizenship test like - and how do I prepare?
+
The citizenship test is a 20-question multiple-choice or true/false exam. You need to score at least 75% (15 of 20) to pass. All questions come from the official Discover Canada study guide - a free booklet published by IRCC covering Canadian history, government structure, rights and responsibilities, and national symbols. The test takes about 30 minutes and can be in-person at an IRCC office or online. GetNorthPath provides study resources and a practice quiz after your application is submitted.
Can I apply for my children's citizenship at the same time as mine?
+
Yes - if your children are permanent residents, you can apply for them at the same time as yourself. Minor applicants pay a reduced fee ($100 CAD vs $630 for adults) and are exempt from the citizenship test and language requirements. If both parents are applying, the whole family can be processed together and take the oath at the same ceremony. GetNorthPath's $299 fee covers one adult application; minor applications are available at reduced pricing - ask at your consultation.
Will becoming a Canadian citizen affect my other citizenship?
+
Canada permits dual (and multiple) citizenship - becoming Canadian does not require you to renounce your original citizenship. However, your home country may have its own rules about dual citizenship. Some countries do not recognize dual citizenship and may consider you to have lost citizenship upon naturalizing elsewhere. This is a question of your home country's law, not Canada's. Your consultant can discuss this in general terms, but we recommend verifying with your country's consulate or a lawyer in your home country if you have concerns.
What benefits do I get as a Canadian citizen vs. permanent resident?
+
Canadian citizenship gives you several rights that permanent residents don't have: the right to vote and run for office, the right to a Canadian passport (one of the world's most powerful travel documents - visa-free access to 180+ countries), the right to live outside Canada indefinitely without losing your status, access to certain federal government and security-cleared jobs, and full constitutional protections. Unlike PR status, citizenship cannot be revoked simply because you live outside Canada.
Why $299 CAD? How is that possible vs. a $3,000 law firm?
+
Traditional immigration firms charge $2,500–$5,000+ because most of their cost is manual labour - lawyers manually counting travel days, filling forms by hand, and reviewing documents one by one. GetNorthPath uses AI to do the day counting, document reading, and form-filling - dramatically reducing the time consultants spend on mechanical tasks. Our consultants spend their time reviewing and advising, not counting passport stamps. The result: expert consultant-reviewed applications at a fraction of the price.

Ready to become Canadian?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll run your physical presence calculation, confirm your eligibility, and give you a clear path to citizenship - at no obligation.

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Canadian Citizenship · CIT 0002
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