CICC Licence R509291 · RCIC-IRB|Verify licence|Islamabad · Mississauga

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Canadian Citizenship and Proof of Citizenship

Two different applications: permanent residents apply for a grant of citizenship, while people born abroad to a Canadian apply for proof of citizenship. Since December 2025, far more people born abroad qualify for the second. We check which applies to you.

CICC licence R509291 (RCIC-IRB). Verify licence

Map of Canada with a flag pinned on Ottawa

CICC licence R509291

Verify on the public register

Grant and proof files

Adults, minors and descent cases

Since 2003

Guiding immigration clients

Two offices

Islamabad and Mississauga

Which application?

Grant of citizenship or proof of citizenship

Pick the route that matches how you are connected to Canada.

Permanent residents

Grant of citizenship

For PRs who have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last five years and meet the tax, language and test requirements.

IRCC fee: CAD 653 for adults (CAD 530 processing + CAD 123 right of citizenship), CAD 100 for minors.

Born abroad

Proof of citizenship (certificate)

For people already Canadian by descent. Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit for anyone born abroad before 15 December 2025, so a Canadian grandparent can now be enough.

IRCC fee: CAD 75. You need the certificate before applying for a first Canadian passport.

Grant of citizenship

Requirements for permanent residents

You must meet all of these on the day you sign your application.

1,095 days in Canada

Physical presence of at least 1,095 days in the five years before you apply. Days in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before PR can count as half days, up to 365.

Permanent resident status

You must be a PR with no unresolved immigration issues, removal order or residency obligation problem.

Taxes filed

You must have filed Canadian income taxes, if required, for at least three years within the five-year period.

Language (ages 18 to 54)

Proof of English or French at CLB 4 or higher, for example an approved test or completed education in English or French.

Citizenship test (18 to 54)

Pass the test on Canada's history, values, institutions and symbols, based on the official study guide.

No prohibitions

Certain criminal charges, convictions or current sentences can stop or delay your application. Tell us about any history before you apply.

How it works

How to apply for a grant of citizenship

1

Count your days

Use IRCC's presence calculator. We check your travel history against passport stamps and CBSA records.

2

Gather documents

Passport, PR proof, language evidence, tax records and police certificates if you lived abroad.

3

Apply online

Most adults apply through IRCC's online portal and pay the CAD 653 fee.

4

Test and interview

Applicants aged 18 to 54 take the citizenship test. Some are invited to an interview.

5

Oath ceremony

You become a citizen when you take the oath, in person or online.

6

Canadian passport

Apply for your passport with your citizenship certificate.

Proof of citizenship

Documents that prove you are Canadian, and what to know

You may need proof of citizenship for a passport, a job, government benefits or travel. These are the documents usually accepted, and the rules that affect them.

Citizenship certificate

Issued by IRCC. It is the main proof for anyone who became a citizen by grant or who is Canadian by descent.

Canadian birth certificate

A provincial or territorial birth certificate generally proves citizenship for people born in Canada.

Canadian passport and older cards

A valid passport is accepted as evidence in many situations. Older wallet-size citizenship cards, no longer issued, can still be used as proof.

Dual citizenship

Canada allows dual and multiple citizenship, and Pakistan permits dual nationality with Canada, so you do not need to give up your Pakistani nationality.

Losing citizenship

Citizenship can end if you renounce it, or be revoked if it was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation.

Passport from outside Canada

Canadians living abroad, including in Pakistan, can apply for a passport through Canada's overseas passport services once they hold proof of citizenship.

Why Euro Consultants

How we handle your citizenship file

Licensed and verifiable

CICC licence R509291. You can check it on the public register.

Right application first

We confirm whether you need a grant of citizenship or a proof certificate before you pay any fee.

Day count checked

We match your travel history against passport stamps and entry records so your 1,095 days hold up.

Descent cases

We trace parents' and grandparents' records for proof applications under the Bill C-3 changes.

Test and interview ready

We point you to the official study guide and tell you what to expect if you are called for an interview.

Two offices

Help for applicants in Canada and in Pakistan, from Mississauga and Islamabad.

Citizenship FAQs

My parent was born outside Canada. Am I Canadian?

Possibly. Bill C-3 came into force on 15 December 2025 and removed the first-generation limit for people born abroad before that date. If your parent or grandparent was Canadian, you may already be a citizen and can apply for proof of citizenship.

What about children born abroad after 15 December 2025?

If the Canadian parent was also born abroad, the child is a citizen only if that parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the child's birth or adoption.

Can I keep my Pakistani nationality?

Canada allows dual citizenship, and Pakistan allows dual nationality with Canada. Check NADRA's current rules before applying for a NICOP or Pakistani passport.

How much does citizenship cost?

CAD 653 for an adult grant (CAD 530 processing plus CAD 123 right of citizenship, since 31 March 2026), CAD 100 for a minor, and CAD 75 for a citizenship certificate.

How long does it take?

Processing times change often. Check IRCC's current processing times for grants and proof of citizenship before you apply.

Can I keep my Pakistani nationality if I become Canadian?

Yes. Canada allows dual citizenship, and Pakistan permits dual nationality with Canada. You can hold both, though you should check how each country treats you when you travel there.

Which documents prove I am a Canadian citizen?

Usually a citizenship certificate, or a Canadian provincial or territorial birth certificate if you were born in Canada. A valid Canadian passport and the older citizenship cards are also accepted in many situations.

Can Canadian citizenship be lost or taken away?

You can choose to renounce it through an IRCC application. The government can also revoke citizenship that was obtained through fraud, false representation or hiding important facts.

Check your citizenship eligibility

Tell us how you are connected to Canada. We will confirm which application you need and what documents to collect.

Canada office: +1 905 399 8620 · info@euroimmiconsultant.pk · Islamabad: Office #36, Mezzanine Floor, Beverly Centre, Blue Area

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