Application for Canadian citizenship – Minors (under 18 years of age) applying under subsection 5(1) – (CIT 0403)
Canada is a country that embodies multiculturalism and diversity and encourages newcomers to achieve their full potential by supporting their integration and active participation in social, cultural, economic and political affairs. We thank you for the commitment you are showing to Canada by applying to become a Canadian citizen!
This form and guide is for permanent residents, under 18 years of age, who have one parent who is a Canadian citizen or one parent who is applying for their Canadian citizenship at the same time.
This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.
For legal information, see the:
- Citizenship Act
- Citizenship Regulations and Citizenship Regulations No. 2
This information will help you complete the forms and guide you through the application process.
Accessing help
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.
To download and open a PDF form, you need to have Adobe reader 10 or higher installed. Mobile devices such as iPads, tablets and mobile phones can’t be used for IRCC forms.
If you are having difficulties downloading the form, visit How do I download and open a PDF form for IRCC’s website? in the Help Centre.
Steps to Canadian Citizenship
- Step 1– Make sure the minor is eligible
- Step 2– Gather the minor’s documents
- Step 3– Complete the application form
- Step 4– Pay the fees
- Step 5– Submit the application
- Step 6– Wait for a decision
- Step 7– Go to a citizenship ceremony and take the oath
- Appendix A– Name Change
- Appendix B– Date of Birth Correction
- Appendix C– Change Gender
Step 1 – Make sure the minor is eligible
To be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship, the minor must:
- be under 18 years of age at the time the application is signed;
- be a permanent resident of Canada;
- have at least one parent (includes legally adoptive parent) who is a Canadian citizen or who will become a citizen at the same time as the minor (applying together as a family).
Note: A step parent or grandparent is not considered a parent for citizenship application purposes unless that step parent or grandparent has legally adopted the minor.
Minor children must not:
- be subject to any prohibition under the Citizenship Act (see section 11 of the application form CIT 0003); and/or
- have any unfulfilled conditions relating to their permanent resident status; and/or
- be under a removal order (asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada).
Note: A guardian may file an application on behalf of a minor child as long as the minor has at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen.
If the minor does not have a Canadian parent or is not applying at the same time as a parent; please use Application for Canadian citizenship – Minor (under 18 years of age) under subsection 5(1).
Is the minor already a citizen?
A minor born outside Canada to a Canadian parent on or after April 17, 2009, is a citizen by birth if the minor is in the first generation born outside Canada, and the Canadian parent:
- was born in Canada; or
- became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada (becoming a permanent resident) and being granted citizenship (also known as naturalization).
If the minor is a Canadian citizen and requires a citizenship certificate, use the Application for a Citizenship Certificate under section 3 (CIT 0001).
Is the minor adopted?
If the adopted minor is a permanent resident of Canada, and under 18 years of age, this is the application form you should use to apply for a grant of citizenship on their behalf. If the adopted minor is not a permanent resident of Canada, you can submit an adoptive grant of citizenship application on their behalf instead.
See Adoption guide for a table outlining all the options.
If the adoptive minor is over 18 but is not eligible to apply for a 5(1) grant of citizenship, they might want to submit an adoptive grant of citizenship application instead.
Possible loss of other citizenship
The minor could lose their present nationality or citizenship if they become a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, please contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory of the minor’s present nationality before applying for Canadian citizenship.
Step 2 – Gather the minor’s documents
Submit the following documents with your application:
- Photocopies of the minor’s biographical page of all valid and expired Passport(s)/Travel documents for the five (5) years immediately before the date of application, or since the minor became a permanent resident if that date is more recent than five (5) years.The biographical page means the page where it has the minor’s name, photo, passport/travel document number, issue date and expiration date.If the minor was included in the passport(s) of one of the parents, provide copies of that (these) passport(s).Provide photocopies of any renewal pages of the passport(s)/travel document(s).
