How To: Get a Canadian citizenship card

The citizenship card is a document that naturalized Canadian citizens use to prove that they are Canadian citizens. This card is needed to get certain documents such as a Canadian passport. It never expires but it can be updated to include a new picture or name change. Citizens born in Canada do not use the card, they use their birth certificate to prove citizenship. Naturalized citizens can apply for this card and so can people with parents of Canadian descent. People who have previously had a card can apply for a replacement. Reasons to replace the card include that it was lost or stolen, you want to change your name on the card, or to renew a picture. If you are a permanent resident of Canada and wish to apply for citizenship do not apply for a citizenship card right away. You must first obtain the right of citizenship, take a citizenship test, attend a ceremony, and take an oath. Applying for the first card is more complicated than replacing one. Applications must be submitted to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You can also use an outside service to help you with your application for a fee. You must complete form CIT001. You will need photo copies of two identifying documents and one must be a photo ID. Other acceptable IDs include a driver's license, a health card, or a passport. If this is your first card, you must also include a copy of our long form birth certificate, and a document verifying that at least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. A birth certificate or citizenship card will provide proof. For first time applicants all these documents must be notarized. All photos must meet the required standards. The fee is $75 Canadian dollars and the processing time is 7-10 months. Urgent requests require outside help to apply but approval is still difficult for first time applicants.