Canada has clarified that foreign nationals must be at least 18 years old to apply for citizenship through the adult application process, while children and teenagers can obtain citizenship through separate application categories.
The guidelines, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), outline the requirements for applicants under 18, depending on whether they have a Canadian parent or a parent applying for citizenship alongside them.
According to the guidelines, applicants aged 18 and above must meet the standard eligibility requirements for adult citizenship.
However, minors can apply through two categories: Minor 5(2) and Minor 5(1), depending on their family and legal circumstances.
The Minor 5(2) category covers children who have at least one Canadian parent or whose parent is applying for Canadian citizenship at the same time.
Applications under this category must be submitted by the child’s biological or adoptive parent, or legal guardian.
The child must also have permanent resident status in Canada and must not be subject to any citizenship prohibition.
The second category, Minor 5(1), applies to children who do not have a Canadian parent and whose parent is not applying for citizenship alongside them.
Under this route, a wider range of adults can submit applications on behalf of the child, including individuals with legal custody.
The person submitting the application does not necessarily have to be a Canadian citizen.
Where no suitable adult is available to apply on the child’s behalf, the minor can submit an application independently.
However, children applying through Minor 5(1) face additional eligibility requirements compared with those applying under Minor 5(2).
Apart from having permanent resident status, they must meet the applicable physical presence requirements in Canada.
Depending on their circumstances, they may also be required to show that they have filed income tax returns.
IRCC also has specific requirements for teenagers aged between 14 and 17.
Applicants in this age group whose citizenship applications are approved must take the oath of citizenship at a formal ceremony.
Children below the age of 14 are exempted from taking the oath.
The guidelines therefore allow children and teenagers under 18 to obtain Canadian citizenship through the designated minor application routes, even though the adult application process is reserved for those aged 18 and above.
Foreign nationals and families seeking Canadian citizenship have been advised to check the relevant eligibility conditions through IRCC’s official citizenship guidance before submitting their applications.
