Canadian Citizenship for Children Under 18: Fees, Rules and How to Apply
A child under 18 who is a permanent resident can apply for Canadian citizenship for $100, with no test and no language requirement. If a parent is a Canadian citizen or applies at the same time, the child also needs no day count or tax filing. A parent or guardian signs the application.
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How does a child under 18 become a Canadian citizen?
A permanent resident child under 18 applies for citizenship, and a parent or guardian signs the application. The fee is $100, and the child needs no citizenship test and no language proof (IRCC, checked October 2026).
There are two routes. Which one applies depends on whether a parent is a Canadian citizen or applies at the same time.
Which route applies to my child?
If your child has a Canadian parent, or a parent applying for citizenship at the same time, the child needs no day count and no tax filing. If not, the child must have been in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years, and may need to file taxes. Both routes cost $100.
What to know before you apply
- Status: both routes need your child to be a permanent resident
- Signatures: a parent or guardian signs, and a child aged 14 or older also signs
- Method: you can apply online or on paper
Which case sounds like your child?
Your child’s parents decide the route.
With a citizen parent
- A parent is a Canadian citizen, or applies at the same time
- No day count and no tax filing
- No test and no language proof
Without a citizen parent
- Child was in Canada 3 of the last 5 years
- Taxes may be needed, if the law requires them
- No test and no language proof
Not sure where you stand? Take the citizenship eligibility quiz.
Your path, in five parts
Each part has its own rules. Source: IRCC.
A parent is a citizen, or applies at the same time. No days or taxes.
The child needs 3 of the last 5 years in Canada.
Your child may already be a citizen. See the descent guide.
Parents who apply too can read the naturalization guide.
Take the quiz to see which route fits.
Not sure where you stand?
We review your situation and tell you your next step.
Rules to know
Fee: $100
The fee for a child under 18 is $100 on both routes.
No test
A child under 18 does not take the citizenship test.
No language proof
A child under 18 does not need to show language skills.
Days in Canada
With a citizen parent, none. Without one, 3 of the last 5 years.
Signatures
A parent or guardian signs, and a child aged 14 or older also signs. A child without a legal guardian can ask for a waiver.
Oath at 14
A child aged 14 or older takes the oath of citizenship.
Related pages
These guides cover the wider process.
How to avoid problems
Five habits keep you on track.
Confirm PR status
Your child must be a permanent resident to apply.
Check the parent link
Know which parent is a citizen, or whether a parent is applying too.
Collect signatures
Get every required signature, including your child at 14 or older.
Count days if needed
Without a citizen parent, confirm 3 of the last 5 years in Canada.
Ask early
If a guardian is missing or records are unclear, ask before you apply.
Want your case reviewed?
We check your situation and tell you your next step.
Step by step
Six steps from start to finish.
Check the route
Find out if a parent is a citizen or applies too.
Prepare documents
Gather your child’s PR proof and identity documents.
Collect signatures
A parent or guardian signs, and a child 14 or older signs.
Apply and pay $100
Apply online or on paper.
Wait for IRCC
IRCC confirms receipt and may ask for more.
Take the oath at 14
A child 14 or older takes the oath.
Five mistakes to avoid
These mistakes cost time and sometimes a second fee.
Applying before PR
Your child must be a permanent resident first.
Mixing up the routes
The route depends on the parent, not the child.
Skipping the day count
Without a citizen parent, the child needs 3 of the last 5 years.
Missing signatures
The application needs the parent or guardian, and the child at 14 or older.
Using the certificate route
A minor PR applies for citizenship, not for a certificate.
Key facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC and the Government of Canada, checked October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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Children under 18 FAQs
Can my child become a Canadian citizen?
Yes, a child under 18 who is a permanent resident can apply for citizenship. A parent or guardian signs the application, and the fee is $100 (IRCC, checked October 2026).
Does my child take a citizenship test?
No. A child under 18 does not take the test and does not need to show language skills.
Does my child need to be in Canada for a number of days?
Not if a parent is a Canadian citizen or applies for citizenship at the same time. Otherwise the child must have been in Canada for 3 of the last 5 years, and may need to file taxes.
Can I apply online?
Yes. Both routes can be submitted online or on paper, and both cost $100.
Who signs the application?
A parent or guardian signs. A child aged 14 or older also signs. A child without a legal guardian can request a waiver of the signature.
Does my child take the oath?
A child aged 14 or older takes the oath of citizenship.
My child was born abroad to a Canadian parent. Do we apply for citizenship?
Not necessarily. Your child may already be a citizen by descent, and you apply for a citizenship certificate to prove it. Read our citizenship by descent guide and take the eligibility quiz.
What if my child is a permanent resident and I am applying too?
Your child can apply at the same time and needs no test, language proof, day count or tax filing. See our naturalization guide for your own application.
Is an adopted child automatically a citizen?
No. A person adopted from outside Canada needs a citizenship grant, and a second-generation Canadian parent must have 1,095 days in Canada before the adoption.