Canada sets minimum age of 18 for adult citizenship applications

Canada has clarified that applicants must be at least 18 to use its adult citizenship process, while children can apply through two separate pathways based on their family circumstances.

Canada has clarified that foreign nationals must be at least 18 years old to apply for citizenship through its adult application process, while children can qualify under separate categories.

According to PUNCH, the guidelines issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outline two pathways for applicants below 18, depending on their parents’ citizenship status.

The Minor 5(2) category covers children with a Canadian parent or whose parent is applying for citizenship simultaneously. Applications must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.

Meanwhile, Minor 5(1) applies to children without a Canadian parent or one applying alongside them.

Such applicants must hold permanent resident status, meet physical presence requirements and fulfil applicable tax obligations.

Under the guidelines, teenagers aged 14 to 17 must take the citizenship oath after approval, while children below 14 are exempt.

IRCC advised prospective applicants and families to review the eligibility requirements before submitting applications to avoid errors and unnecessary processing delays.