Guide CIT 0003 - Application for Canadian Citizenship - Minors (under 18 years of age)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before you apply
• The application process
• Step 1. Gather documents
• Step 2. Complete the application
• Step 3. Pay the fees
• Step 4. Mail the application
• What happens next
• How to contact CIC

Hide table of contents

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Before you apply
• The application process
• Step 1. Gather documents
• Step 2. Complete the application
• Step 3. Pay the fees
• Step 4. Mail the application
• What happens next
• How to contact CIC

This is not a legal document. For legal information, refer to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations or the Citizenship Act and Regulations, as applicable.

This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

Overview

Application package

This application package consists of:

• an instruction guide and
• the required forms

The instruction guide is a tool that provides:

• the information you must know about this application before sending it to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and
• assistance with how to fill out the forms and the required supporting documents

Read the instruction guide thoroughly and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

The forms are specifically designed with questions that will assist the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses the following symbols to indicate information of particular importance.

What you must do to have your application processed.

Important information that you need to be aware of in order to avoid delays or other problems.

Where to get more information.

Note:

Tips that will assist you with this application.

The application process

The instructions provided in this guide follow the basic steps you will need to know to complete your application.

1. Gather documents
2. Complete the application
3. Pay the fees
4. Mail the application

Before you apply

Who may use this application?

You may use this guide to apply for citizenship for your minor child. Read these instructions before you begin to fill out the application form. They contain important information.

Minor children must:

• be under 18 years of age at the time of the application;
• be a permanent resident of Canada;
• have at least one parent (includes adoptive parent) who is a Canadian citizen or who will become a citizen at the same time as the child (applying together as a family).

Minor children must not:

• be subject to any prohibition under the Citizenship Act (see section 10 of the application form CIT 0003); 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 child has at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen.

Important information. The child could lose his or her present nationality or citizenship if he or she becomes a Canadian citizen. If you have any questions about this, you should ask the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country of your child’s nationality.

To apply for Canadian citizenship as an adult, you must complete the Application for Canadian Citizenship — Adults (CIT 0002).

Is your child already a citizen?

In general, a child born to a Canadian parent outside Canada before April 17, 2009, is a Canadian citizen. However, a child born to a Canadian parent outside Canada on or after April 17, 2009, is a Canadian citizen at birth only if that child is born in the first generation outside Canada, that is, at the time of their birth, their Canadian parent:

• was born in Canada, or
• became a Canadian citizen by immigrating to Canada (becoming a permanent resident) and being granted citizenship (also know as naturalization).

If your child is a Canadian citizen, use the Application for a Citizenship Certificate under section 3 (CIT 0001).

Is your child adopted?

Citizenship process for adopted people
Canada’s citizenship law was amended to allow persons adopted by Canadian citizens to apply for citizenship directly, without first having to apply for permanent residence (citizenship adoption process). To access this process, the Canadian adoptive parent must be born in Canada or have naturalized before the adoption took place (became a citizen after arriving in Canada as a permanent resident)

If the child is a permanent resident and was adopted outside Canada by Canadian citizenship who was born in Canada or naturalized before the adoption took place, you can apply for citizenship through a regular grant (this application) or you can apply for citizenship through the citizenship adoption process.
www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/cit-adoption.asp

The table below demonstrated the requirements which must be met for both types of applications.

This table compares the differences between the two processes regarding future generations of Canadian citizens, depending on the two streams of applications.

The application process

CPC-S process: If yes, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to you

CPC-S process: If no, your application will be returned to you. End of process.

CPC-S process: If yes:

minors 14 years of age, will receive the citizenship certificate by mail

minors 14 years of age and older, and minors applying at the same time as their parents will receive a letter inviting them for a citizenship ceremony

CPC-S process: If no, a letter of explanation will be sent to you. End of process.

Legend

Step 1. Gather documents

What documents are required?

The table below outlines the documents that you need to include with your child application. You must also use the Document Checklist which is included at the end of the form (CIT 0003) to assist you gathering the necessary documentation.

Note. If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear, your child application may be returned to you.

Note: Additional documents may be required during the processing of your application.

1. The child’s Immigration record/paper

   • Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
     or
   • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
     and
   • Both sides of the Permanent Resident Card (PRC) if you have one

     Note: You must provide all of these documents in your possession. If any of these documents are no longer in your possession, please explain why.

   Format: Clear and legible photocopy

2. Biographical page of Passport(s)/Travel Documents of the child

   The biographical page means the page where it has your child’s name, photo, passport/travel document number, issue date and expiration date.

   Provide photocopies of the biographical pages of all passports and/or travel documents of your child (valid and cancelled) for the relevant four (4) year period immediately preceding the date of your application. If the child was included in the passport(s) of one of the parents, provide copies of that passport(s)

   Also, provide photocopies of any renewal pages of the passport(s)/travel documents.

   Note: If any of these documents are no longer in your possession please explain why.

3. Two (2) pieces of the child’s personal identification

   Both pieces of identification should show your child’s name and date of birth, one of which must have a photo on it.

   Examples include:

   • school record
   • health insurance card

   If there is information on both sides of your child’s personal identification documents, provide a photocopy of both sides.

   For a child under school age, identification such as:

   • a passport page containing his or her photo and personal details, or
   • a hospital or immunization record, may be provided

   Format: Clear and legible photocopy

4. Birth certificate or adoption order (in the case of adopted children)

   The document must show:

   • the child’s name,
   • date of birth,
   • place of birth and
   • the names of the parents or adoptive parents.

   For adopted children living in Quebec, you must submit one of the following documents:

   • jugement d’adoption
   • jugement sur requête en adoption
   • reconnaissance de jugement d’adoption
   • certificat d’inscription d’adoption
   • attestation d’adoption
   • lettre d’attestation d’adoption

   Format: Clear and legible photocopy

5. One (1) proof of the parent’s Canadian citizenship (if applicable)

   Examples include:

   • Provincial/territorial birth certificate
   • Certificate of Canadian citizenship
   • Certificate of naturalization
   • Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad
   • Certificate of retention issued between January 1, 1947 and February 14, 1977

   Format: Clear and legible photocopy

6. Proof of guardianship (if applicable)

   • a legal guardian applying on behalf of the child must provide legal documentation proving guardianship

   Format: Clear and legible photocopy

7. Payment receipt

   For more information. See: “Step 3. Pay the Fees”.

   Receipt showing total payment of application fees

   • By internet (receipt printed from Internet), or
   • At a financial institution (Original form IMM 5401). (in-Canada only)

   Format: Receipt printed from Internet and Original form IMM 5401

8. Additional documents (if required)

   Possible documents are:

   • translation of documents that are not in English or French completed by a certified translator
   • supporting documents to prove name change
   • supporting documents to prove a date of birth correction

   For more information. See: name change and date of birth correction in this section

   Format: Clear and legible photocopy

Name change

If you have legally changed the child’s name, you must provide documentation showing the use of both old and new names.

The name of the child on the citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on his/her immigration document unless:

• the child’s name has legally been changed after arriving in Canada, or
• you are requesting a different name for the child’s citizenship certificate, and
• you can provide supporting documents.

• If you have legally changed his/her name
  then you must provide a copy of
  • an approved amendment to the child’s immigration document, or
  • a provincial legal change of name document, or
  • a provincial adoption order indicating the child’s new name.
• If you are requesting a name change that is not significant (for example a slight change in spelling)
  then you must provide a copy of one of the following that reads exactly the same as the name you are requesting:
  • a provincial health card, or
  • a provincial driver’s licence, or
  • an official school record issued by the provincial department responsible for education.
• If you are requesting a name change that is significant (more than a slight change in spelling)
  then you must provide a copy of
  • the provincial documents noted above
    and
  • linking documents showing the use of both old and new names, and the basis for the change. Examples of linking documents include:
    • foreign change of name document,
    • adoption order, or foreign passport showing both names.

Important information. A name change can be made during the processing of your application only due to an administrative error made by CIC, a truncated (shortened) name on the immigration document or a legal change of name.

Date of birth correction

The date of birth on the child’s citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on his/her immigration document unless you:

• have corrected the date of birth on the child’s immigration document or
• have legally changed it after arriving in Canada or
• are requesting a different date of birth for the child’s citizenship certificate and you can provide supporting documents.

• If the date of birth has been corrected on the immigration document
  then you must provide a copy of
  • an approved Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), and
  • the new corrected Permanent Resident Card (if the child has one).
• If you have legally changed the date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order
  then you must provide a copy of
  • provincial/territorial court order changing the date of birth, and
  • completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for Citizenship (CIT 0464)
• If the child did not change the date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order and the date of birth has not been corrected on the child’s immigration document
  then you must provide a copy of
  • a refused Request to Amend the Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) and
  • completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for Citizenship (CIT 0464), and
  • documents to support the child’s new date of birth.

Important information. You cannot request a change in the child’s date of birth after the application has been submitted. If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the date of birth requested, the citizenship certificate will reflect the date of birth indicated on the child’s immigration document.

Important information. If you do not have a provincial/territorial court order changing the child’s date of birth, you must first request an amendment to your immigration document before requesting a different date of birth on your child’s citizenship certificate.

For more information. For information on amending your immigration document
Refer to the guide Request to Amend the Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents (IMM 5218).

Quebec government documents

The following documents issued by the government of Quebec before January 1, 1994 are not accepted

• baptismal certificates
• birth certificates, and
• marriage certificates.

For more information. If you are currently in possession of one of these certificates you must obtain a new document by contacting the office of the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec by visiting their website.

Translated documents

Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by

• the English or French translation, and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country in which the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified members in good standing of one of the provincial or territorial organizations of translators and interpreters of Canada do not need to supply an affidavit.

Important information. Translations by family members are not acceptable.

Family member is defined as being a: parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.

Your application will be returned to you if you do not include the translation of your documents and an affidavit from the translator.

Note

Photographs

You must:

• provide two (2) identical citizenship photographs (except Renunciation applications, only one (1) photo is required);
• print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo;
• follow the steps explained on the form; and
• do not staple, glue or otherwise attach the photo directly to the application.

Your application will be returned to you if you do not include the two (2) photos that meet the photo specifications.

Step 2. Complete the application

Filling out the application

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to complete the application form.

The content below is offered in PDF format. For more information or to download the appropriate viewer, check the Help page.

The following is the form that must be filled out and submitted:

• Application for Canadian citizenship – Minors (CIT 0003) (PDF, 162 KB)

Important information. If you are completing this application for a child under 18 years of age, remember all questions are about the child.

Note. It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.

Note

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections.  If any section is not applicable to you, write “N/A” (“Not applicable”).  If your application is incomplete it will be returned to you.

Note:  If you need more space for any section, use an extra sheet of paper and indicate the number and/or letter of the section you are completing and submit it along with your application.

Section 1

Question 1

Would you like to receive service (correspondence, interview) in English or in French?

Section 2

Question 2

Check the box to indicate if the child has any special needs. If yes, please explain.

Special needs are described as:

• wheelchair access
• sign language interpretation
• personal assistance (for example, you will be accompanied by a care attendant, an interpreter, a seeing eye dog, a sighted guide, etc.)

Section 3

Question 3

Write if you have applied for the child to obtain Canadian citizenship before. If yes, you must tell us when you applied for the child.

Section 4

Question 4

Write if you are the parent or guardian of the child.

You must provide a document which proves the relationship between the parent and the child.

• If you are the Legal guardian
  then you must provide submit
  • a clear and legible copy of the legal document showing guardianship.
• If you are the Biological parent(s)
  then you must provide submit
  • the child’s birth certificate showing the names of the child and his or her parents
• If you are the Adoptive parent(s)
  then you must provide submit
  • a copy of the adoption order
  • Important information. For adopted children living in Quebec, you must submit one of the following documents:
    • jugement d’adoption;
    • jugement sur requête en adoption;
    • reconnaissance de jugement d’adoption;
    • certificat d’inscription d’adoption;
    • attestation d’adoption; or
    • lettre d’attestation d’adoption.

Section 5

Question 5A

Write the last name (surname/family name) and given name(s) of the child exactly, as they appear on the child’s immigration document. If the name was shortened (truncated), write the name that appears in the “remarks” section of the child’s immigration document.  The name in the “remarks” section will have precedence over the name in the surname/family name section.  Immigration documents  include the child’s:

• Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
• Permanent Resident Card (PRCard)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688).

Question 5B

Write the last name (surname/family name) and given name(s) that you request to appear on the child’s citizenship certificate and indicate the reason for the request.

If your child’s name was shortened (truncated) on his/her immigration document and does not appear in the “remarks” section of your child’s immigration document, you must provide one of the following supporting documents showing the full name of the child:

• Passport of entry displaying the child’s full name (passport used to immigrate to Canada, or
• Canadian visa counterfoil, or
• Birth certificate issued prior to your child’s date of entry to Canada (date child immigrated to Canada)

Did your child have a legal change of name or are you requesting a different name on your child’s citizenship certificate than the name on the child’s immigration document due to a minor or significant change in spelling?

If yes:

• See name change section in this guide in Gather Required Documents

Note: A request for a different name is subject to approval by CIC.

Question 5C

Write any names the child has used in the past such as:

• birth name,
• nicknames, or
• community names, etc.

Section 6

Question 6A

Write your child’s:

• date of birth exactly as it appears on your child’s immigration document, and
• place of birth, including the city or town and country.

Are you requesting a different date of birth on your child’s citizenship certificate?

If yes, see Date of birth correction section in this guide in Gather Required Documents.

Note: A request for a different date of birth is subject to approval by CIC.

Question 6B

Write the child’s current citizenship.

Question 6C

Check the box to indicate whether if the child is male or female. Include the child’s height, eye colour, and legal marital status.

Important information. This information must be completed for our records. Gender, eye color and height will be shown on the citizenship certificate.

Section 7

Question 7A

Write the child’s current home address, complete with

• Street address
• City or town
• Province
• Postal code

Question 7B

If your mailing address is different from your home address, write your complete mailing address.

Question 7C

List the telephone number(s) where you can be reached.

Question 7D

Indicate your e-mail address using this format (if applicable): name@provider.net

CIC may contact via e-mail if necessary

Section 8

Question 8A

Write the family name and given name(s) of the child’s parents.

Question 8B

Write the country and date of birth of the child’s parents.

Question 8C

Check box “yes” or “no” to indicate if your parent (s) was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.

Question 8D

Write whether you are the biological or adoptive parent(s).

Question 8E

Answer this question if you acquired Canadian citizenship by birth or by naturalization before February 15, 1977.

Question 8F

Indicate whether you left Canada for more than one (1) year before 1977. If yes, provide the dates you were away and indicate the country you were staying in. If you acquired Canadian citizenship after February 14, 1977, indicate “N/A” (Not Applicable).

Section 9

Question 9

Write the date when the child became a permanent resident of Canada. The information can be found on:

• the child’s Record of Landing – IMM 1000, or
• the child’s Confirmation of Permanent Residence – IMM 5292, or
• of the child’s Confirmation of Permanent Residence – IMM 5688,
• the child’s Permanent Resident Card.

You must let us know if the child left Canada for six months or longer since becoming a permanent resident. If no, go to Section 10 of the application. If yes, give details of the time the child spent away from Canada. Use another piece of paper, if you need more space.

Section 10

Question 10

Certain conditions outlined in the Citizenship Act, may affect the child’s application for citizenship. To find out if this applies to the child go to Section 10 of the application. If any of the questions in Section 10 of the application apply to the child, you must provide details. For further information call the Call Centre (see "How to Contact CIC").

You do not have to tell us whether the child was found guilty of an offence under the Young Offenders Act if the case is closed.

Note: CIC checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) to find out if there are any criminal or security reasons which could prevent the child from acquiring Canadian citizenship. Also, the child’s entry to Canada and status will be verified with Immigration officials. You may be required to provide the child’s fingerprints or court documents to ensure that the child is not prohibited under the Citizenship Act.

Section 11

Question 11

The parent or legal guardian(s) must sign the application, using the same signature they currently use on other official documents. Enter the place (city, town or village) and date beside the signature.

Sign and date the application on the same day.

Note: Children who are 14 years of age or older must also co-sign the application form with the legal guardian who is applying on behalf of the child.

Note. Your application will be returned to you if the application form is:

• not signed and dated,
• stale-dated (dated more than 90 days before CIC receives it),or
• post-dated (dated into the future).

Section 12

Question 12

The individual (including family members) or authorized officer of a firm or organization who assisted in the completion of this application must complete and sign this section. If you did not have assistance completing your application, write N/A.

Step 3. Pay the fees

Calculating your fees

If more than one member of your family is applying for Canadian citizenship pay the fees all together.

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. Fees must be included with this application.

Incorrect fee payment

Payment issue - No fee included

CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with the requested fees.

Payment issue - Insufficient fees included

CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with the requested fees.

Payment issue - Overpayment

CIC will:

• start processing your application, and
• send you a refund as soon as possible.

Note: You do not have to request a refund, it will be done automatically.

Payment issue – Expired payment

For expired certified cheques, bank drafts and money orders only. CIC will return your application.

Note: Processing of your application will only start after you return your application with requested fees.

Payment method options

Payment of fees online is the preferred method of payment.

On line fee payment

Resources required

You can pay your fees on line if you have:

• a credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express)
• access to a computer with an Internet connection
• a valid e-mail address
• access to a printer (you will need to print the receipt)

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay using the Internet.

• Go to Pay my fees online at the CIC website.
• Follow the on-line instructions.
  • At the end, click on the button to print the CIC official receipt with barcode.

Note

Note. Do not exit without printing the receipt!

• Fill in the Payer Information Section by hand.
• Attach the bottom portion (copy 2) of this receipt to your completed application.

Proof of payment

The receipt printed off of the Internet in step 2 of the instructions above will serve as your proof of payment.

Obtaining an original receipt form–Inside Canada

You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) by ordering through our website.

Fee payment at financial institutions

If you do not wish to pay using the Internet, payment must be made at a financial institution in Canada. The financial institution will let you know what method of payment it accepts. There is no banking charge to pay at a financial institution.

Note

The only acceptable forms of payment are on-line or through a financial institution in Canada. If you send any other form of payment your application will be returned.

Availability

For clients located inside Canada only.

Resources required

A payment receipt form (IMM 5401) can be ordered through our website.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to pay at a financial institution in Canada.

1. Calculate the total fee amount to be paid using the chart Calculating your fees at the beginning of this section.

2. Fill out one (1) payment receipt form (IMM 5401).

   Important information. An original payment receipt form (pink and white) must be used. A photocopy is not acceptable.

   For more information. See: “Obtaining an original receipt form – Inside Canada” in this section.

3. Insert the total amount paid on line 09 Citizenship or Immigration Services Fees.

   Important information. Do not complete the top two portions of the receipt. These will be completed by the financial institution.

4. Fill in the Payer Information section on the back of the payment receipt form.

   Do you already have an open file and know the client identification number (client ID) that we have assigned to you?

   • If yes, enter the number in the box provided for that purpose.
   • If no, leave that box empty.

5. Bring the receipt form and your payment to the teller (cashier) at the financial institution. Do not present your application, only your receipt form.

   The teller (cashier) will:

   • stamp and enter the amount paid in the upper two portions of the receipt form, and
   • give you the top two portions of the form.

   Important information. Do not make payment using the automated teller machines or on a financial institution website.

6. The following list indicates what you should be doing with the different parts of the IMM 5401 receipt.

   • Copy 1 (top): Keep for your records.
   • Copy 2 (middle): Attach to your completed application.
   • Copy 3 (bottom): The financial institution will keep the bottom part.

Proof of payment

Completed payment receipt form (Original form IMM 5401)

Obtaining an original receipt form–Inside Canada

You may obtain an original receipt form (IMM 5401) by ordering through our website.

Step 4. Mail the application

Where to mail the application

Mail your completed application in a stamped envelope addressed as shown below:

Affix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope)

Sender (top left of the envelope)
(Your name)
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)

Recipient (centre of the envelope)
Case Processing Centre – Sydney
Grant – Minors
P.O. Box 7000
SYDNEY, NS  B1P 6V6
CANADA

Courier address:
Case Processing Centre – Sydney
Grant - Minors
49 Dorchester Street
SYDNEY, NS
B1P 5Z2

If you are sending more than one application

If you are sending more than one application (for example, applications for family members), you may send one receipt to cover all applications. Mail the receipt (if applicable) and all applications together in one envelope so that they will be processed together.

Note: If you are sending more than one application (for example, family members), and one of the applications is incomplete, all the applications will be returned to you.

Note

Reminders

Make sure to use the document checklist and include it with your application.

Here are some reminders to avoid your application being returned to you :

• You have answered all questions on the form or wrote “N/A” (Not applicable) for any question that is not applicable to you.
• You (parent or legal guardian) have signed and dated the form and the child has co-signed, if the child is 14 years old and older.
• Make sure before you send it that it is not stale-dated (dated more than 90 days before CIC receives it) or it is post-dated (dated into the future).
• You have included copies of the child’s immigrant documents: Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) and both sides of the Permanent Resident Card if the child has one.
• You have included photocopies of the biographical pages of the child’s passport(s) or travel documents or photocopies of the parent’s passport if the child is included in that passport.
• You have included the child’s birth certificate or Adoption order.
• You have included the parent’s proof of Canadian citizenship, if applicable.
• You have included photocopies of both sides of two (2) pieces of the child’s personal identification, one of which must have a photo.
• You have included two (2) photos of the child according to the citizenship photographs specification.
• You have included proof of payment and exact fees.
• You have included original translation and an affidavit by the translator for any documents that are not in English or French.

What happens next?

Once your application is received

Citizenship and Immigration Canada reviews your application to make sure:

• The necessary documents are all included in order to process your application, and
• The appropriate fee payment has been made.

When your application has been received by the Case Processing Centre we will send you:

A letter of acknowledgment confirming the reception of your application.

Decision

If CIC determines your child meets all the requirements for citizenship, you will receive:

• If the child is under 14 years of age
  You will receive

  • A request for your child’s original Record of Landing (IMM 1000) and Permanent Resident Card.

  • Once these documents are received, the citizenship certificate as well as the updated IMM 1000 will be sent by mail.

• If the child is 14 years of age and older
  You will receive

  • A letter inviting the child to a citizenship ceremony where the citizenship certificate will be given in person. The ceremony notice will indicate that your child must bring to the ceremony their original Record of Landing (IMM 1000) and Permanent Resident Card, if they have one.

Note: Minor children are not required to take the citizenship test.

Note: Once your child becomes a citizen, your child will no longer be a permanent resident. The IMM 1000 will be updated accordingly and returned, and the Permanent Resident Card will be cancelled and destroyed.

Important information

Updating your contact information

During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address or telephone number by:

• going to www.cic.gc.ca, select Change address; or 
• see “How to Contact CIC” at the end of this Guide.

Checking application status on line

You can check the status of your application on-line by doing the following:

1. Go to Check application status on the CIC website.
2. Follow the instructions provided.

Note:  Your application status will only appear on-line once the application is received and the initial review by CIC is completed.

To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the Help Centre section.

Protecting your information

Your personal information is:

• only available to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and
• not disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre on our website.

Quality Assurance Program

Our quality assurance program randomly selects applications for a special review. If selected you will be asked to attend an interview with a Citizenship and Immigration official so that we can:

• verify the documentation you submitted is accurate,
• verify that your application has been completed properly.

Note: You will be notified in writing should your application be selected.

For more information

Current processing times

Processing time can change. You can obtain current processing times on our website.

How to contact CIC

Within Canada

CIC Call Centre:
1-888-242-2100 (toll-free)

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time

If you are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing, or you have a speech impediment and use a text telephone, you can access the TTY service from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. your local time by calling: 1-888-576-8502 (in Canada only).