RismadarVoice Reporters
November 12, 2026
The Canadian government has clarified that individuals must be at least 18 years old to apply for citizenship through its adult application process, while children and teenagers remain eligible under separate provisions.
The guidelines, published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), outline two application categories for minors, depending on their parents’ citizenship status and other eligibility conditions.
Under the rules, applicants aged 18 and above must satisfy the standard requirements for adult citizenship, while those below 18 may apply through pathways identified as Minor 5(2) and Minor 5(1).
Citizenship applications for minors
The Minor 5(2) category applies to 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 a biological or adoptive parent, or a legal guardian.
The child must have Canadian permanent resident status and must not be subject to restrictions that would prevent citizenship approval.
However, applicants under this category are not required to meet the standard three-year physical presence requirement or provide income tax filing records.
The Minor 5(1) category applies to children who do not have a Canadian parent and whose parents are not applying for citizenship alongside them.
Under this arrangement, a parent, legal guardian or another legally authorised person may submit the application.
Where no suitable adult is available, a minor may request permission to apply independently.
Unlike Minor 5(2), applicants under Minor 5(1) must generally have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days within the five years preceding their application.
They may also be required to meet applicable income tax filing obligations.
Citizenship oath requirements
IRCC further explained that applicants aged 14 to 17 must take the oath of citizenship if their applications are approved, unless an exemption is granted.
Children younger than 14 are not required to take the oath.
Minors are also exempt from the citizenship language and knowledge tests required of certain adult applicants.
The guidelines do not prevent children from obtaining Canadian citizenship before turning 18.
Rather, they establish different application procedures based on age, parental circumstances and immigration status.
Prospective applicants and families are advised to consult official IRCC guidance to determine the appropriate application category and required documentation before submitting their applications.
