Canadian citizenship is the legal status that grants individuals the rights and privileges of being a citizen of Canada, including the right to live and work in Canada permanently and the right to vote and hold public office. To become a Canadian citizen, an individual must first become a permanent resident of Canada and meet certain eligibility criteria.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, a permanent resident must submit an application online or by mail, along with the required documents and fees. The required documents may include proof of permanent resident status, proof of residence in Canada, and proof of language proficiency. The applicant must also meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old, unless they are applying as a minor (under 18 years old).
2. Permanent residence: The applicant must have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application.
3. Language proficiency: The applicant must be able to speak and understand English or French, unless they are exempt from this requirement due to age or disability.
4. Criminal history: The applicant must not have a criminal record and must not be under investigation for, charged with, or convicted of any criminal offense.

The processing time for a citizenship application can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the volume of applications being processed and the completeness of the application.

Once the citizenship application is approved, the applicant will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, where they will be required to swear or affirm an oath of citizenship and receive their citizenship certificate.