“How long will my citizenship application take?” is one of the most searched questions. We do not give a number on this page, on purpose. The number changes, and an old number from a blog or chat group can mislead you. Instead, this page shows you where to find the current estimate, how to follow your own file, and what can make it slower. For the full list of steps, see the citizenship process, step by step.
Where to find the current estimate
IRCC publishes estimates on its check processing times page. You choose the type of application (for adults, the citizenship grant), and the tool shows the current estimate.
Things to know when you read the number:
- It is an estimate, not a maximum or a guarantee. Your file can be faster or slower.
- Many estimates are forward-looking: they try to predict how long an application received today may take, based on how many applications are waiting, how many staff work on them and how many more are expected.
- The clock starts when IRCC receives a complete application (when you submit online, or when a paper application arrives in the mailroom). It ends when a decision is made.
- The estimate does not cover extra time for an incomplete application or a complex case.
- IRCC says that calling them will not speed up processing.
The stages after you apply
IRCC’s After you apply page describes these stages for adults:
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Confirmation email | If you apply online, you get an email that IRCC received your application. This is not the acknowledgement of receipt. |
| Completeness check | IRCC checks that you answered every question, sent the required documents and paid the fees. If not, the application is returned and you must send it again. |
| Fingerprints (only if asked) | Some applicants are asked for fingerprints. Follow the instructions in the request. |
| Acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) | Sent when the application is complete. It has your application number and UCI (unique client identifier). Processing has started. |
| Citizenship test | Applicants aged 18 to 54 when they signed the application are invited to the test. |
| Possible interview | Some applications get a closer review, which may include an interview. |
| Ceremony | Most applicants take the oath at a ceremony. This is the last step. |
For what happens around the test itself, see test day and after the test.
How to check your application status
For a grant of citizenship (adult or minor), IRCC’s check your application status page points you to the citizenship tracker.
- You can only use it after you receive your AOR.
- To create a tracker account, you need your UCI, your application number (from the AOR letter or email) and the email address you used in your application. IRCC sends a verification code to that email.
- IRCC says it cannot give you more information than what is already in the tracker.
IRCC asks you not to contact them about your status if you do not have an AOR yet. If you cannot check online and the normal processing time has passed, you can contact IRCC.
What can slow an application down
IRCC lists several things that can add time. Most of them are in your control:
- Incomplete applications: a missing answer, document or fee means the application is returned. Processing starts again after you resubmit.
- Not paying the full fee: the application is returned. Check the amount in our fees guide.
- Paper instead of online: paper applications take longer to start, because they must be scanned and checked.
- Not answering IRCC’s requests on time.
- Old contact details: update your address and email if they change. Canada Post does not forward IRCC parcels.
- A physical presence recalculation or a non-routine case.
- Leaving Canada for more than two weeks in a row without telling IRCC.
- Group applications: if one application in the group is incomplete, all of them are returned.
Use the waiting time well
Adults aged 18 to 54 will be invited to the test while the file is in progress. The invitation can arrive at any time, so study now, not later. A simple routine is in our study plan.
Rules can change
Processing steps, tools and estimates change. This page was checked in November 2026. Always use IRCC’s official tools and follow the messages IRCC sends you.
Start studying today with practice test 1.
Это руководство — краткое изложение простым языком, а не юридическая консультация. Правила и сборы могут меняться: перед подачей заявления или оплатой всегда проверяйте информацию на официальном сайте IRCC.