federal greenReviewed step-by-step guide

Apply for Canadian citizenship for a minor

Choose the correct minor 5(2) or 5(1) citizenship process, organize parent/guardian, status, custody and identity evidence and complete the child’s application and final instructions.

Reviewed 2026-07-13Next review: 2026-08-13

Before you start

  • Use only your own government account.
  • Never share government or email credentials.
  • Confirm fees, deadlines and checklists when you act.

CHANGING CONDITIONS

Minor 5(2) and 5(1) have different parent, presence and process controls. Recheck the exact minor basis, forms, signatures and photo rules.

REVIEWED STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Responsibilities, outputs and checkpoints

  1. 01
    RESPONSIBLEApplicant

    Choose the minor application basis

    Use the current IRCC definitions to record whether the child applies under Minor 5(2), with a Canadian parent or applying parent, or Minor 5(1) and its different controls.

    Expected output
    A dated minor application-basis record.
    Checkpoint
    The basis matches parent and child facts and no eligibility verdict is generated.
  2. 02
    RESPONSIBLESponsor

    Prepare parent, guardian and custody proof

    Prepare parent/guardian identity and status, birth/adoption relationship, custody orders, consent, name changes and any other decision-making authority required.

    Expected output
    A complete parent/guardian and custody evidence set.
    Checkpoint
    Every signing person has documented authority and all parents/guardians are disclosed.
  3. 03
    RESPONSIBLEApplicant

    Prepare the child’s status and identity records

    Prepare the child’s passport/travel documents, PR card or status record, photos, address history and physical-presence/tax information only where the selected minor process requires it.

    Expected output
    A minor-process identity and status package.
    Checkpoint
    Requirements from the adult or other minor route are not copied into this child’s application without an official control.
  4. 04
    RESPONSIBLESponsor

    Complete and submit the minor application

    Open the current online or paper package, complete child and parent/guardian sections, obtain required signatures, pay IRCC directly and retain the submission.

    Expected output
    An official minor-citizenship submission and receipt.
    Checkpoint
    The correct person signed each declaration and the package matches the selected minor basis.
  5. 05
    RESPONSIBLECanada

    Complete requests and citizenship outcome

    Answer IRCC document, interview, fingerprints or ceremony requests as applicable and follow the certificate instructions after approval.

    Expected output
    A request-response and citizenship-certificate decision file.
    Checkpoint
    Any ceremony or oath requirement is taken from the child’s actual IRCC message and the certificate details are verified.

DOCUMENT PREPARATION SUMMARY

What this procedure organizes

  • Prepare the selected Minor 5(2)/5(1) control, child identity/passport/PR status/photos and required histories, parent/guardian identity and citizenship/status, birth/adoption relationship, custody/consent/name-change records, current forms/checklist and signatures, receipt, IRCC requests, ceremony if applicable and citizenship certificate.

Frequently asked questions

How do I complete this procedure? What documents and steps are needed? How much does it cost and how long does it take?

NOT SURE THIS IS YOUR GUIDE?

Take the free route questionnaire.

Compare multiple procedures without an eligibility verdict or promise.

Build my route