Document Checklist: Canadian Citizenship Application
Expert-Reviewed by Sanjay Prasher, CICC-Certified Immigration Consultant
Ensure your citizenship application avoids common rejection triggers with this IRCC-compliant checklist, refined through 15+ years of professional experience.
1. Proof of Physical Presence
Online Physical Presence Calculation (CIT 0407)
Pro Tip: Double-check travel dates—even 1-day discrepancies can trigger IRCC audits.
Sanjay’s Insight: "Use my free residency calculator to add a 30-day buffer beyond the 1,095-day minimum."
2. Passport/Travel Document Copies
Full-color copies of ALL passport pages (including blank ones) during your 5-year eligibility period.
Critical Note: Missing stamps or biographical pages are a top rejection reason.
3. Language Proficiency Proof (Ages 18-54)
CLB 4 or higher test results (CELPIP, IELTS) or
Post-secondary transcripts (if studied in English/French).
Sanjay’s Strategy: "My clients use targeted CLB 4 prep kits to pass language tests in 6 weeks."
4. Identification Documents
Two (2) government-issued IDs
1 primary (e.g., PR card, driver’s license)
1 secondary (e.g., health card, bank statement)
5. Citizenship Photos
Two (2) identical photos with studio name/date stamp.
Avoid Rejection: 98% of photo errors involve incorrect dimensions (50mm x 70mm).
6. Payment & Forms
$630 fee receipt (paid online via IRCC portal)
Completed CIT 0007 checklist
❌ Mistake 1: Submitting expired language tests (IRCC rejects 23% of applications for this).
Fix: Tests must be <2 years old at submission.
❌ Mistake 2: Inconsistent travel dates across forms.
Fix: Cross-reference passport stamps with entry/exit records.
❌ Mistake 3: Poor-quality document scans.
Fix: Use 300 DPI resolution; verify legibility.
CICC-Certified Expertise: Sanjay Prasher (CICC #R514499) has helped 1,200+ applicants avoid rejections.
IRCC-Aligned: Matches latest Canada.ca requirements, updated 2025
Free Tools: Access Sanjay’s Document Review Template to spot errors pre-submission.
Q: Can I apply if I lost a passport from my eligibility period?
A: Yes—submit a notarized affidavit explaining the gap. See my guide.
Q: Does IRCC accept digital photos?
A: No. Photos must be physical copies with studio stamps.
Q: How long should I keep documents post-application?
A: Retain copies for 2 years—IRCC may request verification.
Residency calculation audits
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Rejection appeal support
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