Canada sets 18 as minimum age for adult citizenship applications

Canada has set 18 as the minimum age for foreign nationals applying for citizenship through the adult application process, while providing separate pathways for children and teenagers under 18.

According to MSN, Microsoft’s online news platform, on Thursday, the rules, outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), explain the different requirements for minors seeking Canadian citizenship, depending on whether they have a Canadian parent or a parent applying for citizenship alongside them.

“Under the guidelines, applicants aged 18 and above must meet the standard eligibility requirements for adult citizenship applications.

“However, children below 18 can apply through two separate categories, known as Minor 5(2) and Minor 5(1), depending on their family and legal circumstances.

“The Minor 5(2) pathway 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 the child’s biological parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian,” IRCC said.

The child must also have permanent resident status in Canada and must not be subject to any citizenship prohibition.

The second pathway, Minor 5(1), applies to children who do not have a Canadian parent and whose parent is not applying for citizenship alongside them.

Under the Minor 5(1) category, a wider range of adults can submit applications on behalf of the child, including individuals with legal custody. The person applying does not necessarily have to be a Canadian citizen.

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Where there is no suitable adult available to apply on the child’s behalf, the minor may submit an application independently.

However, children applying through the Minor 5(1) pathway face additional eligibility conditions compared with those under Minor 5(2).

Apart from having permanent resident status, they must meet the applicable physical presence requirements in Canada.

Depending on their circumstances, they may also be required to demonstrate that they have filed income tax returns.

IRCC also provides specific requirements for teenagers aged between 14 and 17.

Under the guidelines, applicants within this age group whose citizenship applications are approved must take the oath of citizenship at a formal ceremony.

Children below the age of 14, however, are exempted from taking the oath.

The provisions mean that although 18 remains the minimum age for applying through Canada’s adult citizenship process, younger applicants can still obtain citizenship through the designated minor application pathways.

Foreign nationals and families seeking Canadian citizenship have been advised to review the applicable eligibility requirements through IRCC’s official citizenship guidance before submitting their applications.