The Canadian government has stated that marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically make a foreign national eligible for Canadian citizenship.
Instead, spouses must meet the same citizenship requirements as every other adult applicant.
According to official information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), being married to a Canadian citizen does not provide any special pathway or exemption.
Foreign spouses aged 18 and above must satisfy all standard eligibility conditions before they can become citizens.
To qualify, applicants must first obtain permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. Those under a removal order or who have not met the conditions attached to their PR status are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must also prove they have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years before signing their citizenship application. Of those days, at least 730 must have been spent as a permanent resident.
Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person can contribute to the total at a rate of half a day for each day spent in that status, up to a maximum credit of 365 days.
Time spent in prison, on parole, probation, or awaiting a refugee claim decision does not count toward the physical presence requirement.
The government recommends exceeding the minimum number of required days to reduce the risk of errors affecting an application.
Applicants between 18 and 54 years old must also demonstrate proficiency in either English or French at Canadian Language Benchmarks Level 4. Accepted evidence includes language test results, certificates, or educational credentials.
The same age group must pass a citizenship test covering Canada’s history, geography, political system, laws, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Test invitations are issued after an application is submitted.
Successful applicants are required to take the citizenship oath at an official ceremony. However, individuals with certain criminal convictions or those undergoing security reviews may face delays or be prevented from obtaining citizenship.
The government added that applicants under immigration or fraud investigations can still apply, but their applications may be placed on hold until the review process is completed.
