After Approval
Congratulations — here's what to do next with your Canadian citizenship certificate.
Your citizenship certificate
After a positive decision, you'll receive an electronic citizenship certificate within approximately 48 hours. The electronic certificate has the same legal standing as a paper one — it is your official proof of Canadian citizenship. You can use it immediately.
Apply for a Canadian passport
With your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport through Service Canada or any Canadian passport office. A Canadian passport is valid for 5 years (adults) and allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries.
Passport application guide ↗Travelling to Canada
Canadian citizens can enter Canada without a visa. You do not need a Canadian eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) — that is for non-citizens. Present your Canadian citizenship certificate or passport at the border.
Sponsoring your spouse for PR
Your spouse does not automatically become a Canadian citizen. However, with your citizenship certificate you can sponsor your spouse (or common-law partner) for Canadian permanent residence (PR). After living in Canada for a qualifying period as a PR, they can apply for citizenship through naturalization.
Spouse sponsorship guide (IRCC) ↗Canadian taxes
Canada taxes residents and people earning income in Canada — not based on citizenship alone. If you live outside Canada and earn no income in Canada, obtaining a citizenship certificate will not trigger any Canadian tax obligation. Consult a cross-border tax professional if you plan to live or work in Canada.
Dual citizenship
Canada allows dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your current citizenship(s) to be a Canadian citizen. However, your other country's laws may have different rules — check whether your home country allows dual citizenship.