Step 4 of 4
Submit Application
You've gathered your documents, completed CIT 0001, and paid the fee. Now it's time to assemble your package and send it in.
Paper vs. Online
Most Bill C-3 applicants should submit by paper
The IRCC online portal was designed for straightforward first-generation claims where a parent was born in Canada. It does not have adequate fields or document upload capability for multi-generational chains. If you are a G2 or beyond, submit by paper.
When online may work
If you are G1 (parent born in Canada) with a straightforward case — no name discrepancies, no deceased ancestors, no complex documentation — you may be able to use the IRCC online portal. Even then, many G1 applicants prefer paper for the ability to include a cover letter and organized supporting documents.
Organize Your Package
Assemble your application in this order. Use tabs or dividers to separate sections — making it easy for the officer to find everything reduces processing delays.
- 1Cover letter — maps your family tree, cites the applicable legal section, explains any complexities
- 2CIT 0001 form — filled out, printed, and signed
- 3Fee receipt — one copy attached (keep the second copy at home)
- 4Two citizenship photos — in a small envelope, paper-clipped (not stapled or glued)
- 5Your documents — your birth certificate and two pieces of ID (color photocopies)
- 6Chain of descent documents — in generational order, G0 (anchor) first, working forward to you
- 7Supporting documents — marriage certificates, death certificates, name change documents
- 8CIT 0014 checklist — filled out as a table of contents for your package
- 9Translations & affidavits — if any documents are not in English or French
Where to Mail It
From Canada or the United States (courier)
Case Processing Centre – Sydney-Proofs
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 5Z2
Canada
Always use tracked shipping
FedEx, UPS, DHL, or Canada Post Xpresspost. Never use untracked regular mail. Keep your tracking number — it's your proof of delivery if anything goes wrong. Use the street address above (courier companies cannot deliver to PO boxes).
From outside Canada and the US
Submit your application at the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate. Find your nearest office →
Submitting for Multiple Family Members
If multiple family members are applying, put all individual application packages into one envelope with a master cover letter explaining the relationships. This helps IRCC process them together and reduces the chance of inconsistent decisions.
Each person still needs their own CIT 0001, photos, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The shared cover letter ties everything together.
What Happens After You Submit
- 1Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
IRCC sends a letter confirming they received your application. Expect this within 4–8 weeks of mailing. If you haven't received it after 8 weeks, follow up with IRCC.
- 2Processing
Your application is reviewed by a citizenship officer. This is the longest phase — currently averaging about 10 months as of early 2026. Multi-generational claims may take longer.
- 3Procedural Fairness Letter (if needed)
If IRCC has questions or concerns, they'll send a letter giving you a chance to respond. This is not a rejection — it's an opportunity to provide clarification or additional documents.
- 4Decision
If approved, your citizenship certificate is mailed to you. This is your official proof of Canadian citizenship. You can then use it to apply for a Canadian passport.
Before you seal the envelope
- ✓CIT 0001 is filled out completely (no blank fields) and signed
- ✓Fee receipt is attached
- ✓Two photos in an envelope, paper-clipped
- ✓Two pieces of ID (color photocopies)
- ✓Birth certificates for every person in the chain (long-form)
- ✓Anchor ancestor's proof of Canadian citizenship
- ✓Cover letter mapping the family tree
- ✓Supporting documents (death certificates, marriage certificates, translations)
- ✓CIT 0014 checklist filled out
- ✓Shipping is tracked (FedEx, UPS, DHL, or Xpresspost)