North America: US vs Canada Naturalization
Compare the two major North American citizenship pathways.
General naturalization sec. 316 (5-yr LPR) United States | Adult naturalization grant (s.5(1)) Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Path type | Naturalization | Naturalization |
| Eligibility | General naturalization under INA sec. 316(a) = 8 USC sec. 1427(a) requires 5 years continuous residence as an LPR immediately preceding the application, physical presence at least half that period (>=30 months), residence within the State/USCIS district at least 3 months before filing (reduced from 6 to 3 months by the 1990 Act), and good moral character/attachment to the Constitution throughout. Absences >6 months but <1 year raise a rebuttable presumption of break; >=1 year breaks continuity (absent N-470). English + civics (sec. 312) required, with a current dual-track civics test (2008 legacy vs 2025 test, filing-date pivot 20 Oct 2025). The N-400 fee is $760 paper / $710 online / $380 reduced (eff. 1 Apr 2024). Oath under sec. 337 required. | The Minister SHALL grant citizenship to a PR who: is physically present in Canada >=1,095 days within the 5 years before application; filed income tax for 3 of those 5 years; (if 18-54) has CLB/NCLC level 4 language + passes the knowledge test; is not prohibited; and takes the oath. C-6 (2017) reverted C-24's 1,460-days/4-of-6/intent-to-reside regime. Pre-PR days count 0.5 each (max 365). Fee $653. |
| Timeline | T3 | Not specified |
| Estimated cost | Not specified | Not specified |
| Government fee | $760 | CA$653 |
| Renunciation required | No | No |
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