Citizenship timelines are community-submitted records showing the key milestones in real applicants' citizenship journeys—from application submission to oath ceremony. By comparing your timeline with others who applied around the same time, you can get a realistic estimate of when to expect each stage and see where you stand in the processing queue.

As of early 2026, the official IRCC service standard for a citizenship grant is about 13 months. There are currently approximately about 305,400 people waiting applications in the queue. However, many applicants see their files finalized within 10 to 14 months depending on the complexity of the background check and the volume of the local processing office.

For online applications, you typically receive an automated confirmation immediately, but the formal Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)—which allows you to link your file to the status tracker—usually arrives within 4 to 8 weeks. Paper-based applications may take longer (up to 3 months) due to manual mail intake.

On average, applicants receive their citizenship test invitation 6 to 10 months after submitting a complete application. Once the invitation arrives, you are typically given a 30-day window to complete the online test.

The wait time between passing your test and receiving an invitation for the Oath of Citizenship ceremony is currently 4 to 6 months. This period is used by IRCC to perform a final review of your physical presence and prohibitions.

Yes, you can travel outside Canada while your application is in progress. However, you must ensure you maintain your Permanent Resident (PR) status and have a valid PR card to re-enter. You must also be available to attend your test, interview, or ceremony dates as scheduled.