Requirements for renunciation of Canadian citizenship in 2026

Renouncing Canadian citizenship is a formal, irreversible legal process through which a Canadian citizen voluntarily gives up their citizenship. Once approved, the person is no longer a Canadian citizen and loses all rights and privileges that come with that status, including the right to a Canadian passport and the right to vote in federal elections.

This procedure is handled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is not a decision to take lightly, and IRCC requires applicants to demonstrate that they are adults of full legal capacity, that they hold or will hold citizenship in another country, and that they understand the consequences of their decision. The application is submitted online or by mail, and there is a non-refundable processing fee.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

Renunciation of Canadian citizenship is the voluntary, permanent surrender of Canadian citizenship status. It is a legal procedure governed by the Citizenship Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-29) and administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Who this applies to

You may apply to renounce your Canadian citizenship if you:

Are 18 years of age or older (minors may renounce in limited circumstances with additional requirements)
Are a citizen of another country, or will become one if your renunciation is approved
Are not a permanent resident of Canada at the time of application
Have full legal capacity (are not under a disability that affects your ability to understand the decision)
Understand that renunciation is permanent and cannot easily be reversed

Common reasons people renounce

Avoiding dual taxation obligations in another country
Complying with the citizenship laws of another country that prohibits dual nationality
Personal or political reasons

Official body responsible

All renunciation applications are processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There is no provincial or territorial variation — this is a federal procedure.

Documents required

Gather the following documents before you begin your application. Incomplete submissions are a leading cause of delays and refusals.

Identity and citizenship documents

Completed application form: Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship (CIT 0302) — available on the IRCC website
Valid Canadian passport (original or certified true copy, if available) — if you do not have one, provide an explanation
Canadian citizenship certificate or card (original or certified true copy, if you have one)
Government-issued photo ID from your country of current residence (e.g., foreign national identity card, foreign passport)

Proof of other citizenship

Proof that you are a citizen of another country — this is mandatory; acceptable documents include a valid foreign passport, a foreign national identity card, or a foreign citizenship certificate
If you are not yet a citizen of another country but will become one upon renunciation, you must provide written confirmation from the other country’s government that citizenship will be granted

Supporting documents

Two identical photos meeting IRCC’s photo specifications (taken within the last six months)
Statutory declaration or written explanation if you are unable to provide certain documents (e.g., lost citizenship certificate)
If applying on behalf of a minor (under 18): written consent from all persons with parental authority, plus proof of the minor’s citizenship in another country

Translation and certification requirements

Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation by a certified translator, along with an affidavit from the translator
Copies of original documents must be certified true copies — a notary public, commissioner of oaths, or authorized official must certify them
Originals are preferred where specified; do not send original documents that you cannot replace unless specifically required

Steps to complete the procedure

Follow these steps in order. Skipping steps or submitting an incomplete package will result in your application being returned.

Download and complete form CIT 0302 from the official IRCC website at ircc.canada.ca. Read the instruction guide carefully before filling in the form.
Gather all required documents listed in the section above. Have copies certified and translations completed before assembling your package.
Have your photos taken by a professional photographer who is familiar with IRCC’s photo requirements. The photos must be identical and recent (within six months).
Pay the processing fee online through the IRCC secure payment portal before submitting your application. Keep the payment receipt — you must include it with your application.
Submit your application by mail to the IRCC Case Processing Centre designated for renunciation applications. As of 2026, IRCC does not offer in-person submission for renunciation at most offices; check the current instruction guide for the correct mailing address, as it may be updated.
Wait for acknowledgement of receipt from IRCC. You will receive a letter or email confirming that your application has been received and is being processed.
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information (also called a “request for additional documents” or RAD). Failure to respond within the deadline given will result in your application being closed.
Receive your decision. If approved, IRCC will issue a Confirmation of Renunciation of Canadian Citizenship document. You will no longer be a Canadian citizen from the date specified in that document.

Estimated processing time

Processing times vary. As of 2026, IRCC estimates renunciation applications take approximately 12 to 24 months from the date the complete application is received. Check current processing times on the IRCC website, as these are updated regularly.

Fees and timelines

Application fee: CAD $100 (non-refundable), payable to the Receiver General for Canada
Payment method: Online via the IRCC secure payment portal; credit card or debit card accepted
The fee is non-refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn
Estimated processing time: Approximately 12 to 24 months from receipt of a complete application (check ircc.canada.ca for current timelines)
Validity of the resulting document: The Confirmation of Renunciation of Canadian Citizenship is a permanent legal document with no expiry date; the renunciation itself is permanent
No additional provincial or territorial fees apply — this is a federal procedure with a single national fee

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Submitting without proof of another citizenship. IRCC will not approve a renunciation if it would leave you stateless. Always include a valid foreign passport or other accepted proof of citizenship in another country before applying.
Sending uncertified copies of documents. Photocopies that have not been certified by a notary public or commissioner of oaths are rejected. Have every copy certified before including it in your package.
Using outdated forms. IRCC updates its forms periodically. Always download the latest version of CIT 0302 directly from the IRCC website immediately before you apply — do not use a form downloaded months earlier.
Not including the payment receipt. Paying the fee but forgetting to include the receipt in your mailed package is a common error that causes the application to be returned. Print and attach the receipt to your application.
Submitting documents in a language other than English or French without a certified translation. Any foreign-language document must be accompanied by a certified English or French translation and the translator’s affidavit. Missing translations will delay or invalidate your application.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get my Canadian citizenship back after renouncing it? Renunciation is intended to be permanent. In very limited circumstances, a former citizen may apply to resume citizenship under section 11 of the Citizenship Act, but this is not guaranteed and depends on specific eligibility criteria. You should not renounce with the expectation of resuming citizenship later.

Will renouncing my Canadian citizenship affect my Canadian pension or social benefits? Losing Canadian citizenship does not automatically cancel entitlements you have already earned under programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old Age Security (OAS), but it may affect your eligibility for future benefits and your tax obligations. Consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and a qualified tax or legal advisor before applying.

Do I need to be living outside Canada to renounce? No. However, you must not be a permanent resident of Canada at the time of application. If you currently live in Canada as a citizen, you should seek legal advice about your immigration status after renunciation, since you would no longer have the right to reside in Canada as a citizen.

Can a child under 18 renounce Canadian citizenship? Yes, but only in limited circumstances and with additional requirements. A minor must have citizenship in another country, and all persons with parental authority must provide written consent. IRCC may also require additional documentation to confirm the minor’s best interests are considered.

What happens to my Canadian passport after renunciation is approved? Your Canadian passport becomes invalid the moment your renunciation takes effect. You are legally required to stop using it and should return it or destroy it. Continuing to use a Canadian passport after renouncing citizenship is a serious legal offence.

What to do next

The most important documents to have ready are proof of citizenship in another country (such as a valid foreign passport) and your completed CIT 0302 form with certified copies of your identity documents. Your first concrete step is to download the current version of form CIT 0302 and its instruction guide from the official IRCC website at ircc.canada.ca.

Before you apply, consider consulting an authorized immigration consultant or a lawyer specializing in citizenship law, particularly if your situation involves minor children, unclear citizenship status in another country, or potential tax implications.

Important notice: Immigration and citizenship requirements can change. The information in this guide reflects the requirements in force in 2026, but fees, forms, processing times and eligibility criteria are subject to update at any time. Always verify the current requirements directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at ircc.canada.ca before submitting your application.

← Back to 🇨🇦 Canada