Canadian Citizenship Through Military Service

Serve Canada and fast-track your citizenship journey!

Why Earn Citizenship Through CAF Service?

Canada now welcomes permanent residents to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), offering a fast-track to citizenship under the Citizenship Act (amended 2015). Serve just 3 years (1,095 days) in the CAF—Regular or Reserve Force—and your citizenship application gets priority processing. Want to defend Canada and call it home? Here’s how it works!

Eligibility & Requirements

Who Can Apply?

  • Permanent residents of Canada
  • Current or former CAF members (Regular or Reserve)
  • Aged 19+ (17+ with consent for enlistment)

Key Requirements

  • 3 years (1,095 days) of CAF service in the last 6 years
  • Honorable release if no longer serving
  • Tax filings for 3 of the last 6 years
  • Basic English or French proficiency

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1

Become a Permanent Resident

Secure permanent residency in Canada first—takes time but opens the door.

2

Enlist in the CAF

Join the Regular or Reserve Force via forces.ca—no citizenship needed since 2022!

3

Serve 3 Years

Complete 1,095 days of honorable service in the CAF.

4

Apply for Citizenship

Submit your fast-track application online with CAF service proof—processed with priority.

5

Take the Oath

Attend a ceremony, swear allegiance, and become a Canadian citizen—eh, you’re in!

Benefits of CAF Citizenship

Priority Processing

Your citizenship app jumps the queue!

🇨🇦

No Residency Wait

Skips the usual 5-year residency rule.

🛡️

Career Path

Build a life with ADF skills and support.

Cost of Canadian Military Citizenship

What’s the cost to serve and become a Canadian? Here’s the breakdown for 2025:

ItemCostDetails
CAF Enlistment$0No fee to join—CAF covers training!
Citizenship Fee$630Standard adult application fee.
Additional Costs$50–$200Documents, photos, travel to tests.
Total Estimate$680–$830Affordable for a top passport!

*Note: Costs assume permanent residency—travel to Canada varies.

Latest Updates (Feb 2025)

  • Policy active as of Feb 28, 2025—fast-track for CAF permanent residents since 2015.
  • Over 21,000 PR applicants since 2022; 153 joined Regular/Reserve by Feb 2024—pace steady in 2025.
  • Bill C-71 (March 2025 deadline) may expand descent rules, but no CAF changes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need residency first?

Yes—permanent residency is a must to enlist.

2. Can foreigners join the CAF?

Yes, permanent residents can since Nov 2022!

3. What if I’m discharged?

Must be honorable to qualify for fast-track.

4. Do I need language skills?

Basic English or French for citizenship.

5. How fast is it?

6-12 months post-service with priority processing.

References

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