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
Become a Permanent Resident
Secure permanent residency in Canada first—takes time but opens the door.
Enlist in the CAF
Join the Regular or Reserve Force via forces.ca—no citizenship needed since 2022!
Serve 3 Years
Complete 1,095 days of honorable service in the CAF.
Apply for Citizenship
Submit your fast-track application online with CAF service proof—processed with priority.
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:
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CAF Enlistment | $0 | No fee to join—CAF covers training! |
| Citizenship Fee | $630 | Standard adult application fee. |
| Additional Costs | $50–$200 | Documents, photos, travel to tests. |
| Total Estimate | $680–$830 | Affordable 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
- CAF: Recruitment Portal
- Canada.ca: Citizenship for CAF Members
- Citizenship Act: Subsections 5(1.2) & 5(1.3)
- CBC News: PR Recruitment Update (Feb 2024)