Canadian citizenship can be both renounced (voluntarily given up) and, in some cases, resumed (reclaimed) by former Canadians who meet specific eligibility criteria. These are two distinct and separate legal processes, each with its own application stream, fees, processing times, and consequences. The decision to renounce or resume Canadian citizenship is significant and, in the case of renunciation, largely irreversible — once citizenship is renounced, the person becomes a foreign national and must go through standard immigration processes to visit or live in Canada.

Both renunciation and resumption are administered by IRCC. Applications are paper-based or submitted through IRCC’s online portal depending on the stream. Processing times have improved somewhat in recent years: renunciation applications currently average approximately eight months, while resumption applications take ten to fourteen months.

Eligibility Requirements

• Renounce: must be a Canadian citizen and a citizen/national of another country (dual citizen); must be 18+; must understand consequences
• Renounce: cannot renounce if it would leave you stateless
• Resume: for former Canadians who renounced or lost citizenship; must be a PR or eligible to become one
• Resume: must apply as an adult 18+ and demonstrate intent to reside in Canada
• Some persons who lost citizenship under older laws can apply to resume or have citizenship restored
• Bill C-71 (2024) restored citizenship to some who lost it generationally abroad

Renouncing Canadian Citizenship

To renounce Canadian citizenship, you must be an adult (18 years of age or older), be a citizen or national of another country (you cannot renounce if doing so would leave you stateless), and demonstrate that you understand the consequences of renunciation. The renunciation fee is $100 CAD.

Common reasons for renouncing Canadian citizenship include: tax obligations under Canada’s worldwide income tax system; requirements in another country that prohibit dual citizenship; military service obligations; and personal or business reasons. It is critical to understand that renouncing Canadian citizenship does not automatically eliminate Canadian tax obligations for past years — consult a Canadian tax professional alongside an immigration consultant before proceeding.

After renunciation, you are no longer a Canadian citizen. If you wish to visit Canada, you will need to obtain the appropriate temporary resident authorisation (visa or eTA) as a foreign national. If you later wish to live in Canada permanently, you would need to apply through standard immigration pathways — including Express Entry or a family sponsorship — as a foreign national.

What you cannot do: You cannot renounce Canadian citizenship if it would leave you stateless. If you are a dual citizen, you must confirm that your other citizenship is secure and will not lapse before or during the renunciation process.

Resuming Canadian Citizenship

Former Canadians who renounced their citizenship or who lost it under older laws may be eligible to resume citizenship, provided they meet current eligibility requirements. The resumption fee is $530 for adults 18 and older, or $100 for minors.

To resume Canadian citizenship, you must: have previously held Canadian citizenship; be a permanent resident of Canada at the time of application (or be eligible to become one); have been physically present in Canada for at least 365 days as a permanent resident in the two years before applying; not be subject to any prohibition (criminal record, removal order, etc.); and demonstrate intent to reside in Canada.

Persons who lost citizenship under historical laws — for example, due to the pre-1977 rules that stripped citizenship from Canadians who acquired foreign nationality — may also be eligible to resume or be recognized as citizens, depending on the specifics of their situation. Bill C-71 (2024) addressed some of these historical losses, particularly for individuals in the second generation born abroad. A case-by-case assessment is necessary.

Resumption processing time is currently ten to fourteen months. Unlike the citizenship application process, resumption applicants are generally not required to take the citizenship test, though this depends on age and individual circumstances.

Application Process Overview

For renunciation:

1. Confirm you are a citizen of another country and renunciation will not leave you stateless.
2. Complete the Renunciation of Canadian Citizenship application (CIT 0302).
3. Provide proof of Canadian citizenship (certificate, passport) and proof of foreign citizenship.
4. Pay the $100 CAD fee and submit to IRCC.
5. Await a decision — currently approximately eight months.
6. Upon approval, you receive a certificate of renunciation.

For resumption:

1. Confirm you previously held Canadian citizenship and have valid PR status in Canada.
2. Confirm physical presence of at least 365 days as a PR in the two years before applying.
3. Complete the Resumption of Citizenship application form.
4. Provide prior citizenship evidence, PR card or COPR, and police clearances.
5. Pay the $530 CAD fee (adults) or $100 (minors).
6. Submit to IRCC and await a decision — currently ten to fourteen months.

How VGIS Helps

Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, provides guidance on both renunciation and resumption processes. For renunciation, VGIS ensures you have clearly considered the immigration consequences before submitting and that your package is complete. For resumption, VGIS assesses your eligibility under current rules — including the Bill C-71 changes — and prepares your complete application.

Both processes have significant legal consequences; professional guidance before proceeding is strongly advisable. Book a paid consultation at vgis.ca/book-consultation/.

Fees & Costs

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)
Government Fee	Renounce: $100. Resume: $530 (adults 18+); $100 (minors)
Biometrics	Not applicable

Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.

Key Documents Required

• Proof of Canadian citizenship (for renunciation)
• Proof of foreign citizenship/nationality (for renunciation)
• Prior citizenship certificate or evidence of Canadian citizenship (for resumption)
• Renunciation Application (CIT 0302) or Resumption Application
• Photos as per specifications
• Police clearances (for resumption)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Canadian citizenship back after renouncing it?

Yes, in some cases. If you were a Canadian citizen before renouncing, you may be eligible to apply for resumption of citizenship — provided you have since become a permanent resident of Canada and have been physically present in Canada as a PR for at least 365 days in the two years before applying. There is no automatic right to resumption; you must apply and meet all eligibility criteria.

What happens to my Canadian passport if I renounce my citizenship?

Your Canadian passport becomes invalid upon the approval of your renunciation. You must surrender it to IRCC or a Canadian government office. Travelling on a Canadian passport after citizenship has been renounced is a serious offence.

Can I renounce Canadian citizenship if I only have Canadian citizenship?

No. You cannot renounce Canadian citizenship if doing so would leave you stateless. You must be a citizen or national of at least one other country before IRCC will approve a renunciation. If you are concerned about statelessness, consult a regulated immigration consultant before applying.

How long does it take to renounce or resume Canadian citizenship?

Renunciation currently takes approximately eight months. Resumption of citizenship takes approximately ten to fourteen months. These are IRCC’s current published times and can change with application volumes.

Does renouncing Canadian citizenship affect my Canadian tax obligations?

Renouncing citizenship does not automatically eliminate past Canadian tax obligations. Canada taxes residents on worldwide income; if you were a Canadian resident while you held citizenship, past tax years remain subject to Canadian tax law. Consult a Canadian tax professional for specific advice before renouncing, as tax implications can be significant depending on your assets and residency history.

Official Government Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/renounce-resume-citizenship.html

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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.