1) What is .ca?
.CA serves as the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) designated for Canada.
2) What is CIRA?
CIRA stands for the Canadian Internet Registration Authority. It is a non-profit organization established by the Canadian government to manage the .ca top-level domain. Founded in 1998, CIRA is responsible for setting policies and overseeing the operation of the .ca domain.
3) Who is eligible to register a .ca domain name and what are the specific registration requirements or restrictions for .ca domain names?
CIRA has decided that the .ca domain space should be a valuable public resource that supports the social and economic development of all Canadians. Therefore, individuals registering for a .ca domain name must fulfill certain Canadian Presence Requirements.
Canadian presence requirements categorize Registrants based on legal type (e.g., as a corporation or an individual). This classification determines the eligibility of Registrants to register .ca domain names and ensures a legal connection to Canada. CIRA mandates that you fulfill the Canadian presence requirements prior to receiving a .ca domain.
To register a .ca domain, at least one legal type must comply with CIRA’s Canadian presence requirements. The categories of legal types include:
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Canadian citizen
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Permanent resident of Canada
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Legal representative of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Corporation (from Canada or a Canadian province or territory)
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Trust established in Canada
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Partnership registered in Canada
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Canadian unincorporated association
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Canadian trade union
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Canadian political party
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Canadian educational institution
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Canadian library, archive, or museum
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Canadian hospital
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Her Majesty the Queen
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Indian band recognized under the Indian Act of Canada
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Aboriginal Peoples (individuals and groups) native to Canada
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Government or governmental entity in Canada
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Trademark registered in Canada (by a non-Canadian owner)
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Official marks registered in Canada
Please consult the following articles for more details on common registration requirements.
Domain Name FAQs
[Domain Name Extension with Limitation on Characters]
4) What is the character length for a .ca domain name?
The minimum length is 2 characters, and the maximum is 50 characters.
5) What is the registration term?
The registration term ranges from 1 to 10 years.
6) How can I register a .ca domain?
You can place your order for domain name registration [here].
7) Is it possible to delete a domain after registering it?
No, once registered, you cannot delete the domain name; the registration fee is non-refundable. You will own the domain for the duration of the fiscal year.
8) What is the renewal term?
The renewal term is also between 1 and 10 years.
9) What is the grace period for renewing a .ca domain name, and how can I renew it?
The renewal grace period for a .ca domain is 30 days; you can renew your domain name by accessing our your provider Client Billing System. For more information, please click [here].
For additional details, please visit [Domain Renewal FAQs].
10) Is there a Redemption Grace Period (RGP) for .ca domain names?
Yes, the Redemption Grace Period for a .ca domain is also 30 days. Please check [Domain Redemption FAQs] for further information.
11) How long does it take for a domain to be released for public registration after it expires and is not renewed?
After a .us domain expires, it undergoes the following lifecycle:
40 days renewal grace period — > 30 days Redemption grace period —> 5 days pending deletion
If you do not renew or restore the domain name, it will be available for public re-registration approximately 75 days after the expiration date. Keep in mind that re-registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
12) Can I start a registrar transfer for a .ca domain name and what is the process for doing so?
Yes, you can initiate a registrar transfer for a .us domain name. Please note that the domain will be extended for one year upon completion.
For more details, please refer to [Transfer Domain to your provider].
13) Does your provider offer Internationalized Domain Names (IDN) for .ca?
No, your provider does not currently provide IDN.ca domain names.