There are four membership categories, each with different qualifications. The criteria for each category are as follows:

Ordinary Membership - You may be eligible for Ordinary membership if you have served or are serving in:

• The Canadian Forces or Her Majesty's Forces (including regular force or reserve force under class "C" service); or
• the Forces or underground forces of any of Her Majesty's allies in any war, conflict or police action in which Canada was involved; or
• the Merchant Navy or non-military services in an actual theatre of war in which Canada was involved; or
• Her Majesty's reserve force including Cadet Instructors on the Cadet Cadre. Must have at least one year (12 months) service; or
• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police or The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for not less than one year; or
• the Forces of a country while that country was a member of NATO or NORAD in alliance with Canada; or
• the United States Forces; or
• the Vietnam War with the Armed Forces of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea or South Vietnam, and were a Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject at the time of service; or
• the Canadian Coast Guard as an officer or crew member who has two or more years active service on the high seas or inland waterways; or
• a city, municipal or provincial police force as a police officer for at least one year.

Associate Membership - If you do not qualify for Ordinary membership you may be eligible for Associate membership if you:

• are the child, stepchild, adopted child, grandchild, sibling, niece/nephew, widow/er, parent or spouse of someone who is or was eligible for Ordinary membership; or
• are the child of an Associate member; or
• have served in The Royal Canadian Sea, Army or Air Cadets for not less than 3 years; or
• have been a cadet civilian instructor for not less than 3 years; or
• have served as an officer in the Navy League of Canada for not less than 2 years; or
• have served in the Polish Armed Forces after WW II below the rank of officer; or
• have served in a City, Municipal, Volunteer, Un-organized Territories or Federal Fire Service for not less than one year
• are the spouse, parent or sibling of an associate member who qualified subject to the above criteria.

Affiliate Non-Voting Membership - If you do not qualify for Ordinary or Associate membership but support the aims and objects of The Royal Canadian Legion you may apply for Affiliate Non-Voting membership.