Canadian citizenship
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Canadian citizenship is granted to permanent residents who meet the physical-presence, tax-filing, language and knowledge requirements of the Citizenship Act. It is for permanent residents who have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before applying and have no unfulfilled conditions on their status.
Who is eligible
- Permanent resident with no unfulfilled conditions (Citizenship Act s 5(1)(c)).
- Physically present at least 1,095 days in the five years before applying (s 5(1)(c)(i)).
- Days in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before PR count as half-days, up to 365 days (s 5(1.001)).
- Filed tax returns for three taxation years within the five years, if required (s 5(1)(c)(iii)).
- Aged 18 to 54: adequate knowledge of English or French, and of Canada (s 5(1)(d)–(e)).
Steps
- Count your days with IRCC’s physical presence calculator.
- Apply online with language evidence if 18–54.
- Take the citizenship test (if 18–54) and attend the ceremony.
Documents you’ll usually need
- PR card or proof of PR status.
- Travel history.
- Language evidence (18–54).
- Tax filing information.
What the law says
“been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years immediately before the date of his or her application”
The 1,095-day physical presence requirement.
“the person accumulates half of a day of physical presence, up to a maximum of 365 days”
Half-day credit for time before PR, up to 365 days.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
Common mistakes
- Applying on the exact day you think you hit 1,095 without a margin — one miscounted trip can make you ineligible.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Canada for citizenship?
At least 1,095 days in the five years before applying (Citizenship Act s 5(1)(c)(i)), with pre-PR days counting as half-days up to 365.
Questions answered in depth
- How many days do you need in Canada to keep PR status? The 730-day rule, explained
730 days in every five-year period, under IRPA s 28. Which days abroad count, how the five years are measured, and what happens if you fall short.
Related streams
- PR card renewal and the residency obligation Check IRCC
The 730-day rule, renewing a PR card, and travel documents for PRs abroad.
- Inadmissibility and record suspensions Check IRCC
The grounds that make someone inadmissible, and how rehabilitation or a record suspension can help.