Citizenship
Canadian Citizenship
Applying for Canadian citizenship as a permanent resident.
Overview
Canadian citizenship applications allow eligible permanent residents to become citizens. Adults generally need at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada during the five years before they sign the application, and some time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident can count at half value, up to a limit.
Applicants may also need to have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least three of those five years, if they were required to file. Adults aged 18 to 54 must show English or French speaking and listening ability at the required level and pass a citizenship test on Canada's history, values, institutions, and symbols.
Once an application is approved, applicants aged 14 and over take the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony. Parents can also apply for their minor children, and several requirements are lighter for children.
Who may consider this: Permanent residents who meet the physical presence and other requirements to become citizens.
Eligibility Considerations
- Valid permanent resident status, with no unfulfilled conditions such as a required medical follow-up
- At least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in the five years before signing the application
- Filing Canadian income tax returns for at least three of those five years, if required to file
- For applicants aged 18 to 54: proof of English or French ability at the required level, and a passing result on the citizenship test
- No prohibitions, such as an outstanding indictable charge, probation or parole, or a recent conviction for an indictable offence
- Taking the Oath of Citizenship at a ceremony, for applicants aged 14 and over
How It Works
Eligibility Assessment
We calculate your physical presence days from your travel history and review tax filing, language, and prohibition questions.
Document Preparation
Travel history, residency, and identity documents are compiled and cross-checked.
Application Submission
The complete citizenship application is submitted to IRCC, along with applications for any minor children where appropriate.
Test & Interview Preparation
Where required, we help you prepare for the citizenship knowledge test and any interview.
Citizenship Test
Applicants aged 18 to 54 take the knowledge test; those who don't pass within the allowed attempts are invited to a hearing with a citizenship official.
Oath Ceremony
Once approved, you're invited to a citizenship ceremony, where applicants aged 14 and over take the Oath of Citizenship.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Permanent resident card or confirmation of permanent residence
- Passports and travel history for the physical presence calculation
- Proof of language ability for applicants aged 18 to 54 (approved test results or qualifying education)
- Income tax filing confirmation for the relevant years
- Valid identity documents
- Birth certificates and proof of the parent-child relationship, for applications for minor children
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Physical presence calculations that don't account for all travel accurately
- Applying with a day count right at the minimum, leaving no margin for errors
- Missing or inconsistent tax filing for the required years
- Underestimating preparation needed for the citizenship knowledge test
- Incomplete or outdated identity documents
How We Help
- Calculate your physical presence carefully using your actual travel history
- Confirm your tax filing status meets the requirement before you apply
- Help you prepare for the knowledge test and interview, where applicable
- Advise on applications for minor children, including who can apply on their behalf
- Review the full application for completeness before submission
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need to be physically present in Canada?+
At least 1,095 days in the five years before you sign your application. Some time spent in Canada before you became a permanent resident can count at half value, up to a limit. We calculate this from your actual travel history and recommend leaving a margin above the minimum.
Do I need to pass a test?+
Applicants aged 18 to 54 generally need to pass a knowledge test on Canada's history, values, institutions, and symbols, and show English or French ability. Applicants outside that age range are exempt.
What if I travelled a lot during the qualifying period?+
Travel is accounted for in the physical presence calculation — we review your history to confirm you still meet the minimum before applying.
Can I apply for my children?+
Yes. A parent or legal guardian can apply for a minor child. If the child has a Canadian citizen parent, or a parent applying at the same time, the child generally doesn't need to meet the physical presence requirement. Children aged 14 to 17 take the oath.
How long does a citizenship application take?+
Processing times vary and change periodically — we check current IRCC figures before setting expectations.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.