Key takeaways
- Be physically in Canada at least 1,095 days in the five years before you apply
- At least 730 of those days must be as a permanent resident
- File taxes for at least three of those five years, if required
- Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show English or French skills and pass the test
- Keep a travel log from the day you land
Physical presence: the 1,095-day rule
You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) during the five years before you sign your application. Time before you became a permanent resident can count as half-days in some cases, but at least 730 days must be as a permanent resident. IRCC’s online calculator does the maths.
Tip: Record every trip outside Canada, with dates, from the day you land. It saves a lot of stress later.
Taxes
If you were required to, you must have filed income taxes for at least three years during the five-year period. Filing every year also keeps your benefits flowing. See your first tax return.
Language
If you’re 18 to 54 when you sign your application, you must show adequate English or French, usually with an approved test result or proof of education in English or French.
The citizenship test
Applicants aged 18 to 54 take a test on Canada’s history, geography, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The official study guide is free. After passing, you attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath.
Before you apply
- Check you’re not under a removal order or facing certain criminal charges
- Gather passports and travel records for the whole period
- Check current fees and processing times on IRCC’s site
- Children can apply with a parent
General information, not legal advice. Check eligibility and use the presence calculator on IRCC.
