1. Permanent Resident (PR) Status
To apply for citizenship, you must have valid permanent resident status in Canada. Your PR status must not be under review for immigration fraud, nor should you be under a removal order. You also need to have met the conditions of your PR status, if any were imposed.
Tip: Even if your PR card has expired, you can still apply for citizenship as long as your status itself is valid.
2. Physical Presence in Canada
You need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the 5 years before you apply. This includes:
- Time spent in Canada as a permanent resident.
- Time spent as a temporary resident or protected person (some of this time may count as half days, up to a maximum of 365 days).
Pro tip: Use the government’s Physical Presence Calculator to avoid mistakes—this is a common reason applications get delayed or rejected.
3. Filing Your Taxes
If required under the Income Tax Act, you must have filed your taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years before applying. This shows that you’re fulfilling your financial responsibilities in Canada.
This includes reporting your worldwide income if you were a resident for tax purposes during those years.
4. Language Skills (if you’re 18–54 years old)
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show they have adequate knowledge of English or French, Canada’s two official languages. This means being able to:
- Hold a basic conversation,
- Understand instructions,
- Answer simple questions, and
- Write simple sentences.
You may need to submit proof like test results (CELPIP or IELTS for English, TEF for French) or Canadian educational transcripts.
5. Knowledge of Canada (if you’re 18–54 years old)
Applicants in the 18–54 age group must pass a citizenship test on Canadian history, geography, government, laws, and symbols. The test is based on the official study guide, Discover Canada, and is:
- 30 minutes long,
- 20 multiple-choice and true/false questions,
- Pass mark: 15 out of 20.
If you don’t pass on the first try, you’ll get another chance.
