Overview
Canadian citizenship is the final step of the immigration journey, bringing a Canadian passport, the right to vote and freedom from the residency obligation that applies to permanent residents. Adult applicants generally need 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in the five years before applying, plus tax filing, language and knowledge requirements. We calculate your days precisely, prepare applications for the whole family, help you get ready for the citizenship test, and assist people born abroad to a Canadian parent in obtaining proof of citizenship.
Who it’s for
- Permanent residents who have lived in Canada for at least three of the last five years
- Families applying together for parents and children under 18
- People born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who need proof of citizenship
Key requirements
- Permanent resident status that is not in question — no removal order, no immigration or fraud review, and no unmet PR conditions
- At least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in the 5 years immediately before the date you apply
- Days in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR may count as half-days, up to 365 days
- Income tax returns filed for at least 3 of those 5 years, if required under the Income Tax Act
- Applicants aged 18–54 must show speaking and listening skills at CLB 4 or higher in English or French
- Applicants aged 18–54 must pass the citizenship test on the rights and responsibilities of citizens and Canada's history, geography and government
- No prohibitions, such as being on probation, on parole or in prison, or facing certain criminal charges
How it works
- 01
Count your days precisely
We reconstruct your travel history, check every absence and calculate your physical presence, so you apply at the right time with a safe margin.
- 02
Prepare & submit
We prepare your online application, language evidence and supporting documents, including applications for children under 18.
- 03
Citizenship test & review
Applicants aged 18 to 54 take the citizenship test, and we help you prepare. IRCC may also request more documents or an interview.
- 04
Oath ceremony
Once approved, you are invited to a citizenship ceremony to take the Oath of Citizenship and officially become a Canadian citizen.
- 05
After the ceremony
With your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport and enjoy the full rights of citizenship.
Advantages
- The right to vote and to run for public office
- A Canadian passport, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries
- No residency obligation — unlike PR status, citizenship is not lost through time spent abroad
- Children born outside Canada after you become a citizen are generally Canadian citizens by descent
Good to know
- Applying even one day short of 1,095 days means your application cannot be approved, and IRCC can check your travel history against border records.
- Canada allows dual citizenship, but some countries, including China, do not — understand the impact on your current nationality before you apply.
FAQ
Does time in Canada before I became a PR count?
It can. Each day you spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person within the 5-year period counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days.
Do children need to take the citizenship test?
No. Applicants under 18, and those 55 or older, do not take the test or provide language proof. Children under 18 can apply with a parent who is a citizen or who is applying at the same time.
I was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent. Am I a citizen?
You may be. Citizenship by descent depends on your parents' status when you were born, and the rules have changed in recent years. We assess your situation and help you apply for a citizenship certificate as official proof.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.