The basic requirements
- Be a Canadian permanent resident
- Be physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) in the five years before applying
- File taxes as required
- Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show English or French ability and pass the citizenship test
Time before becoming a PR
Days spent in Canada with legal status (such as a work permit) before becoming a PR can partly count under the rules. Entrepreneur applicants running a business on a work permit may therefore reach citizenship sooner.
Planning advice
- Keep full travel records.
- Entrepreneur applicants start building residence time on their work permit, so record it from the start.
Dual nationality
Canada allows dual nationality, but check your current country’s rules.