Who Can Apply for Citizenship?

Lesson 1 of 1 · 6 min read

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you generally need to be a permanent resident who has lived in Canada for enough time and meets a few other requirements.

Before you can apply for Canadian citizenship, you need to meet several requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The basic requirements

To apply, you generally must:

Be a permanent resident of Canada
Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the five years right before you apply
Have filed your income taxes, if required to do so
Meet the language requirement in English or French (if you are 18–54)
Pass the citizenship test (if you are 18–54)

The test

The citizenship test covers the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols — the same subjects covered throughout this study guide.

Official rules can change

Residency requirements and eligibility rules are set by IRCC and can be updated. Always confirm the current requirements on the official canada.ca citizenship eligibility page before applying.

Key facts

You must be a permanent resident of Canada to apply for citizenship.
You generally need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the five years right before you apply.
canada.ca — Who can apply for citizenship
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must meet language requirements in English or French and pass the citizenship test.
canada.ca — Prepare for your citizenship test

Common mistakes

Mistake: Assuming any time spent in Canada counts toward the residency requirement, including time as a visitor.Correct: Only time spent as a permanent resident (and, in some cases, limited time before that) counts toward the physical presence requirement — check current IRCC rules for your situation.
Mistake: Thinking the citizenship test is required at any age.Correct: Generally only applicants aged 18 to 54 need to take the citizenship test.

Discover Canada — Becoming a Canadian Citizen

Review questions

Answer all 2 to mark this lesson done.

1. What status must you hold in Canada before you can apply for citizenship?

2. Who is generally required to take the citizenship test?

The basic requirements

To apply, you generally must:

Be a permanent resident of Canada

Have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the five years right before you apply

Have filed your income taxes, if required to do so

Meet the language requirement in English or French (if you are 18–54)

Pass the citizenship test (if you are 18–54)

Review questions

Answer all 2 to mark this lesson done.

1. What status must you hold in Canada before you can apply for citizenship?

2. Who is generally required to take the citizenship test?