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Citizenship
Do you want to know the requirements to obtain Canadian citizenship?
Who can apply for Canadian citizenship?
Anyone who is a permanent resident of Canada and has lived in the country for the required time can apply for citizenship, as long as they meet other criteria established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Exceptions:
- Minors: Children under 18 years old do not have to meet the residency time requirements or take the citizenship test if one of their parents is already a Canadian citizen or if they apply for citizenship alongside a parent.
- Military Personnel: Current or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces may access citizenship under special conditions with more flexible requirements.
- Refugees and other special cases: In some cases, time spent in Canada as a refugee or under temporary permits may count towards the necessary residency time if you later obtained permanent residency.
These are the most common requirements, but there are special situations that can affect eligibility.
- Permanent Resident Status: You must be a permanent resident of Canada and not be under any investigation for fraud, deportation, or revocation of your status.
- Time Lived in Canada: You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years immediately before the date you submit your application.
- Income Tax Filing: You must have filed your income taxes in Canada for at least 3 of the last 5 years, if you were required to do so.
- Language Proficiency: If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, either through recognized language tests or proof of studies in Canada.
- Citizenship Test: Individuals between 18 and 54 years old must pass a test that assesses their knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, as well as the country’s history, culture, and laws.
- Criminal offenses: If you have been convicted of a crime in Canada or another country in the last 4 years, you might not be eligible for citizenship until you have completed your sentence.
- Deportation order: If you are under a deportation order or appeal, you cannot apply for citizenship.
- Fraud or misrepresentation: If the government discovers that you obtained your permanent residency or any other immigration status through fraud, your citizenship application may be rejected, and you could lose your status.
- Time outside Canada: Spending too much time outside Canada can affect your eligibility, as you must meet the physical presence requirement.
