
There are numerous advantages to becoming a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, including the ability to permanently dwell in one of the world’s most successful countries, participate in the country’s democracy, and have one of the world’s strongest passports.
Each year, Canada expects to welcome more than 430,000 new permanent residents. The majority of these newcomers will become Canadian citizens. After that, they swear loyalty vows, vowing their dedication to the responsibilities and advantages of Canadian citizenship.
Canada has one of the world’s most open citizenship policies. As a result, each year, hundreds of thousands of people become eligible for Canadian citizenship, and more than 85% of permanent residents become Canadians.
Meeting residency criteria, being able to speak English and/or French, and not having a criminal background are regarded as prohibitive to becoming a citizen are all conditions for Canadian citizenship.
Criteria for Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship
To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a permanent resident.
- Meet the physical presence requirements of Canada
- Fill up your tax forms (if necessary)
- Pass a citizenship test in Canada (if you are between the ages of 18-54)
- Demonstrate your language abilities (if you are between the ages of 18-54)
Furthermore, the following issues may have an impact on your eligibility:
- Your permanent residence status is subject to outstanding terms and conditions.
- You have a criminal record or are facing criminal charges in or outside of Canada.
- You have been given permission to leave Canada.
- You were denied Canadian citizenship due to misrepresentation.
- Your citizenship in Canada has been revoked.
Status as a Permanent Resident
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident. Your Permanent Residence (PR) card does not need to be valid at the time of application, and you can apply even if it is expired. Holding permanent resident status includes not being under investigation for immigration or fraud, not being subject to a deportation order, and not having unfulfilled conditions relating to employment
Physical presence required for Canada
Before applying for Canadian citizenship, you must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) out of the previous five years (unless there are exceptional circumstances). Children under the age of 18 must also have permanent residence status, however, they are exempt from the three-year requirement.
In case your computation is incorrect, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) suggests that you apply with more than 1,095 days of residing in Canada.
If you were a temporary resident or protected person in Canada before becoming a permanent resident, you can apply some of that time toward your physical presence requirement. Each day you spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person in the previous five years counts as a half day. As a temporary resident or protected person, you can count up to 365 days toward your physical presence requirement.
Fill up your tax forms (if necessary)
If applicable, you may be required to file taxes in Canada for at least three years prior to submitting your Canadian citizenship application.
Even if you only lived in Canada for a portion of the year, you may be required to file an income tax return if you:
- Taxes must be paid for the entire year.
- Want to get a refund
- Interested in receiving benefits and credit payments
Test for Canadian Citizenship
After your application is granted, you may be required to take a citizenship exam. The citizenship test is intended to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of Canada. There are 20 questions covering the following topics:
- Canadians’ Rights and Responsibilities
- History
- Geography
- Economy
- Government
- Laws
- Symbols
The test lasts 30 minutes and is given in either French or English. The examination includes both multiple-choice and true/false questions. In some situations, the test may be given orally. You can study for this exam using the government’s free resources.
After receiving confirmation that your completed application has begun processing, you will be asked to take the citizenship test. You will be assigned a time and date for the exam. If you are unable to attend the exam, you must write to the government explaining why you need a new date. Your application may be rejected if you do not provide a good reason. If you have a good basis for requesting a new date, you will be offered a new date and time.
Following the test, you will be interviewed by an official
Demonstrate your language abilities
Those between the ages of 18 and 54 must additionally demonstrate proficiency in English or French at the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level of 4 or above. IRCC evaluates your language skills in a variety of methods, including:
- Examine the evidence you provide to demonstrate your linguistic skills.
- During the application process, IRCC may take note of how successfully you communicate with citizenship officials.
- If necessary, IRCC may test your language skills during a hearing with a citizenship officer.

1st Step
Why You Need to Complete Assessment Form
Why You Need to Setup the Initial Immigration Consultation

3rd Step
Why You Need to Signup the Retainer agreement

