How many days do I need in Canada to apply for citizenship?

At least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence during the 5 years before the date you sign your application. canada.ca encourages you to apply with more than 1,095 days, in case there is a problem with the calculation.

Does time before I became a permanent resident count?

Some of it can. Each day in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person during your eligibility period counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days of physical presence.

Can I apply if my PR card has expired?

Yes. canada.ca says you can apply with a valid or expired PR card. What matters is that you still have valid PR status.

I'm married to a Canadian. Are the requirements different?

No. You don't automatically become a citizen when you marry a Canadian. Spouses of Canadian citizens must meet the same requirements as other adults or minors.

Will I lose my other citizenship?

Canada allows dual citizenship, but not every country allows it. You may lose your current citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. If you are not sure, contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of your current country of citizenship.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements and Eligibility (2026)

The requirements for adults (18 and older)

canada.ca says that to be a Canadian citizen as an adult, you must:Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)

be a permanent resident
have enough physical presence (time lived in Canada)
have filed income taxes in Canada, if needed
prove your language skills in English or French (adults 18 to 54 only)
pass the citizenship test (adults 18 to 54 only)
take the oath of citizenship
not be under a prohibition

Permanent resident status

All applicants must have valid permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. This means you must not have a removal order, or unfulfilled conditions related to your PR status (for example, medical screening).Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)

You can apply with a valid or expired PR card. If you are under review for immigration or fraud reasons, you can apply, but IRCC may not process your application while you are still under review.

Physical presence: 1,095 days in 5 years

You must have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during your 5-year eligibility period. The eligibility period is the 5 years before the date you sign your application, and it must include at least 730 days as a permanent resident.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)

The eligibility period does not include time in prison, on parole, on probation, or the time you wait for a decision on a refugee claim.

Time in Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, student, worker or temporary resident permit holder) or protected person may count: each day counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days of physical presence.

Time outside Canada as a Crown servant, or as a family member of a Crown servant, counts as 1 day for each day.

IRCC encourages you to apply with more than 1,095 days, in case there is a problem with the calculation. Online applicants must use the physical presence calculator in their online account.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Apply for citizenship: Calculate your physical presence (opens in a new tab)

To get a first idea of your days, you can try our free /citizenship-calculator. It is not IRCC's calculator, so always confirm your count with IRCC's own calculator before you apply.

Income taxes

You may need to file taxes in Canada for at least 3 years during the 5 years right before the date you apply. In your application, you tell IRCC if you had to file your taxes and whether you actually filed them.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)

Language and the citizenship test (ages 18 to 54)

If you are between 18 and 54 on the day you sign your application, you must show that you have an adequate knowledge of English or French. This is equal to level 4 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English, or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French, in speaking and listening.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)

If you are between 18 and 54 on the day you sign your application, you must also take the citizenship test. It asks about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, and Canada's history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols.

Adults aged 55 and older, and all minors under 18, don't need to prove their language skills or take the test. If you need help to meet a requirement, for example because of a disability, you can ask for an accommodation. Adults can also ask for a waiver (exemption) from the language, test or oath requirement if their situation prevents them from meeting it.

Prohibitions

IRCC won't approve your application if you are under a prohibition. Most prohibitions are due to criminal and security reasons, inside and outside Canada. Some apply only for a certain period of time. Examples that canada.ca gives include:Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Situations that may prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen (opens in a new tab)

being in prison, on parole or on probation in Canada, or serving a sentence outside CanadaSource: canada.ca, Situations that may prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen (opens in a new tab)
being charged with, on trial for, or involved in an appeal for certain offences
being under a removal order
certain criminal convictions in the 4 years before you apply
having a citizenship application refused for misrepresentation in the past 5 years

Check your own situation

canada.ca has a tool where you can check your eligibility by answering some questions. If a prohibition may apply to you, canada.ca says to contact your lawyer or arresting police officer if you are not sure.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Situations that may prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen (opens in a new tab)

This page is general information, not immigration advice, and Pass15 is not part of the government. Only IRCC decides if you are eligible. For questions about your own case, check with IRCC or a licensed (authorized) immigration representative.

Common questions

How many days do I need in Canada to apply for citizenship?: At least 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence during the 5 years before the date you sign your application. canada.ca encourages you to apply with more than 1,095 days, in case there is a problem with the calculation.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)
Does time before I became a permanent resident count?: Some of it can. Each day in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person during your eligibility period counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days of physical presence.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)
Can I apply if my PR card has expired?: Yes. canada.ca says you can apply with a valid or expired PR card. What matters is that you still have valid PR status.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)
I'm married to a Canadian. Are the requirements different?: No. You don't automatically become a citizen when you marry a Canadian. Spouses of Canadian citizens must meet the same requirements as other adults or minors.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)
Will I lose my other citizenship?: Canada allows dual citizenship, but not every country allows it. You may lose your current citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. If you are not sure, contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of your current country of citizenship.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship: who can apply (opens in a new tab)