Citizenship Requirements

In late 2017, important changes to Canadian citizenship legislation came into effect, making the process to apply for Canadian citizenship faster and easier than ever.

Permanent residents hoping to become a Canadian citizen must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have lived in Canada for three years (1,095 days) during the five years before you sign and submit your citizenship application. Days physically spent in Canada as a student, visitor, worker, temporary resident, or protected person within the last five years may be used to count one half day, up to 365 days, toward the 1,095 day total;
• Meet the minimum language requirements in either English or French. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 will be required to show proof of their language proficiency;
• Possess a basic knowledge of a Canadian citizen’s rights and responsibilities, as well as knowledge of Canadian history, geography, and political system in order to pass the Canadian citizen test once their application is approved;
• Must not have a criminal history that will prohibit the granting of Canadian citizenship.

Ineligibility for Citizenship

Conversely, citizenship applications will be denied to applicants who:

• Are not Canadian permanent residents;
• Do not meet or cannot provide proof of the minimum residency requirements;
• Do not meet the minimum language proficiencies in either English or French;
• Fail their Canadian citizenship test and/or interview;
• Have been ordered to leave Canada;
• Have been convicted of a criminal offence in the last three years;
• Have had their citizenship revoked;
• Are on parole, probation, or are in prison;
• Have been convicted or are under investigation for a crime against humanity or war crime.

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