Canadian Citizenship: A Complete Guide
- Ksenia Tchern McCallum
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone. It grants you full rights and responsibilities, including the ability to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and never worry about maintaining PR status.But the path to citizenship can feel confusing if you’re unsure of the eligibility rules, physical presence requirements, or what happens after you apply.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to become a Canadian citizen.
Why Become a Canadian Citizen?
While permanent residents enjoy many benefits, Canadian citizenship offers:
- The right to vote and run for office
- A Canadian passport with visa-free travel to many countries
- No residency obligation — citizens can live abroad without losing status
- Full protection from deportation (except in rare fraud cases)
- Citizenship can also be passed on to your children born abroad (in most cases)
Who Is Eligible for Canadian Citizenship?
To apply, you must meet all of the following:
1. Be a permanent resident of Canada
- Your PR status must not be under review for fraud or revocation.
2. Meet the physical presence requirement
- You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the last 5 years before applying.
- Time spent in Canada before becoming a PR (as a temporary resident) can count as half days, up to a maximum of 365 days.
3. Have filed Canadian taxes
- If required under the Income Tax Act, you must have filed taxes for at least 3 years within the last 5 years.
4. Meet language requirements
- If you’re between 18–54 years old, you must show basic proficiency in English or French (speaking and listening).
5. Pass a citizenship test
- If you’re 18–54, you must pass a 20-question test on Canadian history, values, symbols, government, and geography.
6. Not be prohibited
- You cannot apply if you have recent criminal convictions, removal orders, or are serving a sentence (inside or outside Canada).
Physical Presence Requirement Explained
You need 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada in the last 5 years.
- Days as a temporary resident (visitor, student, worker) before becoming PR count as half days, up to 365 days max.
- Days as a permanent resident count as full days.
Example:
1 year in Canada as a student before PR = 365 days → counts as 182 days
2.5 years in Canada as PR = 912 days
Total = 1,094 days → you’d still need 1 more full day before applying.
IRCC provides a Physical Presence Calculator to help you check before applying. It’s a good idea to create a spreadsheet and track your travels as they occur as it’s easy to forget sometimes, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.
How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship
1. Confirm eligibility
- Use the physical presence calculator.
- Ensure no prohibitions apply.
2. Gather documents
- PR card, immigration records
- Proof of language ability (if required)
- Travel records for the past 5 years
- Tax filing proof (Notice of Assessment)
3. Complete the application
- You can apply online (for most applicants) or by paper.
- Pay the fee ($630 for adults; $100 for minors).
4. Submit the application
- IRCC will send you an acknowledgment and start processing.
What Happens After You Apply?
1. Application Review
- IRCC checks if your application is complete.
2. Citizenship Test and Interview (for ages 18–54)
- A 30-minute test with 20 questions (you need 15 correct to pass).
- Interview to verify documents and language skills.
3. Decision
- If approved, you’ll receive a citizenship ceremony invitation.
4. Citizenship Ceremony and Oath
- You’ll take the Oath of Citizenship, officially becoming a Canadian citizen.
- You’ll receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony.
Afterward, you can apply for a Canadian passport.
How Long Does It Take?
Most applications take 12–18 months from submission to ceremony. Processing times can vary depending on your case and IRCC backlogs.
Can You Lose Canadian Citizenship?
It’s very rare. Citizenship can only be revoked if obtained by:
- Fraud or misrepresentation in your PR or citizenship application
- Concealing criminal history
Otherwise, Canadian citizenship is permanent.
Common Mistakes That Delay Citizenship
- Applying too early (not meeting the full 1,095 days)
- Miscalculating time abroad
- Not keeping travel records
- Missing tax filings
- Submitting incomplete applications
Why Work with an Immigration Lawyer?
While the citizenship process seems straightforward, many applications face delays or refusals due to errors in physical presence calculations, missing documents, or language proof issues.
At Tchern McCallum Immigration Law, we:
- Verify your eligibility and presence days
- Ensure your documents and tax history meet IRCC requirements
- Prepare you for the test and interview
- Assist with complex cases, including residency challenges or criminal history issues
Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen?
Becoming a citizen is the final step in your immigration journey.
Contact Tchern McCallum Immigration Law today for expert guidance on your citizenship application.
