Independent Canadian immigration information
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Citizenship

Canadian Citizenship

The final step after three years of physical presence.

About 12 months from application to ceremony $630 per adult, $100 per child

Overview

Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after being physically present in Canada for 1,095 days within the previous five years. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a knowledge test and prove language ability at CLB 4, then take the oath at a ceremony.

What you need

  • 1,095 days of physical presence in the last 5 years
  • Taxes filed for at least 3 of those 5 years
  • CLB 4 language proof for applicants aged 18-54
  • No prohibitions such as certain criminal charges

How the process runs

  1. 1

    Count your days

    Use travel records to calculate physical presence precisely — days as a temporary resident count as half.

  2. 2

    Apply online

    Submit the application with language proof and tax history.

  3. 3

    Test and ceremony

    Prepare with the official study guide, pass the test, then take the oath.