Citizenship Requirements

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.