Canadian citizenship

Citizenship, Main
Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship gives you access to a variety of benefits, including social security, quality healthcare, and education. With a Canadian passport, you can visit 188 countries without a need to obtain a visa.

To obtain Canadian citizenship, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Permanent Resident Status: You must be a permanent resident of Canada at the time of application.
  • Requirements for stay: You must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the last 5 years as a permanent resident.
      • Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident (e.g. on a visa, study permit or work permit) also counts, but as half a day (maximum 365 days). For example, if you worked in Canada for 2 years on a work visa, it would count as 1 year towards your citizenship requirement.
      • Days spent partially in Canada count as full days.
      • Time spent outside Canada may also be counted if you or your partner worked for the Canadian government during that time.
      • The residence requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age if one parent is a Canadian citizen or is applying for citizenship with the child.
  • Taxation: You must file tax returns for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
  • Knowledge of language: Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate proficiency in English or French at a minimum level of CLB 4 (listening and speaking only). This can be achieved by providing official test results, certificates from approved language programs or diplomas.
  • Knowledge of Canada: Individuals aged 18 to 54 are required to pass the Canadian History Test, scoring at least 15 correct out of 20 answers.
  • No offense: Applicants must not have been convicted of a serious crime or have violated citizenship laws within the last 4 years prior to a citizenship application.
  • Oath: Once an application is approved, all applicants over the age of 14 must take the oath of citizenship.

There are other nuances that need to be taken into account when applying for Canadian citizenship. Contact us for a detailed consultation!