To become a Canadian citizen, permanent residents must show they have established a real and lasting connection to Canada. The physical presence requirement ensures that applicants have spent enough time living in the country to understand its values, responsibilities, and way of life.
On This Page You Will Find
- The 1,095-day physical presence requirement
- How temporary residence counts toward citizenship
- Other eligibility conditions for Canadian citizenship
- Income tax, language, and testing requirements
- Frequently asked questions
The Physical Presence Requirement
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) during the five years before signing your citizenship application. This period does not need to be continuous, but only full days spent in Canada count.
Time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident – such as time spent as a temporary resident (visitor, worker, or student) or as a protected person – can count as half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days toward the total.
Days spent in Canada while serving a prison sentence, parole, or probation do not count toward the 1,095-day requirement.
Other Citizenship Requirements
While the physical presence rule is key, several other conditions must also be met before applying for Canadian citizenship:
Permanent Resident Status
You must hold valid permanent resident (PR) status and not be under review for immigration or fraud issues. You can still apply even if your PR card has expired, as long as your status remains valid.
Income Tax Filing
Applicants must have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least three years within the five-year eligibility period, if required under tax law.
Language Proficiency
If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must show you can speak and understand English or French. This can be demonstrated through a test result or proof of study in one of Canada’s official languages.
Citizenship Test
Applicants aged 18–54 must pass a test covering Canada’s history, geography, government, symbols, and rights and responsibilities.
Criminal History
Applicants cannot be serving a sentence, on probation, or parole. Some criminal convictions in or outside Canada may make you temporarily ineligible.
Intent to Reside
You must declare your intent to live in Canada or serve abroad as a public servant or member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Physical Presence Requirement: Frequently Asked Questions
How many days must I live in Canada to apply for citizenship?
You must have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before applying. Time as a temporary resident can count as half-days, up to 365 days.
Can I apply for citizenship if I travel often?
Yes, but you must keep detailed records of your travel. Only full days spent physically in Canada count toward the 1,095-day requirement.
Does time spent as a student or worker count?
Yes, time in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person counts as half-days toward the total, to a maximum of 365 days.
What if I served a sentence or probation in Canada?
Time spent serving a prison sentence, parole, or probation does not count toward your physical presence requirement and may delay eligibility.
Do I need to stay in Canada after becoming a citizen?
You must declare your intent to reside in Canada, but once you are a citizen, you can live, work, or travel freely as long as you maintain your citizenship status.
