How Many Years Does It Take to Get Canadian Citizenship? Complete Guide

Learn how long it takes to become a Canadian citizen, including residency requirements and other eligibility criteria.

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To obtain Canadian citizenship, most applicants must have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days within the five years before applying. However, it’s important to keep track of your presence in Canada, as the period you’ve lived in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident may count towards your physical presence calculation, partially. Ensure to meet other criteria as well, including language skills and knowledge of Canada.

FAQs & Answers

  1. How many days must I live in Canada to apply for citizenship? You must have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days within the five years before applying for citizenship.
  2. Can time as a temporary resident count towards Canadian citizenship? Yes, some time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident may partially count toward the physical presence requirement.
  3. What other criteria are needed besides residency for Canadian citizenship? Applicants must also meet language proficiency requirements in English or French and pass a knowledge test about Canada.