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Canadian Citizenship

Citizenship GrantNaturalization for Permanent Residents

Becoming a Canadian citizen is one of the most significant milestones in your immigration journey. The citizenship grant — commonly called naturalization — is the process by which permanent residents earn full Canadian citizenship.

1,095

Days Physical Presence

5 yrs

Qualifying Window

PR

Status Required

CLB 4

Language Minimum

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for a citizenship grant you must meet all of the following requirements at the time of application.

Residency
Physical Presence
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the five years immediately before your application date. Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR counts as half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days.
Status
Permanent Resident Status
You must hold valid permanent resident status. There must be no unfulfilled conditions on your PR status, and you must not be under a removal order.
Language
Language Proficiency
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French — at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in speaking and listening. Accepted proof includes IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, or TEF Canada results.
Knowledge
Citizenship Test
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass a citizenship knowledge test covering Canadian history, geography, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The test is based on the study guide Discover Canada.

Physical Presence Timing Is Critical

Applying even one day before you meet the 1,095-day physical presence requirement will result in an automatic refusal. Your travel history must be calculated precisely — accounting for every entry, exit, and partial day. Tax filings, employment records, and residential leases can all serve as supporting evidence of your presence in Canada.

Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen?

Our licensed immigration consultant can audit your physical presence calculations, review your evidence portfolio, and prepare a return-proof application before submission to IRCC.

Book a ConsultationCitizenship by Descent