VISA CANADA

CITIZENSHIP

To be eligible for a grant of Canadian citizenship, you must: be a permanent resident(landed immigrant) of Canada, have been physically in Canada for at least 1095 days in the 5 years immediately before you apply, have filed personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5 year period, if required under the Income Tax Act, demonstrate you have knowledge of Canada (if you are between 18 and 54 years old when you apply), demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French (if you are between 18 and 54 years old when you apply), not be under a removal order, not be inadmissible or prohibited on criminal or security grounds

 

The eligibility period

The eligibility period is five (5) years before the date of your application. The minimum amount of time you need to be physically present in Canada is 1095 days within the five years immediately before applying. 

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You may be able to use some of your time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person towards your physical presence calculation. Each day spent physically in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident within the last 5 years, will count as one half day, with a maximum of 365 days towards your physical presence.

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Temporary resident status includes lawful authorization to enter or remain in Canada as a:

• Visitor, student, worker or, temporary resident permit holder

 

A protected person is someone who:

• Was found to be in need of protection or a convention refugee by the Immigration and Refugee Board or

• Received a positive decision on a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

 

 

Language Requirement

All applicants 18-54 years of age MUST submit proof that demonstrates adequate knowledge of English or French (even if your first language is English or French). If you are 18-54 years of age and unable to demonstrate that you have the necessary English or French language ability due to a medical condition, this requirement may be waived. You must submit supporting evidence with your application. If you do not have proof of language proficiency or the language level needed, you can take a government-funded language programto help you improve your language skills to get a certificate at a level of CLB/NCLC 4.

 

Knowledge Requirement

If you are 18 to 54 years old, you must demonstrate that you have an adequate knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. You will be scheduled to take a citizenship knowledge test after your application is submitted and received by IRCC.

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