Canadian citizenship is open to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Not everyone can apply right away—there are important legal and personal requirements that must be met before submitting an application.
First and foremost, you must be a permanent resident (PR) of Canada. This means you have been granted permission to live in Canada indefinitely and hold a valid PR status. Your status must not be under investigation or subject to a removal order. You also must not have any unfulfilled conditions attached to your permanent residency.
In addition to being a permanent resident, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three full years) during the five years before your application date. This time can include some days spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person, though those days count at a reduced rate.
You also need to have filed your income taxes for at least three years within the five-year period, if required under Canadian law. This helps demonstrate your ties to Canada and shows that you are fulfilling your financial responsibilities as a resident.
If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must show that you can speak and understand either English or French, Canada’s two official languages. You must also take a citizenship test, which includes questions about Canadian history, laws, government, geography, and symbols.
Children under 18 can also become citizens, but their applications usually need to be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. In most cases, at least one parent must already be a Canadian citizen or be applying for citizenship at the same time.
Some people may not be eligible to apply, even if they meet the general requirements. For example, you cannot apply if you are currently in prison, on parole, or serving a sentence outside Canada. Also, if you have been convicted of a serious crime or are under investigation for immigration fraud, you may be prohibited from applying for a period of time.
In summary, people who are permanent residents, meet the residency and tax requirements, have basic language skills, and pass a citizenship test (if required) are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. Becoming a citizen allows individuals to fully participate in Canadian life, including voting and holding a Canadian passport.