Be a Permanent Resident: You need to hold permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. This means that you must not be under review for immigration or fraud issues or have been asked to leave Canada.

Physical Presence: You must have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years. This equals a minimum of 1095 days of physical presence in Canada before applying. Time spent in Canada as a worker, student, or temporary resident permit holder may also count toward this requirement.

Income Tax Filing: You need to have filed taxes in Canada for at least 3 years during the 5-year period before applying, if required to do so.

Language Skills: Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher.

Citizenship Test: If you’re 18 to 54 years of age, you will need to pass a citizenship test that covers Canadian history, geography, economy, and laws. A minimum of 15 correct answers out of 20 is required to pass.

Prohibited Factors
Certain conditions may affect your eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship, including:

Criminal activity, either inside or outside Canada, can prevent you from applying for citizenship for a specified period.

Time served in prison or while on parole does not count as time spent living in Canada.

Residence Questionnaire (RQ) If the IRCC is unsure about your physical presence in Canada, you may be asked to complete a Residence Questionnaire. This document helps prove your time spent in Canada and will require details about your travel history, family residence, employment, and day-to-day life. If the documentation is sufficient, your citizenship application will likely proceed.

Additional Considerations

Spouses of Canadian Citizens: Marrying a Canadian does not automatically grant citizenship. You must meet the same eligibility requirements as other applicants.

Children of Canadian Citizens: Children of Canadian citizens may also be eligible for citizenship.

At SHADS Immigration, we provide comprehensive support to guide you through every stage of the application. Our experts will review your case, help gather the necessary documentation, and ensure your application meets all requirements to avoid any delays.

Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen? Contact us(Give link for Book a consultation) today to book a consultation with our immigration consultant. Let SHADS Immigration help you navigate the path to Canadian citizenship!