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CanadaCitizenshipLast checked October 16, 2026

Canadian citizenship grant (adults, subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act)

Permanent residents of Canada can apply for a grant of Canadian citizenship after spending at least 1,095 days in Canada in the 5 years before applying. Adults aged 18 to 54 must show basic English or French and pass a citizenship test. Approved adults take the Oath of Citizenship at a ceremony. Bill C-3 changed citizenship by descent rules from 15 December 2025, but it does not change the residence-based grant described here.

See requirements ↓
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel

These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.

Life in Canada

Money

3

Currency

Canadian Dollar

CAD

Canadian Dollar

Cost of living

90

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

14–33%

Income tax (national)

Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.7

#24 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Permanent residents who have lived in Canada long enough and filed taxes as required. Minors can be included through separate minor applications.

Eligibility

  • Permanent resident status

    You must hold PR status, with no removal order and no unmet PR conditions (such as medical screening). A valid or expired PR card is accepted as proof of status.

  • Physical presence: 1,095 days in 5 years

    You need at least 1,095 days physically in Canada in the 5 years before you sign your application.

    Physical presence required

    Total days in Canadawithin 5 years
    1,095 days
    Days as permanent resident
    730 days
    • The 5 years are counted back from the date you sign
    • IRCC advises applying with more than 1,095 days as a buffer
    Official wording

    You need at least 1,095 days physically in Canada within the 5 years before the date you sign your application. At least 730 of those days must be as a permanent resident. IRCC advises applying with more than 1,095 days as a buffer.

  • Credit for time before PR

    • Each day in Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, student, worker) or protected person within the 5-year window counts as half a day, up to a maximum credit of 365 days.
    • Protected-person time counts from the approval date until the day before PR.
    • Time waiting for a refugee claim decision does not count.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementTime that does not count
  • Document checklistApplication for Canadian Citizenship – Adults (CIT 0002) or online application
  • FeesAdult (18+) application – processing fee

The full requirements are for members

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  • 9 more requirements
  • 11 documents
  • 5 fees
  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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