Canadian Citizenship

From Permanent Residents to Canadian Citizen

Understand the eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship. We can also provide advice for your application. 

General Requirements and Exceptions

• 18 years of age;
• be a permanent resident of Canada;
• Residency obligations achieved (physically present in Canada for 1,460 within last 6 years – four of six years).
• For applicants under the age of 18:

1      Be a permanent resident;

2      Physical presence in Canada of three years is not absolutely necessary;

3      A parent (adoptive or biological), legal guardian, is already a Canadian citizen or is in the process of applying to become a citizen.

Note: The current rules for citizenship and residency obligations are subject to change. Changes are expected to be implemented within 2017.

In addition, the applicant must meet two other requirements:

• Language requirement (basic English or French);
• Knowledge of Canada.

In addition, an applicant may not be involved in an immigration investigation, immigration inquiry or a removal order.

Applicants residing in Canada prior to becoming permanent residents may receive credit for one half day (one year maximum) for each day of residing in Canada.

Prohibitions for criminal history are presently in effect: if in the three years prior to applying, the applicant was convicted of a criminal offence under the Citizenship Act; is presently accused of a criminal offence under the Citizenship Act; is currently, or has been in the last 4 years, in prison, parole, or probation; has been asked by Canadian officials to leave Canada (under removal order); is being investigated for, accused of, or convicted of a war crime or a crime against humanity; and has had his Canadian citizenship removed in the past five years.