The final step in your pursuit of status, if you choose to take it and are eligible for it, is to apply to be a Canadian citizen!
Permanent residents hoping to become a Canadian citizen must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have lived in Canada for three years (1,095 days) during the five years before you sign and submit your citizenship application. Days physically spent in Canada as a student, visitor, worker, temporary resident, or protected person within the last five years may be used to count one half day, up to 365 days, toward the 1,095 day total;
- Meet the minimum language requirements in either English or French. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 will be required to show proof of their language proficiency;
- Possess a basic knowledge of a Canadian citizen’s rights and responsibilities, as well as knowledge of Canadian history, geography, and political system in order to pass the Canadian citizen test once their application is approved;
- Must not have a criminal history that will prohibit the granting of Canadian citizenship.
Ineligibility for Citizenship
Conversely, citizenship applications will be denied to applicants who:
- Are not Canadian permanent residents;
- Do not meet or cannot provide proof of the minimum residency requirements;
- Do not meet the minimum language proficiencies in either English or French;
- Fail their Canadian citizenship test and/or interview;
- Have been ordered to leave Canada;
- Have been convicted of a criminal offence in the last three years;
- Have had their citizenship revoked;
- Are on parole, probation, or are in prison;
- Have been convicted or are under investigation for a crime against humanity or war crime.