Canadian citizenship requirements: the 1,095-day rule and how to count your days
Translated from the Arabic original. Read in Arabic
Canadian citizenship is one of the most sought-after citizenships among immigrants, and its requirements are fairly clear once you understand the physical presence rule. Most applications that are delayed or refused stumble on the day count, not on the other requirements.
Requirement 1: permanent residence
You must be a permanent resident, must not be subject to any proceedings or orders concerning your status, and must have met the conditions of your permanent residence itself.
Requirement 2: 1,095 days of physical presence
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years immediately before the date you apply, which is the equivalent of three years. The days do not have to be consecutive. Some days spent in Canada before you became a permanent resident, as a temporary resident or protected person, may count as half a day each, up to a maximum of 365 days, within the same five years.
Counting your days accurately
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides an official physical presence calculator on its website, and it is best to use it because it applies the rules precisely. Collect the dates of all your trips from your passport, plane tickets and entry records, and leave a safety margin of several days above the minimum, because a small counting error can lead to a refused application and a lost fee.
Requirement 3: tax returns
You must have filed your tax returns for at least three years within the five-year period, if the law required you to file them.
Requirement 4: language and the test
Applicants aged 18 to 54 must show English or French ability equivalent to CLB 4 or NCLC 4, with an accepted certificate or other evidence IRCC accepts. Applicants in this age group must also pass the knowledge test, which is based on the study guide Discover Canada.
After approval
You attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship, and only then do you become a Canadian citizen. Canada allows multiple citizenship, but check the law of your country of origin.
Common mistakes
Applying a few days before reaching 1,095 days. Forgetting short trips to the United States by land. Not filing tax returns for years when you had little income. And sending unclear copies of documents.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws change, so check the official sources below or the competent authority for your situation. Found a mistake? Tell us.