After you arrive
Canadian citizenship
You can apply for citizenship once you have been in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before you apply, with at least 730 of those as a permanent resident. You may also need to have filed taxes, and if you are 18 to 54 you need basic English or French and must pass the citizenship test.
Who can apply for Canadian citizenship?
- Permanent residents who meet the 1,095-day rule.
- Parents applying for their children under 18.
- People who need proof of citizenship, for example for a child born outside Canada, a passport, or a lost certificate.
- Former citizens who want to resume their citizenship.
How do you apply for Canadian citizenship?
- We count your days, including time before PR that may count.
- We check your tax filing and your language proof.
- We prepare and submit the online application.
- You write the citizenship test and attend an interview if asked.
- After approval, you take the oath at a ceremony.
What documents do you need for citizenship?
- Your PR documents and identity documents.
- Language proof, if you are 18 to 54.
- Your travel history, with records for your absences.
- Photos, and any police certificates IRCC asks for.
IRCC sets the exact list for each application. We give you a checklist for your own file.
Why are citizenship applications refused?
- Days counted wrongly, leaving you under 1,095.
- Travel history that does not match passport stamps or entry records.
- No language proof, or failing the test.
- Criminal charges or other bars to citizenship.
How can Blue Chip help?
- We count your days using IRCC's rules.
- We help you gather proof of your absences and trips.
- We help you prepare for the test and the interview.
- We also help with proof of citizenship and resuming citizenship.
Common questions
Does my time before PR count?
Partly. Each day in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person in the last five years counts as half a day, up to 365 days. You still need at least 730 days as a permanent resident.
Do I need a language test?
If you are 18 to 54, yes, you need to show basic English or French. Some school records and test results already count.
Do my children write the test?
No. Children under 18, and adults 55 or older, do not write the test.
Can I keep my other citizenship?
Canada allows dual citizenship. Whether your other country lets you keep theirs is up to that country.
Official pages
Fees, processing times and income figures change often. Check them on the official pages:
- Become a Canadian citizen (IRCC)
- Citizenship: who can apply (IRCC)
- Proof of citizenship (IRCC)
- Check processing times (IRCC)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and no one can guarantee an outcome. Rules checked against canada.ca in October 2026.
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