Once you’re a permanent resident, you can work toward citizenship. The key requirements are:
Physical Presence: You must live in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years before applying. Time spent as a temporary resident (e.g., student or worker) counts as half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days.
Tax Filing: You must have filed income taxes for at least 3 years during those 5 years, if required under Canadian tax laws.
Language Skills: If you’re 18-54 years old when you apply, you need to prove adequate knowledge of English or French (e.g., CLB 4 or higher via approved tests like IELTS or TEF).
Knowledge of Canada: Applicants aged 18-54 must pass a citizenship test covering Canada’s history, values, institutions, and symbols. Study materials are provided in the “Discover Canada” guide.
No Criminal or Immigration Issues: You must not be under a removal order, have unresolved immigration conditions, or have certain criminal prohibitions.
