To become a Canadian citizen, applicants must prove more than just their time in the country—they must demonstrate a meaningful connection to Canada. A key measure of this is the physical presence requirement, which ensures permanent residents have spent sufficient time living in the country to become fully engaged members of Canadian society.
According to Maple News, applicants must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (or three years) within the five years preceding the date of their citizenship application. These days do not need to be consecutive, but only full days physically spent in Canada count.
Additionally, time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident—such as under a temporary status like a student, worker, visitor, or protected person—can count for half-days, up to a maximum of 365 days. In other words, two days of temporary residence can contribute one day toward the physical presence requirement.
However, certain periods spent in Canada do not count. For instance, days spent while serving a sentence in prison, on parole, or on probation are excluded. This rule emphasizes the importance of lawful, meaningful residence in the country.
Meeting the physical presence requirement is only one part of the citizenship process. Additional eligibility criteria include holding valid permanent resident (PR) status, which remains intact even if the PR card is expired, as long as the underlying immigration status is valid.
Applicants must also have filed Canadian income tax returns for at least three years during the five-year eligibility period, if required under Canadian tax law. Furthermore, individuals aged 18 to 54 must prove proficiency in English or French and pass a citizenship test that covers topics like Canada’s history, government, geography, symbols, and citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Canada expects applicants to declare an intention to reside in the country or serve it abroad, such as through the Canadian Armed Forces or diplomatic roles. Moreover, applicants must not be serving any criminal sentence or facing charges in or outside of Canada.
Frequently asked questions include whether frequent travel affects eligibility. Maple News confirms that frequent travel is allowed, but only full days physically spent in Canada count—and travelers should keep detailed travel records. Time spent in Canada as a student or worker before becoming a permanent resident contributes half-days only.
Once naturalized, citizens are free to live and travel worldwide, but the process reflects Canada’s commitment to integrating individuals who are actively contributing to its diverse and democratic society.