grant of citizenship

A Pathway from Permanent Resident to Canadian Citizen

Permanent residents of Canada can become Canadian citizens by meeting specific eligibility criteria for citizenship. To apply, a candidate must:

• Have been a permanent resident and physically present in Canada for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
• Not have spent more than 730 days outside Canada within those 5 years.
• Pass the Canadian citizenship test.
• Meet the language requirements.
• Fulfill their tax obligations.

These requirements ensure that candidates are well-integrated into Canadian society and committed to living in Canada before they apply for citizenship.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements for Permanent Residents

Here is an overview of the primary conditions:

Permanent Resident Status

To apply for Canadian citizenship, regardless of age, you must:

• Have Permanent Resident status in Canada.
• Not have any unfulfilled conditions associated with your PR status.
• Ensure your PR status is not in question at the time of application, meaning you are not under review for immigration reasons or fraud, have no unfulfilled PR status conditions, and are not under a removal order.

An expired PR card does not prevent you from applying for citizenship. If you've served in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, a fast-track process might be available.

Residency Requirement

You need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 1095 days during the 5 years immediately before your citizenship application. This applies to all candidates.

Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident [temporary resident permit holder, student, visitor or worker] or protected person before becoming a PR counts towards this requirement, with each day counting as one-half day, up to a maximum of 365 days.

This residency requirement does not apply to children under 18 whose parent or guardian has applied for citizenship on their behalf.

Maintaining a travel journal of all trips outside Canada can help estimate physical presence and fulfill immigration requirements.

Income Tax Filing

Meeting personal income tax filing obligations under the Income Tax Act is required for the tax years [within the 5 years] before applying for citizenship, regardless of age.

Language Skills

Proficiency in English or French, Canada's official languages, is required. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to listen, speak, and understand basic instructions, questions, and conversations:

• Take part in short, common conversations on daily topics.
• Understand simple directions, questions, and instructions.
• Use basic grammar, including simple tenses and structures.
• Demonstrate that you know enough general phrases and words to express yourself and answer questions.

Adults aged 18 to 54 need to provide proof of language skills at CLB 4 or higher in speaking and listening. Children under 18 are exempt from this requirement.

Knowledge of Canada

Applicants must pass a test on Canada's symbols, history, values, institutions, and the responsibilities, rights and privileges of citizenship. The "Discover Canada" study guide is a resource for preparing for this test.

Prohibitions

• You may not be eligible to become a Canadian citizen for a certain period if you have committed a crime either in or outside Canada. This includes if you:
• Are serving a term of imprisonment, on probation, or on parole in Canada (this time does not count towards the residency requirement for citizenship).
• Are serving a sentence outside Canada.
• Have been convicted of an offense outside Canada, or of an indictable offense in Canada, in the four years before applying for citizenship.
• Are charged with, on trial for, or involved in an appeal of an offense outside Canada, or an indictable offense in Canada.

Help With Canadian Immigration

Call us at +1-416-915-0808 or email us at info@leromlaw.com for additional information you need to begin the process.