What are the physical presence requirements for Canadian citizenship?
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years before your application. Every day you spend in Canada as a permanent resident counts as one day. Days spent in Canada before becoming a PR (on a work or study permit) count as half a day, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. You must also have filed taxes for at least 3 of the 5 years.
Does time outside Canada as a permanent resident affect citizenship eligibility?
Yes. Days spent outside Canada do not count toward the 1,095-day physical presence requirement and effectively delay your citizenship eligibility. For example, if you spend 90 days per year outside Canada, you accumulate only 275 qualifying days per year — meaning it takes approximately 4 years to meet the 1,095-day threshold instead of 3. Extended absences for work (including employment by a Canadian company abroad) do not automatically count unless you are a Crown servant.
What other requirements must I meet for Canadian citizenship?
Beyond physical presence: (1) Language — demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French at CLB 4 level (ages 18–54); (2) Taxes — file income taxes for at least 3 of the 5 years in the eligibility period (if required to do so); (3) Knowledge — pass a citizenship test demonstrating knowledge of Canada's history, values, institutions, and symbols; (4) No prohibitions — no pending criminal charges or convictions for certain offences; (5) Intention to reside in Canada (if applying from outside Canada with an exception).