Citizenship in Canada
Naturalisation timelines, tests, and dual nationality
Canada naturalises quickly: three years of physical presence within the previous five, a language test if you are 18 to 54, a 20-question knowledge test, and an oath. Dual citizenship is fully permitted.
| Residence requirement | 1,095 days in the last 5 years source |
| Language | CLB 4 in English or French, ages 18–54 |
| Knowledge test | 20 questions, 15 correct to pass, ages 18–54 |
| Fee | CAD 630 per adult |
| Dual citizenship | Permitted |
Counting the days
Only days as a permanent resident count fully. Time in Canada before permanent residence — as a student or worker — counts as half a day each, capped at 365 days. That cap is why a student who then works often reaches citizenship roughly a year sooner than someone who arrived directly as a permanent resident.
You must also have filed taxes for three of the five years, where required to do so.
The test
The knowledge test covers rights and responsibilities, history, geography, government, and the electoral system, drawn entirely from the free official study guide Discover Canada. Buying a paid course for it is unnecessary; the guide is the source material.
Applicants aged 55 and over are exempt from both the language and knowledge requirements.
What citizenship adds
- A passport with broad visa-free access.
- The vote, and eligibility for most public office.
- No residency obligation — you cannot lose citizenship by living abroad, unlike permanent residence.
- The ability to pass citizenship to children born abroad, though this is limited to one generation.
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Official sources
Checked against these pages in September 2026. Fees and processing times change without notice — confirm before you act.