Count your days of physical presence in Canada towards the 1,095 needed for citizenship, including credit for time before you became a permanent resident.
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The physical presence rule
- You need at least 1,095 days (3 years) in Canada in the 5 years before you apply.
- Each day as a permanent resident counts as one day.
- Each day as a temporary resident (worker, student or visitor) or protected person before PR counts as half a day, up to a maximum of 365 days of credit.
- Only days you were completely outside Canada are absences. The day you leave and the day you come back count as days in Canada.
Example
| Days | |
|---|---|
| Days as a PR in the last 5 years | 1,043 |
| Days as a worker before PR (660 days ÷ 2) | 330 credit |
| Total | 1,373: eligible |
Other requirements
- Filing taxes for at least 3 of the 5 years, if you were required to.
- Proving your English or French and passing the citizenship test if you’re 18 to 54.
- Not being under a removal order or certain prohibitions.
Time spent in prison, on parole or on probation doesn’t count. Use IRCC’s official physical presence calculator and include its printout with your application.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Canadian citizenship?
1,095 days of physical presence in the 5 years before you apply.
Does time before PR count?
Yes, as half days, up to a maximum of 365 days, if you were an authorised temporary resident or protected person.
Do travel days count as days in Canada?
Yes. The day you leave and the day you return both count as days in Canada.
Can I apply as soon as I reach 1,095 days?
Yes, if you meet the other requirements. Many people add a buffer of a few days in case of counting mistakes.
Sources
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