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Am I Eligible for Canadian Citizenship?

A 6-question self-assessment against the main citizenship criteria.

To become a Canadian citizen, you need to meet six main requirements: valid PR status, age 18+, 1,095 days of physical presence, tax filings, language proof, and no recent prohibitions. Answer each question below and this tool will tell you where you stand — and where to look if you're not sure.

Answer each question honestly. If you're not sure, pick "not sure" — the result will point you to the right tool to find out.

Are you a permanent resident of Canada with valid PR status?

You must have permanent resident status that is not under review or being revoked. An expired PR card is OK; loss of status is not.

Are you at least 18 years old?

Adult applicants apply on their own. Minors (under 18) apply through a different path, typically with a Canadian citizen or PR parent.

Have you been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years?

1,095 days within the 5 years immediately before your application. Days as a PR count fully; days in Canada as a visitor, student, or worker before PR count half (up to 365 credit days).

Have you filed Canadian taxes for at least 3 of the last 5 years (when you were required to file)?

You must have filed Canadian tax returns for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately before applying — but only in years when you were required to file.

Can you speak and understand English or French at a CLB 4 level or higher?

If you're 18–54 you must prove CLB 4+ in listening AND speaking in English or French. Reading and writing don't count for citizenship.

In the last 4 years, have you avoided criminal convictions, probation, parole, and removal orders in Canada?

Certain convictions, probation, parole, or being under a removal order within 4 years of applying can make you ineligible — even if you meet every other criterion.

This eligibility checker is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Your answers are a self-assessment against the main Canadian citizenship criteria; they do not constitute an official eligibility determination. Individual circumstances — including Crown-servant status, protected-person status, minors, and specific prohibitions under the Citizenship Act — can affect your eligibility in ways this tool doesn't capture. Requirements can change.

Official source: IRCC: Who can apply for citizenship · Last updated: 2026-04-17

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Canadian citizenship?
You can apply if you're a permanent resident of Canada who has met the physical presence, tax filing, language, and age requirements — and you're not subject to any prohibitions under the Citizenship Act. This tool checks all six criteria at once.
What are the main requirements for Canadian citizenship?
Six things: (1) valid permanent resident status, (2) at least 18 years old, (3) 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in the last 5 years, (4) 3 of 5 years of Canadian tax returns filed (when required), (5) CLB 4+ language proof in English or French (if you're 18-54), and (6) no recent criminal convictions or prohibitions.
How accurate is this eligibility checker?
It gives you a useful first-pass signal based on the 6 major criteria. Some eligibility edge cases (Crown servants, protected persons, minors applying alone, complex absence patterns, specific prohibitions) require a deeper review. For an official determination, use the IRCC tools and consult an immigration lawyer if your case isn't straightforward.
I'm 'not sure' on a criterion — what should I do?
Click the follow-up link for that criterion in the result. Each one links to a specific tool or IRCC page: the Citizenship Day Calculator for physical presence, the Language Equivalency Checker for language, the Tax Filing Checker for taxes, and IRCC guidance for PR status and prohibitions.
What if I'm a minor (under 18)?
Minors apply through a separate path, typically with a Canadian citizen or PR parent. The residency requirement applies but the language and tax filing requirements don't. This tool doesn't model the minor application path — see the IRCC minor-applicants guide linked in the result.
I'm eligible — what's next?
First, gather your documents (PR card, language test result, tax filings, travel records). Then prepare for the citizenship test — 20 questions based on the official Discover Canada guide. canadatest.ca has practice questions, flashcards, and timed mock tests straight from the same guide.