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Applying for Citizenship
Everything you need to know about citizenship eligibility, the application process, and what happens between submitting your application and taking the test.
What You'll Learn
- Physical presence requirement (1,095 days in 5 years)
- Income tax filing obligations for applicants
- Prohibited grounds that can delay or deny an application
- What happens at the citizenship test appointment
Key Facts Covered
The 1,095-Day Rule
You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the five years before your application date. Eligible days as a temporary resident or protected person count as half-days, up to 365 days of credit.
Income Tax Compliance
Applicants must have filed income taxes for at least three years within the five-year period if required to do so under the Income Tax Act. Tax compliance is verified as part of the application review.
Language Requirements
Applicants aged 18 to 54 when signing their application generally need proof of English or French ability. This is separate from the citizenship knowledge test.
The Knowledge Test
Most applicants aged 18 to 54 when signing their application must pass a 20-question multiple-choice or true-or-false test on Canadian history, government, and values drawn from the Discover Canada guide. A score of 75% is required to pass.
Check current eligibility requirements with IRCC
Practice Applying for Citizenship Questions
All 80 questions in this chapter include an explanation and a source link. Practise, then review your mistakes.