So you've got your permanent residence—congratulations, that's huge—and now you're wondering: should I become a Canadian citizen? In my opinion, for most people, yes. Citizenship gives you the right to vote, run for office, travel on a Canadian passport, and—perhaps most importantly—you can't lose it the way you can lose PR if you're outside Canada too long. Let me walk you through how it works in 2026, including some recent changes that might affect you or your kids.
The Physical Presence Rule: 1,095 Days
To apply for citizenship, you need to have been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years before you apply. That's 3 years. Not "3 years of residence" in some vague sense—actual days with your feet on Canadian soil. IRCC counts the days. If you leave Canada for a vacation, those days don't count. If you're in Canada on the day, it counts. Simple as that.
Temporary Resident Credit: Here's a helpful twist. If you were in Canada as a temporary resident (student, worker, visitor) before you got PR, you can count some of that time. Each day as a temporary resident counts as half a day, and you can use up to 365 days of that credit. So 2 years as a student or worker = 1 year (365 days) of credit toward your 1,095. That can speed things up if you've been in Canada a while before PR.
Tax Filing: Don't Skip This
You must have filed your taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year window, if that's required of you. If you were required to file and didn't, that can block your application. Even if you had no income, you might still need to file. Get your taxes in order before you apply. Honestly, it's one of the easiest requirements to mess up—and one of the easiest to get right if you just stay on top of it.
Language & Knowledge: The Tests
If you're between 18 and 54 when you apply, you need to prove you can speak and listen in English or French at a level called CLB 4. That's roughly "can have a basic conversation about everyday topics." IRCC accepts things like proof of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, or results from an approved language test. For most people with a Canadian degree or work experience, this isn't a big hurdle.
You also need to pass the citizenship knowledge test. It covers Canadian history, values, institutions, and symbols. There are study guides and practice tests online—use them. The test is multiple choice, and you need to get a certain score (usually 15 out of 20). It's not designed to trick you. Read the official study guide, take a few practice tests, and you'll be fine. In my experience, people who spend a few hours studying almost always pass.
Test prep tip: Focus on dates (when did provinces join Confederation?), symbols (what's on the flag? what does the maple leaf mean?), and rights and responsibilities. The study guide is free on the IRCC website. There are also apps and websites with practice questions—find one you like and run through it a few times.
Bill C-71: Citizenship by Descent Changes
This is a big one if you or your parents were born abroad. For years, there was a "first-generation limit"—if your Canadian parent was born outside Canada, you couldn't get citizenship by descent if you were also born outside Canada. Bill C-71 (passed in 2024, coming into effect in 2025–2026) changes that. Now, if your Canadian parent was born abroad, they can pass citizenship to you if they lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before you were born. So your parent needs to have that physical presence in Canada before your birth. It also helps "Lost Canadians"—people who fell through the cracks under older laws. If you think you might qualify, check the current IRCC rules; the implementation details are still rolling out.
Dual Citizenship: Canada Allows It
Canada allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. You don't have to give up your other passport when you become Canadian. I know a lot of people worry about this—they love their home country and don't want to renounce. You don't have to. Keep both. But here's the important part: when you enter Canada, you must use your Canadian passport if you're a Canadian citizen. Canadian citizens cannot be issued a visa or an eTA to enter Canada. So once you're a citizen, always travel with that Canadian passport when coming home.
Check your other country: Some countries don't allow dual citizenship or have rules about it. Your home country might require you to choose, or might not recognize your Canadian citizenship in certain contexts. That's on them—Canada is fine with it. But do your homework on your other country's rules before you naturalize.
Citizenship vs. PR: Is It Worth It?
Honestly, I think for most people, citizenship is worth it. PR is great—you can live, work, and access healthcare. But PR has a residency obligation: you need to be in Canada for 730 days in every 5-year period, or you can lose it. If you take a job abroad, care for aging parents overseas, or just want the freedom to live elsewhere for a few years without worrying, citizenship removes that stress. You're Canadian. You can leave for decades and come back. Plus, you get to vote, hold a Canadian passport (which is strong for visa-free travel), and there's something emotionally powerful about standing at the ceremony and saying the oath. It's not just paperwork—it's a commitment and a belonging.
Honest Advice by Demographic
Young professionals: If you're building a career and might take opportunities abroad, citizenship gives you flexibility. Apply as soon as you hit 1,095 days. Don't wait—processing times can stretch, and you never know when life will call you elsewhere.
Families with kids: Kids under 18 don't need to do the language or knowledge test. They often get processed with a parent's application. If you're applying, include them. And if you have a child born abroad after you become a citizen, Bill C-71 may help you pass citizenship to them—check the rules for your situation.
Seniors (55+): If you're 55 or older when you apply, you're exempt from the language and knowledge tests. You still need the physical presence and tax filing. That's it. It's a much simpler process.
People who've been here a long time: If you had years as a student or worker before PR, use that temporary resident credit. You might be able to apply sooner than you think.
Timeline Expectations
IRCC says most applications are processed within 12 to 24 months. Sometimes it's faster; sometimes there are delays. Once you pass the test and interview (if you have one), you'll get an invitation to a citizenship ceremony. You take the oath, get your certificate, and you're done. That ceremony day—I've heard from many people—is genuinely emotional. You're not just getting a document. You're becoming part of something.
The Emotional Side
I'll end with this: citizenship isn't just about rules and requirements. It's about belonging. For a lot of people who've built a life here—who've worked, studied, raised kids, made friends—the moment you hold that certificate is the moment it all clicks. You're not a visitor anymore. You're not even "just" a permanent resident. You're Canadian. And that matters. So if you're eligible, I'd say go for it. Do the paperwork, study for the test, and take that step. You've earned it.