What you need to become a Canadian Citizen

Congratulations! You have decided to become a Canadian Citizen! These are the requirements you must meet before you can apply:

  • Be a permanent resident
  • Live in Canada for 1,095 days of the past five years
  • File income tax for three years
  • Reach level 4 in either English or French
  • Pass the Citizenship test
  • Not have any restrictions on your right to live in Canada

For more information, as well as information on exceptions to these requirements, please visit the Applying for Citizenship pages of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

Help writing the Canadian Citizenship test

Citizenship Counts! Is a great website to learn about the benefits of Canadian citizenship, how to apply, study for your test, and take online citizenship quizzes.

The Toronto Public Library has posted a Citizenship Practice Test to its website. There is also a Citizenship Practice Test - for a mobile device.

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is a study guide to help you prepare for your citizenship test or interview.

Responsibilities of Canadian Citizens

As a Canadian citizen, you have responsibilities. These include:

  • Obeying the law
  • Taking responsibility for yourself and your family (this includes getting a job) 
  • Serving on a jury
  • Voting in elections
  • Helping others in the community 
  • Protecting and enjoying our heritage and environment

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