To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, applicants must meet certain requirements, including a physical presence obligation. This obligation requires that applicants have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1095 days (or three years) within the five years leading up to the date they sign their citizenship application.
It is possible to count some time spent in Canada as a visitor, student, or temporary worker towards the physical presence requirement, but only up to a maximum of one year. This means that applicants cannot count more than one year of time spent in Canada as a visitor, student, or temporary worker towards the three-year physical presence requirement.
However, children under the age of 18 are exempt from the physical presence obligation if a parent or guardian is applying for citizenship on their behalf. In this case, the parent or guardian must meet the physical presence obligation on behalf of the child.
In addition to the physical presence requirement, there are other statutory requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for Canadian citizenship. These include demonstrating knowledge of Canada's history, values, and institutions, meeting language requirements, and passing a citizenship test, among other things.
Overall, meeting the physical presence obligation is an important requirement for obtaining Canadian citizenship, but there are also other requirements that must be met in order to be eligible. Seeking professional advice from an experienced immigration lawyer can help applicants navigate the citizenship application process and ensure that they meet all of the necessary requirements.
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, meeting the physical presence requirement is a crucial aspect of the application process. If you have questions about your eligibility for Canadian citizenship or need assistance in preparing your application package, we are here to help.