4. Apply for Canadian citizenship
If you're a Canadian citizen, it does not matter how much time you spend outside Canada. You will not lose your citizenship just for being away, and you have the right to return to Canada.
Many permanent residents apply for citizenship as soon as they qualify. For example, you need to show that you have spent enough time in Canada.
The general rule is that, in the 5 years before you apply for citizenship, you must have been in Canada for at least 3 years. That's the same as 1,095 days. These days do not have to be all in a row and there are rules about how to calculate them.
When you should not apply for citizenship
In some situations, there are reasons to wait or to not apply for citizenship at all. For example, applying for citizenship could lead to losing your status if:
- you have not met the residency requirement for permanent residents in the last 5 years, or
- you're a and you travelled to the country you claimed refugee protection against.
There can also be other situations when applying for citizenship could put your status at risk.
If you're not sure that you should apply for citizenship, get legal advice.