· Applicants must be physically present in Canada for three out of five years (1,095 days),

rather than the previous four out of six years, before applying for citizenship.

· In alignment to the new physical presence requirement, applicants must file Canadian

income taxes, if required to do so under the Income Tax Act, for three out of five years,

rather than previous four out of six years.

· Applicants no longer have to be physically present in Canada for 183 days in four out of six

years before applying when considering residency years preceding a citizenship application.

· Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident, such as on a work or study permit or as a

protected person, prior to becoming a permanent resident can now count a portion of this

time towards the physical presence requirement for citizenship, up to a maximum credit of

365 days where each day counts as 0.5 days.

• Applicants between 18 and 54 years — rather than the previous 14 and 64 years — must 

meet the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship