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After Landing

PR card renewals and the road to citizenship.

Becoming a permanent resident isn't the finish line — it's the start of a new set of obligations and opportunities. We help you keep your PR status secure and guide you through a clean citizenship application when you're ready.

PR Card Renewal
~35 days
Recent processing time, as of early 2026
PR Residency Obligation
730 days / 5 yrs
Physical presence to keep PR status
Citizenship Physical Presence
1,095 days / 5 yrs
Required before applying for citizenship
Citizenship Processing
~13 months
Average for grants, as of early 2026
The Number That Decides Everything

The 1,095-day physical presence requirement.

This single calculation is the most common reason citizenship applications are delayed or refused. Here's how it actually works.

Common mistake: applying too early, even by a single day, results in automatic refusal. We use IRCC's physical presence calculator and your CBSA travel history to confirm your eligibility date with a comfortable margin before submitting.
Two Separate Obligations

Keeping PR status vs. qualifying for citizenship.

Permanent Resident Obligation

  • Must maintain at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada in every rolling 5-year period
  • PR cards need periodic renewal — don't let yours lapse before international travel
  • Falling short can put your PR status itself at risk

Citizenship Application

  • Ages 18–54 must pass a citizenship knowledge test — 20 questions, 75% to pass, now online by default since March 2026
  • Language proficiency required at CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French for the same age group
  • Once granted, citizenship never expires and has no ongoing residency requirement
Government Fees

What citizenship costs, in plain numbers.

ItemFee (CAD)
Citizenship application (adult)~$630
Right of citizenship fee (adult only)~$123
PR card renewal~$50
Language test (if needed)$300 – $325
Government fees change periodically. We confirm exact current amounts before you pay anything.
Our Process

From PR card to oath ceremony.

1

Physical Presence Calculation

We calculate your exact eligibility date using your travel history, leaving a safe margin so you don't apply even a day too early.

2

Tax & Document Check

We confirm your tax filing history meets the requirement and gather identity, language, and residency documents.

3

Application & Test Prep

We submit your complete application and help you prepare for the online citizenship test if you're between 18 and 54.

4

Oath & Certificate

We guide you through the final steps to your oath ceremony and citizenship certificate.

Common Questions

PR & Citizenship FAQ

Does time spent in Canada before I got PR count toward citizenship?

Yes, partially — each day as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a PR counts as half a day, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. This can meaningfully shorten your wait.

Will I lose my original citizenship if I become Canadian?

Canada recognizes dual and multiple citizenship, so you keep your existing nationality unless your country of origin specifically prohibits dual citizenship — worth confirming on your end before applying.

What happens to my PR card while my citizenship application is processing?

If it expires during processing, you can renew it or request a travel document if you need to travel internationally in the meantime.

Can I apply for citizenship while traveling frequently for work?

Yes, as long as your total physical presence still adds up to 1,095 days within the 5-year window. We help you track and document every absence carefully so there's no ambiguity in your application.

Related Pathways

Other services that connect here.

Get Started

Get your physical presence calculation right the first time.

A free consultation, no obligation — just a clear, honest read on your options.

Book a Free Consultation
Figures and program details reflect publicly available IRCC information as of mid-2026 and are provided for general guidance only — not legal advice. Confirm current details with your consultant before relying on any number here.