Citizenship Guide
Citizenship physical presence calculator
In short
In short: To apply for citizenship, adults need at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in the 5 years before the day they sign the application. Days as a permanent resident count fully. Days in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before you became a PR count as half days, up to 365 days of credit. This calculator gives an estimate only; IRCC’s official calculator decides.
Last reviewed: . Written and checked against official sources by ChowChow Labs, an independent study website. This is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Physical presence calculator
How the count works
- The 5-year period ends on the day you sign your application.
- Each day in Canada as a permanent resident counts as 1 day.
- Each day in Canada as a visitor, student, worker or temporary resident permit holder (or as a protected person) before PR counts as half a day, to a maximum of 365 days of credit.
- Time in prison, on parole or on probation doesn’t count.
- IRCC suggests applying with more than 1,095 days in case of a counting mistake.
Using this calculator
- Enter the date you plan to sign your application.
- Enter the date you became a permanent resident.
- If you lived in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before that, enter the date that time started.
- Add each trip outside Canada. This calculator counts the day you leave and the day you return as days in Canada.
Your entries stay in your browser and are never sent to us. Before you apply, use IRCC’s official calculator: its result is the one IRCC uses.
Official sources
Government pages are in English and French.
Related guides
- How to apply for Canadian citizenshipStep-by-step application guide, document checklist and what happens after you submit.
- Permanent residents: PR card, travel and citizenshipPR card basics, the residency obligation, travel, and planning for citizenship.
- Canadian citizenship: an overviewWhat citizenship means and the steps from checking eligibility to your certificate.
Canadian Citizenship Test Prep is an independent educational resource made by ChowChow Labs. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC, Elections Canada or the Passport Program. Official rules can change: always confirm details with the linked authority. For questions about your own case, contact IRCC or a licensed lawyer or immigration consultant.