Information about applying citizenship of Canada

[Heartbeat]

Hi everyone,

I am not a canadian citizen yet but I am a permanent canadian residency holder living in UAE.

I want to know that, can I apply for Canadian citizenship after completing 3 years in Canada (that is 2 years from first 5 years and after that completing one more year) because I am planning to move to Canada after 3 years of getting Permanent Residency Status. It means that I will be living in Canad for 2 years in my first 5 years period, which is compulsory requirement for keeping your permanent residency status valid.

Can someone tell me if I must stay 3 years in my first 5 years to apply for citizenship of Canada or I can stay out of Canada for 3 years and then move to Canada and stay next 3 years and can apply for Canadian citizenship.

Have fun and take care.

Heartbeat


[/b]

[Naveed]

In order to apply for Canadian citizenship you must spend atleast 1095 days out of 1460 days in Canada. it means in 4 years you have to be here 3 years.
if you spend more than one year outside canada in 4 years period you can still apply but it's up to the citizenship judge to decide if you qualify or not.
if you stay outside the country for two years you can keep your residency but you don't qualify for Citizenship.
it works like this.
1.date you became a permanant resident. (mm/dd/00)
2.date you are apply for citizenship. (mm/dd/06)
3.days you were out of country.(lets say (730)

4.if difference between 1 and 2 is more than 1460 days. you have to write 1460 and now subtract 730 from it. 1460-730=730 you don't qualify because minimum requirement is 1095 days. even though you got your residence status 6 years ago.

you can get more information by visiting canada immigration and citizenship site.
if i can be any help let me know.
mhd_naveed@hotmail.com