Calculation of Days for Canadian Citizenship

[hellokady]

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding the calculation of days required to meet the physical presence requirement in Canada.

I've studied in Canada so I need to spend two years physically in Canada to meet the residency requirement before I apply for citizenship. So far, I've only spent six months in Canada. However, I've also spent one year (365 days) outside the country for personal reasons.

From what I've heard, days spent outside of Canada are counted as half a day less towards the time already spent in Canada. Is it correct to assume that my one year spent outside of Canada would count as 6 months less from my total of 6 months already spent physically in Canada after PR? So instead of being physically present 1.5 years in Canada I still have to do 2 years?

I would appreciate it if someone could clarify this topic or share their experience if you have encountered a similar situation.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[scylla]

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding the calculation of days required to meet the physical presence requirement in Canada.

I've studied in Canada so I need to spend two years physically in Canada to meet the residency requirement before I apply for citizenship. So far, I've only spent six months in Canada. However, I've also spent one year (365 days) outside the country for personal reasons.

From what I've heard, days spent outside of Canada are counted as half a day less towards the time already spent in Canada. Is it correct to assume that my one year spent outside of Canada would count as 6 months less from my total of 6 months already spent physically in Canada after PR? So instead of being physically present 1.5 years in Canada I still have to do 2 years?

I would appreciate it if someone could clarify this topic or share their experience if you have encountered a similar situation.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Days spent outside of Canada do not count towards citizenship.

 

[scylla]

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding the calculation of days required to meet the physical presence requirement in Canada.

I've studied in Canada so I need to spend two years physically in Canada to meet the residency requirement before I apply for citizenship. So far, I've only spent six months in Canada. However, I've also spent one year (365 days) outside the country for personal reasons.

From what I've heard, days spent outside of Canada are counted as half a day less towards the time already spent in Canada. Is it correct to assume that my one year spent outside of Canada would count as 6 months less from my total of 6 months already spent physically in Canada after PR? So instead of being physically present 1.5 years in Canada I still have to do 2 years?

I would appreciate it if someone could clarify this topic or share their experience if you have encountered a similar situation.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Please use the online citizenship calculator to determine when you will quality for citizenship and to make sure you aren't making mistakes.

 

[hellokady]

Days spent outside of Canada do not count towards citizenship.

Got it. But they don't reduce the time already spent right? I spend 6 months physically and 1 year abroad, the total of time spent in Canada remains 6 months?

 

[forw.jane]

Got it. But they don't reduce the time already spent right? I spend 6 months physically and 1 year abroad, the total of time spent in Canada remains 6 months?

Only days within the 5 yrs period before you submit the application matters. Days accumulated before that don't count. So if 6 months is within the 5 yr period it will count.

 

[scylla]

Got it. But they don't reduce the time already spent right? I spend 6 months physically and 1 year abroad, the total of time spent in Canada remains 6 months?

No. Again, please use the calculator.

 

[abbas.pasha]

Hello everyone,

I have a question regarding the calculation of days required to meet the physical presence requirement in Canada.

I've studied in Canada so I need to spend two years physically in Canada to meet the residency requirement before I apply for citizenship. So far, I've only spent six months in Canada. However, I've also spent one year (365 days) outside the country for personal reasons.

From what I've heard, days spent outside of Canada are counted as half a day less towards the time already spent in Canada. Is it correct to assume that my one year spent outside of Canada would count as 6 months less from my total of 6 months already spent physically in Canada after PR? So instead of being physically present 1.5 years in Canada I still have to do 2 years?

I would appreciate it if someone could clarify this topic or share their experience if you have encountered a similar situation.

Thank you in advance for your help.

like @scylla and @forw.jane mentioned setup an account using the Physical Presence Calculator https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do and start entering the dates you were a student or TRV/PGWP and as a PR. You can enter the dates you left and entered Canada again, the system will prompt you when how many days does it add up
You'd need 1095 (do keep extra days/weeks on top) within the 5 years in Canada to be eligible to apply for citizenship

 

[hellokady]

Thank you so much everyone!

 

[D-Dog]

From what I've heard, days spent outside of Canada are counted as half a day less towards the time already spent in Canada.

Only days spent inside Canada are included in the calculation. If you are here on a visitor visa, visitor record etc, this counts as 0.5 per day up to a year.