Can I apply for citizenship after my study permit expires?

[slicedcrayon]

I'm planning on moving from America to Toronto, Canada for Max the Mutt animation college. If I go to this college with a study permit, I will have lived there for 4 years at the end of my stay. Do these years count towards Canadian citizenship if I have the study permit or will I have to somehow spend 3 more years there? I'm also a little fuzzy on how you can stay 3 years in Canada, since you can't stay in Canada as a visitor for over 6 months, so could someone explain how people accomplish getting their 3 years in without being married to someone in Canada?

 

[HHH]

I'm planning on moving from America to Toronto, Canada for Max the Mutt animation college. If I go to this college with a study permit, I will have lived there for 4 years at the end of my stay. Do these years count towards Canadian citizenship if I have the study permit or will I have to somehow spend 3 more years there? I'm also a little fuzzy on how you can stay 3 years in Canada, since you can't stay in Canada as a visitor for over 6 months, so could someone explain how people accomplish getting their 3 years in without being married to someone in Canada?

As far as i know first you should be PR before applying for citizenship