Transition from temporary work permit to citizenship of Canada

[shrinivas1980]

Dear all!

I have a query. I am in Canada since last 3 years and working as a research fellow in a University. I assume, being in Canada for 3 years already (though on temporary work permit) I fulfil the Canadian PR requirements. If so, can I directly apply for Canadian Citizenship now without applying for Canadian PR?

Please guide me experts. Thanks!

 

[scylla]

No - you can't. You have completely misunderstood the requirements for citizenship.

To qualify to apply for citizenship you must first become a permanent resident. Once you have become a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship after you have lived in Canada for three years out of the last four years. Two of those years must be accumulated after you become a PR.

And no - the fact that you have been in Canada for three years does not necessarily qualify you for PR. It likely does based on the kind of work you're doing. But you will have to see if you meet the requirements to become a PR (I would suggest you look at the CEC program).

If you want to be a Canadian citizen, then your first step is to become a PR. There is no short cut.