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Yet to Decide

PR in Canada, the UK, Germany or Australia: how long until you can settle

Settling abroad runs on a clock. Most countries count the time you've lived there, and each one counts it differently.

Facts last checked: October 2026

Canada

To apply for citizenship, you need at least 1,095 days in Canada in the five years before you apply. Days as a permanent resident count in full. Days before that, on a work or study permit, count as half days, up to 365. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (2026)

The UK

Skilled Worker visa holders can usually apply to settle after five years. A move to ten years has been proposed, but as of October 2026 it isn't in the rules. UK settlement rules, via FSP Law (2026)

Germany

EU Blue Card holders can get a settlement permit after 21 months of work with B1 German, or after 27 months with A1 German. Learning German can bring your date closer. Berlin Service Portal (2026)

Australia and the US

Australian citizenship usually needs four years of lawful residence right before you apply, with the last 12 months as a permanent resident. Australian citizenship rules, via One Planet Migration Law (2026)

In the US, green card holders can usually apply for citizenship after five years, or after three if married to and living with a US citizen. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (2026)

What waiting costs

Not knowing your date is the cost. People miss the day they could apply, or plan big moves without knowing when they'd be eligible. Rules change, so check the official page before you plan anything.

One small step for today

Find the date your clock started, like the day you landed or got your visa, and write it down.

Work out your own

Put in your own numbers. They stay on your phone. More on this topic

Your numbers

Common answers are filled in. Change the ones you know.

Where you live
years
years
out of 10

It only changes the order on your statement.

What waiting costs you

1 year to go

You could apply for Canadian citizenship in about 1 year

Write the date down now, and keep a list of every trip out of the country. Most rules count days away against you.

Your small stepPut the date you first qualify in your calendar, and start a list of every trip abroad.

When will you do it?

Add to my Delay Statement
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How we worked this out
  1. Days as a permanent resident: 365.
  2. Days before PR count half, up to 365: 365.
  3. Needed: 1,095 days in the last 5 years. Left: 365 days.
  4. This assumes you were in Canada the whole time. Days away don't count.
  5. Rules change. Check the official page before you plan anything.
  6. How much it matters to you: 7 out of 10. It only changes the order on your statement.

Sources

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (2026): To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must have been in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the 5 years before you apply. Days as a permanent resident count in full. Days before that, on a work or study permit, count as half days, up to 365.

Sources

Read next

Make my Delay Statement

We show what waiting costs on your own plans. We never tell you what to buy or invest in. Rules and averages change, so check the official pages before you plan anything.