Evidence & Residency
At-a-Glance: The 1,095-Day Test
For children born abroad on or after December 15, 2025, the Canadian parent must prove a "substantial connection" to Canada. This is defined as 1,095 days of physical presence.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Days Required | 1,095 days (3 cumulative years). |
| Timing | Must be completed before the child's birth or adoption. |
| Consecutive? | No. Days can be cumulative across your entire life. |
| Evidence Types | Tax records, school transcripts, employment history, etc. |
The 1,095-Day Rule: Proving a Substantial Connection to Canada
Under the new Bill C-3 Citizenship Act, the ability to pass on citizenship is no longer limited by generation—but it is now tied to a physical presence requirement. This is known as the Substantial Connection Test. If you are a Canadian born abroad and want your child (born after Dec 15, 2025) to be a citizen, you must prove you spent at least three years living in Canada.
Unlike other residency requirements that look at a specific window (like the last 5 years), the Bill C-3 test allows you to count any days spent in Canada at any point in your life, as long as they occurred before the next generation was born.
Verify Your 1,095-Day Calculation1. What Counts as Physical Presence?
Every day you are physically standing on Canadian soil counts as one full day toward your 1,095-day goal. This includes:
- Years spent attending a Canadian university or high school.
- Childhood years lived in Canada.
- Summers spent at a family cottage (provided you have proof of entry/exit).
- Time spent working in Canada on a temporary basis.
You do not need to live in Canada for three years in a row. You can combine 6 months from 1990, a year from 2005, and 18 months from 2020 to reach your total.
The key is ensuring there is no "break" in the legal logic. Learn more about what breaks the Canadian citizenship chain to see how these days protect your family’s future.
2. High-Strength Evidence for IRCC
The burden of proof lies entirely with the parent. IRCC officers will not "find" your days for you; you must present a documented timeline. The stronger your evidence, the faster your citizenship certificate application will be processed.
Accepted Documents Include:
| Category | Evidence Examples |
|---|---|
| Academic | Official transcripts, diplomas, or school attendance records. |
| Employment | T4 slips, pay stubs, or record of employment (ROE). |
| Residential | Lease agreements, mortgage statements, or utility bills. |
| Travel | Passport stamps and travel history logs. |
For a complete list of what to gather, see our essential document checklist.
Crucially, you must have hit the 1,095-day mark before the child is born. If you move to Canada after the birth to try and "earn" the connection, it will not apply to that child retroactively.
3. Complex Scenarios: Crown Servants & Exceptions
There are specific legal "deeming" provisions for those serving Canada abroad. If you were living outside Canada because you or your parent was working for the Canadian Armed Forces or the federal/provincial public service, those days may count as being in Canada.
These nuances are buried in the Key Provisions of the Citizenship Act. Understanding these can be the difference between a rejection and a successful claim.
Secure Your Child's Future Status
Proving 1,095 days across a lifetime can be a logistical nightmare. Our legal team specializes in reconstructing residency timelines and gathering historical evidence to satisfy the substantial connection test.
Book Your Residency Audit
