THE SHORT ANSWER
For the standard adult grant route, the physical-presence requirement is at least 1,095 days within the five years before applying. Physical presence is only one part of eligibility.
Does time before permanent residence count?
Some time as a temporary resident or protected person may count as half-days, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. Use IRCC’s calculator and the rules for your situation.
Is meeting the day count enough?
No. Review the other applicable requirements, including permanent-resident status, tax filing, language, knowledge and prohibitions. Requirements can differ by age and application route.
How should I prepare my travel history?
Reconcile travel dates with your records before calculating presence. Check the eligibility period carefully and keep a consistent history across your forms and supporting information.
Go straight to the source.
Confirm the current instructions with IRCC before applying. These links are official Government of Canada resources.
