married lived in toroto ontario since 1980/ became landed 1980/

Hello.

Okay good. As long as your primary residence has remained in Canada the risk of losing your PR status is abated (you must prove 730 days residence in Canada per 5-year period - rolling - to maintain your PR status).

As far as applying for citizenship, you must be able to prove 1095 days' physical presence in Canada over a 4-year period immediately preceding the application (keep in mind that, with CIC, there is a 2-4 month delay from when they physically receive the file to when they actually review it, so that can actually impact eligibility for some folks). If, however you've met that 1095-day requirement, you can simply complete the application, supply the required supporting documentation and then wait for processing.

The application process is called 'Naturalization' and, aside from having to prove your continued residence and physical presence you'll also have to study for a general Canadian-knowledge test (not dissimilar from the US citizenship test).

For information on the process, see: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/index.asp .


I would also highly recommend that you retain a Canadian Immigration LAWYER to represent you, help you compile the application and keep an eye on it until it goes through. The best way to reach one in Ontario is through the Law Society's Referral Service: http://www.lsuc.on.ca/with.aspx?id=654

Regards XXXXX XXXXX wishes.