India, Aug. 23 -- For many Indians who have built their lives in Canada as permanent residents, citizenship is the final step in a long immigration journey. But holding a Canadian permanent resident card alone does not make someone eligible. Applicants must meet strict requirements on time spent in Canada, taxes, language skills and, for many adults, a citizenship test.

Here is a step-by-step explainer on how Indians can apply for Canadian citizenship.

The first requirement is to be a Canadian permanent resident (PR). Your PR card can be valid or expired, but you must not have lost your PR status, be under a removal order or face certain criminal or security prohibitions.

Applicants must also meet Canada's physical presence requirement...