Do you have aspirations to convert your work visa into a brand-new passport? Welcome to the club. In 2025, international professionals are increasingly pursuing citizenship as a secondary goal, alongside careers overseas. However, how much time does it take?
Hold on tight as we take you on an exciting adventure across the most sought-after nations in the world, from temporary worker to naturalized citizen. The USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany are the six superpowers being compared in terms of deadlines, visa requirements, and fast-track secrets.
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How Long Does It Take for Each Country to Offer CItizenship?
This is the Citizenship Timeline via Work Visa Route (Work Visa → Permanent Residency → Citizenship)
| Country | Work Visa to Permanent Residency | Permanent Residency to Citizenship | Total Time | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 2–3 years via Express Entry or PNP | 3 years (within last 5 years) | 5–6 years | Must be physically present 1,095 days; dual citizenship allowed. |
| Australia | 2–4 years via TSS → Permanent Residency | 1 year as Permanent Resident, total 4 years in AU | 4–5 years | Must pass citizenship test; dual nationality accepted. |
| New Zealand | 2–3 years via AEWV → Permanent Residency | Total of 5 years’ residence | 5 years | Stay 240 days/year for 5 years; no test required. |
| United Kingdom | 5–6 years via Skilled Worker → ILR | 1 year after Indefinite Leave to Remain | 6–7 years | Must pass Life in the UK Test; dual nationality allowed. |
| United States | 5–6 years via H-1B → Green Card | 5 years as Green Card holder | 5–12 years | Must live 30 months as PR; civics and English tests required. |
| Germany | 4–5 years via EU Blue Card → Permanent Residency | 5 years (or 3 years with integration) | 3–8 years | Fastest if fully integrated; now allows dual citizenship (as of 2024). |
Pro Tip: Plan your physical presence, learn the language early, and comprehend your visa-to-PR path—residency days count.
Refs:
- https://www.xn--einbrgerung-whb.de/service.php?l=en
- https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/nz-citizenship/how-to-apply-for-nz-citizenship/application-timeframes/
- https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-indefinite-leave-to-remain/after-youve-applied
- https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/citizenship-processing-times/citizenship-processing-times.
