Canadian citizenship is generally given to an individual upon birth within this country, however it may be granted to anybody by the Governor General at the advice of the Cabinet. A permanent resident may also be granted Canadian citizenship if they have lived in Canada for three out of four years prior to applying for citizenship, but it is required that they speak English and/or French. There are special circumstances granted to provide Canadian citizenship such as time spent in the country as a temporary resident before officially becoming a permanent resident counts as half of the necessary requirement. Canadian citizenship allows the rights and benefits of that country, as well as the obligations.