The Short Answer
Yes. You must be a permanent resident of Canada before you can apply for citizenship. You cannot skip this step. All pathways to citizenship run through PR first.
How to Get Permanent Residency
Main pathways: 1) Express Entry (points-based system), 2) Family sponsorship (relative in Canada), 3) Provincial nominee programs, 4) Refugee/protected person status. Each has different timelines and requirements.
PR to Citizenship Timeline
Shortest: 3 years if married to Canadian citizen. Standard: 3 years if you accumulated it as a resident (e.g., studied in Canada then switched to work permit, all time counts). Most common: 5 years from PR approval date.
What PR Status Gives You
As PR: work anywhere in Canada, access to healthcare/education, travel with PR card, apply for citizenship after waiting period. But: you're not Canadian yet (no voting until citizenship), you must maintain PR status (presence requirements).