The length of your bankruptcy depends on many things. The shortest time is nine months. You can be automatically discharged after nine months if: This is your first bankruptcy, and you cooperate with the trustee. Your surplus income is less than $200 per month. Your creditors, the Superintendent of Bankruptcy or your trustee do not oppose your discharge. (They may oppose your discharge if you do not fulfil your duties or if you were not honest during the process.) You received credit counselling. Surplus income is income above the limits set by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy. If your surplus income is more than $200 per month, you must pay your trustee 50% of the surplus amount. The following can extend the length of your bankruptcy: Surplus income payments One or more previous bankruptcies If you owe more than $200,000 of personal income tax debt representing 75% or more of your total unsecured debt Failure to complete one or more duties Opposition to your discharge by your creditors, your trustee or the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Your bankruptcy can last for up to 36 months if it is your second bankruptcy and you have surplus income greater than $200 per month. Last Reviewed: October 2020