The length of time it takes to get your discharge from bankruptcy depends on your situation. The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act has several different time frames that apply,A first-time bankrupt will be eligible for an automatic discharge after 9 months if they have no “surplus income.” If you are required to make surplus income payments, you would be eligible for an automatic discharge after 21 months. A second-time bankrupt will be eligible for an automatic discharge after 24 months if they have no surplus income. If you are required to make surplus income payments, you will be eligible for an automatic discharge after 36 months. If a bankrupt owes more than $200,000 or more in personal income tax debt, representing 75% or more of unsecured claims, they are not eligible for an automatic discharge. If someone is a third-time bankrupt, they are not eligible for an automatic discharge.