For newcomers to Canada, getting Canadian citizenship is the final step
in their assimilation process. It involves, for most immigrants, a
written test that you must pass to get your citizenship.
The requirements for applying for citizenship have been covered in a separate article (see How to Become a Canadian Citizen); here we focus on the test itself.
Immigrants between the ages of 18 and 54 who meet the requirements must sit for a written test. Exceptions are made in certain circumstances, and an interview with a citizenship judge held instead. Those who are visually impaired can choose between an interview and taking the test in Braille.
(You should note that children under 18 years of age do not need to have lived in Canada for three years to become citizens. To apply for your child, you must already be a Canadian citizen yourself or you must be applying to become a citizen at the same time).
In most cases, it takes anywhere between two and 12 months before you get called to appear for the test. If you cannot attend the citizenship test on the stated date, you can call or write to CIC to arrange another test date.
TIP: You can check the status of your citizenship application online at this link.
The written test is administered in either English or French, and you must know enough of either language to pass. All the questions in the test will be taken from the publication A Look at Canada, which is sent to you after you apply for citizenship. If you can't wait for the book to arrive, you can view the contents online or download a PDF version.
For the visually impaired, the book is also available in Braille, large print and audio versions. You need to request one of these formats in your citizenship application form, available as a PDF here.
The questions that will be put to you are intended to test your knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. It is important to read through and memorize the most important points from A Look at Canada.
TIP: The book suggests you research information about your city, province and their leaders. However, it is very unlikely you will be asked questions either about any of these subjects. Because the test is designed for use across Canada, rather than localized for each city or province, the only names you are likely to need to remember are those of the Governor General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
The 20-question test is a multiple-choice affair, and you need to have answered at least 12 questions correctly. However, there are two questions on voting rights, both of which you MUST answer correctly. In addition, there will be two questions on citizenship rights, responsibilties and elections; of these two, you must get at least one right. The test paper will indicate which these questions are.
You have 30 minutes to complete your test, most people finish it much quicker. You might want to take our practice citizenship test to see how well prepared you are.
If you pass, you will receive a “Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship”. This document tells you the date, time and place of your citizenship ceremony. This is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen.
If you fail, all is not lost yet! You will be asked to attend an oral interview with a citizenship judge. The judge will ask questions based on the study guide. If you do not pass the interview, you can appeal to the Federal Court or start from the beginning and apply to take the test again.
Most people get through the test or interview at the first attempt. At this point, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony.
At the ceremony, you will take the oath of citizenship, sign the oath form and receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate. A citizenship judge usually presides over the ceremony.
For many individuals and families, the citizenship ceremony is the realization of a dream. Community groups are often involved in hosting the ceremonies, which take place all across the country and throughout the year. There are special ceremonies on Canada Day, during Citizenship Week and at other times of the year.
Related:
How to Become a Canadian Citizen
Take our citizenship test
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