Discover Canada study notes: Applying for Citizenship

This chapter explains what happens after you apply for Canadian citizenship, who must take the citizenship test, and how to prepare. Here are the main ideas in simple English.

What this chapter is about

This short chapter explains what happens after you send your citizenship application, how the citizenship test works, and how you can get ready for it. It also tells you what happens at the citizenship ceremony, the last step before you become a Canadian citizen.

After you apply

When officials receive your application, they review it. They look at your immigration status, they make sure nothing stops you from applying (for example, a legal reason that prohibits you), and they check that you meet all the requirements for citizenship.

This review can take several months. During this time, it is your job to make sure the government Call Centre always has your current address. If you move and do not update your address, you could miss important letters about your test or ceremony.

Who must take the citizenship test

The guide explains that the Citizenship Act was changed. Since October 11, 2017, applicants who are 18 to 54 years old on the day they apply must pass a knowledge test. This rule also applies to people whose applications were already being processed at that time. Adults who are 55 or older do not have to write the test.

The test checks that you know enough about Canada and about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. You take the test in English or French.

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must also show that they know enough English or French. However, the citizenship test itself does not measure your language skills. Your language ability is checked in a separate way.

What the test looks like

• The test is usually written, but sometimes it is an interview with an official.
• It checks two basic requirements: your knowledge of Canada and of citizenship rights and responsibilities, and an adequate knowledge of English or French.
• The questions come from subject areas listed in the Citizenship Regulations, the rules that explain how the knowledge requirement is decided.
• Everything you need to know for the test is in the study guide Discover Canada. You do not need any other book.

How to prepare

The guide suggests several simple ways to get ready:

1. Study the guide carefully, chapter by chapter.
2. Practise answering questions about Canada with a friend or a family member.
3. Ask a local school or school board, a college, a community centre or an organization that helps immigrants whether they offer citizenship classes.
4. Take English or French classes. The Government of Canada offers these classes for free.

After the test

If you pass the test and you meet every other requirement, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship. This letter tells you the date, time and place of your citizenship ceremony.

If you do not pass, you will get a letter that explains what you need to do next.

The citizenship ceremony

At the ceremony you will do three things:

1. Take the Oath of Citizenship (a formal promise of loyalty to Canada and its Sovereign).
2. Sign the oath form.
3. Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate.

The ceremony is a happy day. The guide encourages you to bring family and friends to celebrate with you.

Note: The printed guide shows an older version of the Oath. Today the Oath is sworn to King Charles III, and it also mentions the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. See the next chapter for the full text.

Key facts to remember

• Officials check your status, check that you are not prohibited from applying, and check that you meet the requirements.
• Processing can take several months; keep your address up to date with the Call Centre.
• Since October 11, 2017, applicants aged 18 to 54 must pass the knowledge test.
• Applicants aged 55 and older do not write the test.
• The test is in English or French and is usually written, but can be an interview.
• The test does not measure language ability; language is assessed separately.
• Test questions are based on the Citizenship Regulations, and all answers are in Discover Canada.
• Free English and French classes are offered by the Government of Canada.
• Passing leads to a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship.
• At the ceremony: take the Oath, sign the oath form, receive the Citizenship Certificate.