After you submit a citizenship application, officials review your file, you prepare for and take the citizenship test, and — if you pass — you are invited to a citizenship ceremony. There you take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate.
After you applySubmitting Your Application
Officials handling your citizenship application confirm your status, make sure nothing prohibits you from applying, and check that you meet the requirements. Expect processing to take several months.
Remember this
- Keep your correct address on file with the Call Centre for as long as your application is in process.
- Contact details for the Call Centre are published on canada.ca.
PreparationGetting Ready for the Test
Work through these notes, then practise. Asking a friend or family member to quiz you on questions about Canada is a good way to check what has stuck.
Citizenship classes can also be found by calling a school or school board nearby, a college, a community centre, or a local organization serving immigrants. For your language skills, take English or French classes — the Government of Canada provides them free of charge.
The examAbout the Citizenship Test
Usually the citizenship test is written, though it may take the form of an interview. Two basic requirements are examined: adequate knowledge of English or French, and knowledge of Canada together with the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Every test question draws on the subject areas set out in the Citizenship Regulations, which also explain how your ability to meet the knowledge-of-Canada requirement is assessed.
Remember this
- Applicants aged 55 and over are not required to write the citizenship test.
After the testResults and the Ceremony
Pass the test and satisfy the other requirements, and a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship will arrive giving the date, time and place of your ceremony. Fail it, and a notification will set out what comes next.
Pass the test and meet all requirements, then receive your Notice to Appear.
At the ceremony, take the Oath of Citizenship.
Sign the oath form.
Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate.
You are encouraged to bring your family and friends to celebrate the occasion.
Now put it to the test
You've read the guide. Try 16 practice questions on Applying for Citizenship — one at a time, with instant feedback on every answer.