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
When you apply for citizenship, officials will check your status, verify that you are not prohibited from applying, and ensure that you meet the requirements. Processing your application may take several months.
Remember this
- Make sure the Call Centre always has your correct address while your application is being processed.
- Telephone numbers are listed in the Important Contacts section at the back of the guide.
PreparationGetting Ready for the Test
This booklet will help you prepare for the citizenship test. Study the guide, and ask a friend or family member to help you practise answering questions about Canada.
You can also seek out citizenship classes by calling a local school or school board, a college, a community centre, or a local organization that provides services to immigrants. To strengthen your language skills, take English or French language classes, which the Government of Canada offers free of charge.
The examAbout the Citizenship Test
The citizenship test is usually a written test, but it could be an interview. It checks two basic requirements: your knowledge of Canada and of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and an adequate knowledge of English or French.
All test questions are based on the subject areas noted in the Citizenship Regulations, and all required information is provided in this study guide. The Regulations explain how your ability to meet the knowledge-of-Canada requirement is determined.
Remember this
- Adult applicants 55 years of age and over do not need to write the citizenship test.
After the testResults and the Ceremony
If you pass the test and meet all the other requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship, telling you the date, time, and place of your ceremony. If you do not pass, you will receive a notification indicating the next steps.
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.