Citizenship test and interview

The citizenship interview test in Canada is either written or takes place as an oral interview. In most cases, it is a thirty-minute written multiple-choice test. However, if you cannot read or write easily in French or English or have other barriers which may prevent you from completing the written version of the test, you will be asked to come in for a 30-90 minute citizenship interview with a Canadian citizenship officer. These interviews are usually in person, but may also take place via teleconference.

Related: Prepare for the citizenship test

During the test or the Canadian interview for citizenship, you will be asked questions to help determine your level of proficiency in French and English and to evaluate whether you know about Canadian culture, history, government, civics info, and more. Subjects which may be covered on the test include:

To get ready for your interview, you will want to:

1) Understand when and where your interview will take place: Make note of when this date is on a calendar and make sure you can attend. Set up reminders and plan to leave early with your documents so you get there on time. If you fail to show up for your interview, your application process may be delayed, so plan ahead to arrive in advance. As part of your interview, you will need to bring the originals of the documents you sent with your application as well as any travel documents or passports you had in the five years before you submitted your citizenship application.

2) Study Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. This guide is specially created by the government to help applicants prepare for the citizenship test and for becoming Canadians. The online version has written versions and an audio version you can listen to. You can even order a hard copy. If possible, study the book in an audio form whenever you can and read it often. On the printed version, make notes for yourself to better understand what you learn.

3) Practice for the test. Use Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship and create flashcards or practice examples based on what you read. Go over the material often and have friends or family quiz you on the book’s contents. Use online practice questions. If you are getting many practice questions wrong, re-read and re-study Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship until you start getting the answers correct.

You will be informed of the results of your interview on the day of the test, or sometimes by mail. If you pass, you will be sent the date and time of your citizenship ceremony, provided you meet the requirements of citizenship. If you do not pass your first test but do meet the requirements of Canadian citizenship, you will get a second chance to take the test. If you do not pass the second attempt, you will be scheduled for a citizenship interview.

If you are a permanent resident of Canada and wish to become a citizen, Immigration Direct has resources to help you apply for citizenship right from the website, with all instructions and current forms.