Preparing For The Online Canadian Citizenship Test

It was in March 2020 that the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) withheld the online Canadian citizenship test because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the IRCC has introduced a virtual option for people who are on the waiting list for the citizenship tests.

If you are one among those people, you would receive an email as an invitation to take the test. The IRCC has made it clear that people who didn’t get the chance to become Canadian citizens because of the global pandemic. Continue reading the post to know more about the online Canadian citizenship test.

What to expect from the online citizenship test

The IRCC will notify the candidates who are eligible for the online test. And, the concerned authority will contact them through email. Also, you might want to wait for an in-person written test and interview procedure to resume. However, there is no set date to know when it would be available.

So, if you haven’t received the email inviting you to the online test, sit back and relax. Your chance will arrive in due time. Before conducting the tests, participants have to confirm their identity to the officials. These can be done by providing correct personal information.

You need to take a photo of yourself and all the relevant documents proving your identity using a webcam. Now, these things have to be completed before the test begins. Moreover, the online platform would take several photographs of the participants during the ongoing test.

This process ensures the integrity of the tests that shifted to the online mode because of the global pandemic. Also, you get to see a similar process on other online tests such as various admission tests and bar exams. The IRCC notifies the eligible candidates to appear for the online test by inviting them through email.

What if someone doesn’t want to take an online test?

It is a matter of personal preference to take the online citizenship test or not. And, they can opt-in for an in-person test. However, keeping given the present situation, there is very little chance of knowing the accurate date from when the test and interview might resume.

Who are eligible for the Canadian citizenship test?

To become eligible for the Canadian citizenship test, participants have to meet the following requirements.

• Should be between 18 and 54 years of age
• Need to fulfill the different criteria for the citizenship
• Applying for Canadian citizenship to retain the same

So, when will others access the citizenship test?

According to the IRCC, the officials have been working to make the citizenship program before the pandemic happened. This shows that there has been significant development and research for the sole purpose of the online testing platform. And, more should come in the upcoming weeks.

As of now, the participants invited by the IRCC can take the test online. Apart from this, the IRCC officials have indicated that the department would send invitations to more people on how to use the online platform beginning from 2021. However, the platform needs to be tested thoroughly.

Important details about the Canadian citizenship test online:

There are certain important factors that you need to know before appearing for the online test.

• Similar to the in-person test, the online test consists of 20 items. And, the participants have to answer all the questions within 30 minutes. These 20 questions mostly are multiple-choice. However, you might find some of them as true or false.
• You need to answer 15 questions correctly. Or else, you won’t pass the test.
• The participants have to undergo additional steps to confirm their identity. Several photographs of their face, ID documents, and static pictures during the test will be captured through the webcam. Also, they can see themselves taking the test through the webcam.
• The participants can take the test anytime within twenty-one days.
• When taking the citizenship test, the participants have to remain present in Canada physically. This is a must.

Other important considerations:

Because the platform is a pilot run, very few participants will be invited to take the test. After the IRCC confirms the stability of this online platform, more participants will be invited to undertake the test. However, if you have opted for an online citizenship test, or have been invited, here are some important points for you to keep in mind. That way, you can achieve success.

1. Read the instructions carefully

The foremost thing is to read the email invitation with care. That’s because, it contains all the necessary information on what to do before, during, and after completing the citizenship test. Therefore, read the instructions on the online Canadian citizenship test before heading for the examination.

Also, you need to have proper identification (ID) along with a clear photo and signature on it. This can be your driver’s license, healthcare card, or PR card (doesn’t matter if it is invalid). Take your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and a copy of your Application Number. You can find these details in your invitation email.

2. Get your device ready

When applying for the test, you would need the following:

• A tablet, laptop, or computer with a webcam. Smartphones are banned
• A stable internet connection
• Safari or Chrome web browser. However, Chrome cannot be used on iPads
• An area/ room where there is enough light

Thoroughly test these devices before the test. Make sure you have the right device and web browser. Turn off other apps while conducting the test so that you don’t get distracted. Notifications are annoying because they pop up on your screen.

That way, it can have an impact on your concentration. Make sure that the device is charged and has a power source nearby. If you face any kind of technical glitch, inform the examiner.

3. Find a well-lighted, quiet place

It is good for you to be seated in a room with enough lighting for the examiner to see you. A quiet room allows you to focus on your test. So, remove all kinds of clutter that surrounds you. Also, choose a good time when you can take the exam without hurdles. Inform your friends and housemates regarding the exam so that you can give the test without interruption.