Getting Ready to Become a Canadian Citizen? Prepare for the Canada Citizenship Exam

The United Nations consistently ranks Canada as one of the top 10 countries in the world. Canada welcomes residents of other countries to become temporary or permanent residents. The government has specific requirements that applicants must meet before becoming a Canadian citizen. The application process for Canadian citizenship involves the following criteria:

Permanent Residency Requirement

You must be a permanent resident of Canada for a minimum of three years before applying for citizenship. Applicants must be over the age of 18. Parents can apply for children who are underage. The permanent residency portion of the application process can be complicated but is simplified by working with an RCIC who has government authorization to handle the application paperwork.

To gain permanent Canadian residence, you must use one of the authorized immigration programs. Canada has more than 100 options available, and each is unique. For example, a person may apply for citizenship if they own a business based in Canada.

Naturalization

The naturalization process requires you to have spent at least three of the last five years in Canada, equivalent to 1095 days. The time doesn’t have to be consecutive, but you must provide proof of income tax obligations within the five years before applying to be a naturalized citizen. All income taxes must be paid in full.

Temporary residency can count toward the requirements. However, if you are a:

• Refugee
• Student
• Visitor

The time is counted as half days, and only 365 days may be applied toward residency requirements.

Canadian Citizenship Application

The forms to apply for Canadian citizenship are on the official website, Canada.ca. You can also get the application from an immigration office. All the documents must be filled out correctly and must be submitted with all legal, supporting documents and the required payment. When you receive notification that you’re eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must prove you’re proficient in English or French. Proof that you’ve studied French or English or results of language tests are acceptable. Adults over 54 and children under 18 don’t have to complete a written test.

Canadian Citizenship Test

When all the necessary documents have been submitted, a time and date are given for the citizenship test. Applicants must answer questions about the government, history, geography, culture, and facts about Canada. To become a citizen, you must have an interview with an immigration official or a hearing with a judge. If an applicant fails the exam twice, a citizenship interview may be scheduled as an alternative to the written exam.

Citizenship Ceremony

The Citizenship Ceremony is a special event to celebrate becoming a Canadian citizen. At the ceremony, the applicants sing the Canadian National Anthem and say the Oath of Citizenship to Canada in French or English.

Canadian Citizenship Examination

The Canada citizenship exam is the requirement to ensure you have a comprehension of Canada. Applicants for citizenship are tested in the following areas:

• Canadian Political/Physical Geography
• Culture and Social History
• Form of Government
• History of Canada
• Political History
• Symbols of Canada

Canada Citizenship Exam Questions

The citizenship exam asks questions about a variety of topics, including the politics, history, and culture of Canada. The questions can vary from one exam to another. These are some of the representative questions you may find on your citizenship test.

Canada’s Aboriginal People

1. Where did Canada’s aboriginal people come from?
2. What symbols are influenced by the aboriginal culture?
3. What is the most influential aboriginal group in Canada?
4. What are Canada’s primary aboriginal groups?

Canadian Government

1. How often are national elections in Canada held?
2. Who is the Prime Minister of Canada?
3. What is Canada’s system of government?
4. What are the Houses of Parliament?

Canada’s Culture and History

1. What is the most popular sport in Canada?
2. What is the largest province in Canada?
3. What is the title of the Canadian National Anthem?
4. What are Canada’s official languages?

Canada’s Geography

1. What is the southernmost city in Canada?
2. What country is on Canada’s western border?
3. What are the names of Canada’s provinces?
4. What are the oceans that border Canada?

Exam Preparation

1. You must know the responsibilities and rights of a Canadian citizen.
2. Take sufficient time to study.
3. Official study guides are an excellent resource.
4. The Government of Canada website has all the relevant information you need to know about citizenship.

If one of your parents was a Canadian citizen when you were born, you might already be a citizen. If you served in the Canadian military, the process for citizenship might take less time.