Canada is a highly desirable destination for individuals to relocate to, with approximately 7.3 million immigrants, accounting for nearly 21 percent of the nation’s total population.
With that being said, specific requirements exist for an immigrant to become a naturalized Canadian citizen. Generally, one must be at least 18 years of age, have permanent resident status, possess adequate knowledge of either French or English, and be free from any legal issues. One must also have been present in Canada for the majority of the previous six years.
In addition to all of these requirements, any immigrant applying for Canadian citizenship must pass the Canadian Citizenship Test. You can take our free Canadian citizenship practice test to prepare yourself.
This article will explain what the test is, along with how to pass it with flying colors.
Who Has to Take the Test and What’s On It
Everyone between the ages of 14 and 64 who meets the basic conditions for citizenship must take the Canadian Citizenship Test.
The test is usually in written form and assesses your knowledge of Canada. On occasion, an oral interview with a citizenship officer is required.
Preparation
The first step in preparing for your citizenship test is to set an appointment. A day and time will be automatically chosen for you soon after you sign up, but if this time and date don’t work for you, you can contact the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada), and they will reschedule you.
Once you have a date set, it’s time to hit the books! Fortunately, the CIC’s official study guide, titled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, contains all of the questions that could be on your exam.
What to Bring With You to the Test
Please bring the documents sent with your original application to the testing center. Also, bring your passport and any travel documents that you may have used in the previous four years.
Although it may seem obvious, ensure that you get a good night’s sleep and eat before taking the test.
After the Test
Immediately after you complete the test, you will get your results. This can be convenient, but also nerve-racking.
If you have passed the exam– and have met all of the other requirements for citizenship– the CIC may give you a ceremony date along with your results. If you don’t receive the ceremony date immediately, they will mail you a letter with the date and time of your ceremony.
As for the ceremony itself, it typically takes place within six months of passing the test. At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Citizenship and get a citizenship certificate.
If you don’t pass, but meet the other requirements for citizenship, you will be able to take a retry. If you don’t pass on the second attempt, you will have to meet with a citizenship officer and partake in an interview.
During the 30 to 90 minute interview, you will be asked orally the same questions as on the written test. This oral test isn’t intended to make you fail, but instead to demonstrate your knowledge of Canada and its traditions and history.
Conclusion
The Canadian Citizenship Test used to have a failure rate of around 4 percent, although this rate has increased in recent years. (In 2010, the failure rate was around 20 percent.)
Nevertheless, if one studies and is genuinely intent on becoming a Canadian citizen, they should be able to pass the test without difficulty. Unlike many tests, failing once is not the end of the world.