Canada is a very popular country for individuals to move, with about 7.3 million immigrants, which equates to nearly 21 percent of the nation’s total population.
With that being said, certain requirements exist in order for an immigrant to become a naturalized Canadian citizen. In general, one has to be at least 18 years of age, have permanent resident status, have adequate knowledge in either French or English, and be free from legal troubles. One also has to have been present in Canada during a 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. 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 it tests what you know about Canada. On occasion, an oral interview with a citizenship officer is required.
Preparation
The first step of preparing for your citizenship test lies in setting an appointment. A day and time will be automatically chosen for you soon after you sign up, but if this time and date doesn’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
Make sure to 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, make sure that you got a good night’s sleep and that you eat prior to 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 then and there, they will mail you a letter with the date and time of your ceremony.
As for the ceremony itself, it will usually take 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 rather simply 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 has gone up in recent years. (In 2010, the failure rate was around 20 percent.)
Nevertheless, if one studies and is truly intent on becoming a Canadian citizen, they should be able to pass the test without dilemma. Unlike many tests, failing once is not the end of the world.
Canadian Citizenship Test
