There have been long delays in all immigration cases since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are now seeing faster progress, and more applicants are being invited to write the Canadian Citizenship Test. This article explains more about the Citizenship Test, what kind of questions are on the Test, and what happens after you take the Test.
You should note that due to the pandemic, all Citizenship Tests have been moved online for the time-being. Most retests, interviews, and hearings have been moved online as well.
What is the Citizenship Test?
Everyone applying for Citizenship between the ages of 18 and 54 years will need to write the Citizenship Test.
The Citizenship Test duration is 30 minutes, and consists of 20 questions. The Test has both multiple choice and true or false questions. The Canadian Citizenship Test pass mark is 15/20, or 75%. It asks questions about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, as well as the history, geography, government, economy, laws, and symbols of Canada. It does not test your English or French skills. Keep reading for some Citizenship Test example questions.
How Can I Prepare for the Citizenship Test?
To prepare for the Citizenship Test, you will have to read the Government of Canada’s Study Guide, titled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. This 68-page booklet is free and available to download or read online. There is an audio MP3 version of the Canadian Citizenship Test Study Guide if you’d prefer to listen to it. You can also order your own hardcopy from the Government website.
Every answer to a question can be found in the Canadian Citizenship Test Guide.
Can you pass a Canadian Citizenship Test?
Our office is often asked: Is the Canadian Citizenship Test hard? What kind of questions are on the Test?
Here are some Citizenship Test practice questions:
1) Rights and Responsibilities of Canadians:
- What are the two principles upon which Canada is founded?
- Name 6 responsibilities of Citizenship
- What is the Magna Carta?
2) History and Geography:
- Approximately how many Canadians served in the First World War?
- Where does the name ‘Canada’ come from?
- On what date did Nunavut become a territory?
- What three oceans border Canada?
- How many provinces does Canada have?
- What European country secured Canada as a colony?
3) Government and Laws:
- Name all the federal political parties in the House of Commons and their leaders
- What is a majority government?
- What is habeas corpus?
- How often do citizens vote in national elections?
4) Economy and Symbols:
- In what industry do most Canadians work?
- What does the Canadian Coat of Arms and motto, “A Mari Usque Ad Mare”, mean?
- Who is Canada’s largest trading partner?
- What is the name of the Canadian national anthem?
5) Aboriginal Peoples:
- What are Canada’s three main Aboriginal groups?
- What national symbols have been influenced by the culture of Aboriginal peoples?
- How did Aboriginal peoples enter the country now known as Canada?
While the Citizenship Test is usually in written form, sometimes the test is administered orally instead. Sometimes the Test is conducted orally if you do not have strong English or French language skills or are re-taking the Test for the 2nd or 3rd time. Officials may also randomly change your Test to an oral one on the day of.
What Happens After I Take the Citizenship Test?
After your Test, you will be scheduled for an interview with a citizenship official. In this interview, the official will verify your application and documents, and ensure that you meet the requirements to obtain Canadian citizenship. If you are between the ages of 18 and 54, they will check your language skills and give you your Citizenship Test results.
If you meet the requirements for citizenship, including having passed the Test, you will receive a citizenship ceremony date.
What Happens If I Fail the Citizenship Test?
If you did not answer 15 of 20 questions correctly, then you did not pass the Citizenship Test. If you meet all the other requirements, you will be asked to take the Test a 2nd time.
Applicants often wonder how many times can I fail the citizenship test? If you fail the 2nd test, you will be scheduled to attend a hearing with a citizenship official. The official can use this hearing to assess the requirements for citizenship, including things like your knowledge of Canada and language skills.
If you do not pass the test after the 3rd try, your application will be refused. If you are still interested in obtaining citizenship, you will have to re-apply.
We can help you with your Canadian Citizenship application
A qualified and experienced immigration lawyer can help if you are applying for citizenship. Consulting with an immigration lawyer is particularly important to ensure that you are in fact qualified to apply, and to make sure that your application is prepared, filed and processed properly. Fill out our free assessment form to see if you qualify.
At the Law Office of Matthew Jeffery, we have years of experience assisting with the entire citizenship process from start to finish. We are experts in successfully assisting our clients in navigating Canada’s complex immigration system. CONTACT US today to learn more about how we can assist you in applying for citizenship.
Free Citizenship Application Assessment Form
We have years of experience assisting applicants with their citizenship application. See if you qualify. We can help you with your Canadian Citizenship Application
