Citizen interviews in Canada are written or oral exams. In most cases, this is a 30 minute written test. However, if you cannot easily read or write in French or English, or if there are other obstacles that could prevent you from completing the written version of the exam, the system will ask you to conduct a 30-90 minute interview with a Canadian citizen. These interviews are generally conducted face-to-face, but can also be conducted through conference calls.
What do I need to know to take the test?
During a Canadian citizenship test or interview, the system will ask you several questions to help you determine your level of fluency in French and English and assess your understanding of Canadian culture, history, government, citizenship, etc. The exam can cover the following topics:
The Canadian citizenship test is taken after applying for citizenship and meeting other requirements to obtain Canadian citizenship. If you apply for citizenship between the ages of 18 and 54, you generally have to take an exam, but you can prepare ahead of time to do better.
The citizenship test will assess whether you know enough about Canada. To fully participate as a citizen, you must understand your rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. You should also know the following:
- Canadian history
- Form of government
- Politics and political history
- Social and cultural history
- Symbols
Here is a great article detailing all the commonly asked questions in the test.
How can I prepare for an interview with a Canadian citizen?
To prepare for your interview, you will need:
1) Know the time and place of the interview. Put the time on the calendar for that date and make sure you can participate. Set reminders and times to pick up your files as soon as possible so you can be on time. If you don’t show up for the interview, the application process can take a long time, so plan ahead. As part of the interview, you will be asked to provide the originals of the documents sent with the application and the originals of all travel documents or passports five years before applying for citizenship.
2) Study Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship.. This guide was created specifically by the government to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test and become Canadians. It has a written audio version and an audio version. You can even request a paper version. If possible, study this book in audio format as much as possible and read it as often as possible. In the printed version, take notes to understand better what you have learned.
3) Practical exams. Use Discover Canada: Citizens’ Rights and Responsibilities and create flashcards or case studies based on what you’ve read. Browse the materials frequently and ask your friends or family to review the contents of your books. You can try this Canadian citizenship exam practice site. If the practical questions you are faced with are incorrect, re-read and study Discovering Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship until you get the correct answer.
On the day of the test:
Do not be late. Please arrive 15-30 minutes early. After the time specified in the invitation letter, entry to the examination room is prohibited. You will need to wait 2-3 weeks before your next exam. If you are unable to pass the exam due to an emergency, please contact your local IRCC office within 30 days and provide a reasonable explanation.
Read and understand the question during the test. It will take you about a minute and a half to answer each question. This time it is enough. If you encounter a difficult problem, don’t stay long. Go to the next one. After completing all the items, return to the skipped questions. Be sure to answer all questions before submitting your article.
If you fail the exam
You will be notified of your interview results on the day of the test or sometimes by email. If accepted, the date and time of the naturalization ceremony will be sent to you, provided you meet the naturalization requirements.
If you meet all the requirements for naturalization but do not pass the written exam, you will generally be transferred to the second exam within 4-8 weeks of the first, but it can sometimes take longer. If you are unable to take the exam that day, you must notify the IRCC within 30 days. The notice asking you to rewrite the test will include instructions on contacting IRCC if you cannot retake the test on the specified date.
If you do not pass the second exam, you will receive a notification from the IRCC requesting an interview with a citizenship official. The officer will speak with you for 60 to 90 minutes and ask the following:
- Your knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of Canadian citizenship;
- Your right to reside in Canada;
- Assess whether you are fluent in English or French.
