Getting Started

Applying for Citizenship

Learn the process, eligibility checks, interview expectations, and what happens after the test and oath.

Applying for Citizenship

Key takeaways

  • When you apply for citizenship, officials will check your status, verify that you are not prohibited from applying, and ensure that you meet the requirements.
  • Please ensure that the Call Centre always has your correct address while your application is being processed.
  • 7 Discover Canada Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Af TeR The TeST If you pass the test and meet all the other requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship.
  • This document tells you the date, time and place of your citizenship ceremony.
  • At the ceremony, you will: • Take the Oath of Citizenship; • Sign the oath form; and • Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate.

Study guide reading

When you apply for citizenship, officials will check your status, verify that you are not prohibited from applying, and ensure that you meet the requirements. Your application may take several months. Please ensure that the Call Centre always has your correct address while your application is being processed. See page 54 for telephone numbers. 7 Discover Canada Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Af TeR The TeST If you pass the test and meet all the other requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship. This document tells you the date, time and place of your citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you will: • Take the Oath of Citizenship; • Sign the oath form; and • Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate. If you do not pass the test, you will receive a notification indicating the next steps. Applying for Citizenship 6 Citizens take the oath hOW TO USe ThiS bOOkle T TO pRepARe fOR The CiTizeNShip TeST This booklet will help you prepare for the citizenship test. You should: • Study this guide; • Ask a friend or family member to help you practise answering questions about Canada; • Call a local school or school board, a college, a community centre or a local organization that provides services to immigrants and ask for information on citizenship classes; • Take English or French language classes, which the Government of Canada offers free of charge. AbOUT The CiTizeNShip TeST The citizenship test is usually a written test, but it could be an interview. You will be tested on two basic requirements for citizenship: 1) knowledge of Canada and of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and 2) adequate knowledge of English or French. Adult applicants 55 years of age and over do not need to write the citizenship test. The Citizenship Regulations provide information on how your ability to meet the knowledge of Canada requirement is determined. Information about this requirement can be found on page 64 of the study guide. All the citizenship test questions are based on the subject areas noted in the Citizenship Regulations, and all required information is provided in this study guide. You are encouraged to bring your family and friends to celebrate this occasion.

When you apply for citizenship, officials will check your status, verify that you are not prohibited from applying, and ensure that you meet the requirements. Your application may take several months. Please ensure that the Call Centre always has your correct address while your application is being processed. See page 54 for telephone numbers. 7 Discover Canada Your Canadian Citizenship Study Guide Af TeR The TeST If you pass the test and meet all the other requirements, you will receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship. This document tells you the date, time and place of your citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you will: • Take the Oath of Citizenship; • Sign the oath form; and • Receive your Canadian Citizenship Certificate. If you do not pass the test, you will receive a notification indicating the next steps. Applying for Citizenship 6 Citizens take the oath hOW TO USe ThiS bOOkle T TO pRepARe fOR The CiTizeNShip TeST This booklet will help you prepare for the citizenship test. You should: • Study this guide; • Ask a friend or family member to help you practise answering questions about Canada; • Call a local school or school board, a college, a community centre or a local organization that provides services to immigrants and ask for information on citizenship classes; • Take English or French language classes, which the Government of Canada offers free of charge. AbOUT The CiTizeNShip TeST The citizenship test is usually a written test, but it could be an interview. You will be tested on two basic requirements for citizenship: 1) knowledge of Canada and of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and 2) adequate knowledge of English or French. Adult applicants 55 years of age and over do not need to write the citizenship test. The Citizenship Regulations provide information on how your ability to meet the knowledge of Canada requirement is determined. Information about this requirement can be found on page 64 of the study guide. All the citizenship test questions are based on the subject areas noted in the Citizenship Regulations, and all required information is provided in this study guide. You are encouraged to bring your family and friends to celebrate this occasion.

Quick check

What is one basic requirement for becoming a Canadian citizen? Adequate knowledge of Canada
What happens if you pass the citizenship test and meet all other requirements? You receive a Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship
Why should immigration officials always have your correct address while your application is being processed? So they can send important notices
What ceremony formally makes an applicant a Canadian citizen? The Oath of Citizenship ceremony
What must many applicants between ages 18 and 54 show as part of the process? Adequate knowledge of English or French

Your notes

Create an account to save study notes and track your progress.