What Is The Canadian Citizenship Written Test Like?
If you’re an immigrant and want to become a Canadian citizen, you’re required to pass a written Canadian citizenship test. There are a lot of different requirements. One of the requirements is that you should be between 18 and 54 years old to take the test. It’s done in English and French as well. It’s designed to check whether you have enough knowledge of Canada’s geography and values, and it helps determine whether you understand the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen.
For the Canadian citizenship written test, you’re given a maximum of 30 minutes to answer 20 questions. You have to get 15 correct; five wrong answers are allowed. You don’t come up with your own answers during the test; they’re multiple-choice questions. You get to choose from 4 answers, in which you pick the best one. However, for the true/false questions, you choose from only two answers.
Before taking your Canadian Citizenship Written test, you have to wait for the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to send you a letter informing you when you’ll be taking the test and also where. If you don’t make it to the test, then you have to notify the IRCC. You have to do this by writing a letter of explanation using this website. Depending on different criteria, the IRCC decides whether the test will be written or oral. The time it takes between submitting your application and when you do the test depends on the IRCC.
Things to remember when going to do the test
When you go for the test, you should ensure you bring all your required documents. Being on time is essential since you won’t do the test that day if you’re late. To save time, be sure to know how you can get to the test location. Also, find out how long it takes for you to arrive at the location. This will reduce your chances of being late.
If you have children, you should be aware that you won’t be allowed to go into the test room with family and friends. You should arrange for childcare if you have to leave your children as you do the test. Or you can have your family and friends wait for you in the waiting area with your kids if you have any. Nonetheless, it’s always a better choice not to go with anyone when you’re going to do the test since it takes a couple of hours until you’re done.
What to expect on arrival at the test center
Everyone who’ll be doing the test has to go through a verification process before going in to take the actual written test. The verification is conducted through an interview with a Citizenship officer. This means you’ll be there for a few hours during the test. How fast you finish the test or how long you wait will depend on how many people are scheduled to have the test on the same day as you. The number of officers who are on duty at that time is also another factor.
When you arrive, it’s mandatory to present the test notice given by the government. You wait in the waiting area until you’re called to an office with a Citizenship officer. Afterward, they conduct an informal interview for 10-30 minutes. You’ll be asked some questions, necessary documents, and a passport. They check the travel history on your passport.
Rules in the test room
Afterward, you go to the test room, where you’re provided with pre-sharpened pencils. You have to turn off all your electronic devices. You shouldn’t carry food and water with you since it’s prohibited. You should maintain silence and try not to look at other people’s test sheets. Doing so might make you fail.
For each applicant, they provide unique questions. Then, the staff will take you through the process. Use the pencil provided to select your answers. After you’re done, head to the waiting area and remain there. The result is given right after the application.
If you meet all the requirements needed to become a citizen, and you also pass the test, then you’ll be given a ceremony date, or it’s sent to you via mail. The ceremony typically happens six months after your test. It involves taking an oath of citizenship and getting your citizenship certificate.
If you fail the test
In case you meet all the other requirements and only fail the test, you will be scheduled for another test 4 to 8 weeks later. Once you’re done with your second test, you’ll follow the same instructions. If you aren’t able to make it for the second test, you should inform the IRCC. If you also fail the second test, you’ll have to be interviewed by a citizenship officer for approximately 90 minutes. They’ll be oral questions, and they’ll be motoring your French and English skills.