Who is Eligible

Individuals who are between the ages of 14 and 64 and meet the eligibility requirements for citizenship need to take the citizenship test. Also, those individuals applying to retain their citizenship are required to take the Canada citizenship test.

How to Apply

Applicants eligible for Canadian citizenship will be required to pass the citizenship test as part of the citizenship process.

The test is generally written, but you could be requested to come to an interview with a citizenship judge.

The test evaluates two things:

1. Knowledge of Canada
2. Language abilities

1. Knowledge of Canada

Individuals will be asked questions on subjects such as:

• Right to vote and right to run for elected office.
• Procedures related to elections.
• Rights and responsibilities of a citizen.
• Canadian social and cultural history and symbols.
• Canadian political history (including the political system and institutions).
• Canadian physical and political geography.

2. Language abilities

The citizenship knowledge test and your communication with CIC staff will be used to assess if you have adequate ability to communicate in either English or French. CIC staff will witness your:

• ability to understand basic spoken statements and questions, and
• ability to communicate basic information or respond to questions.

For example, as part of your communication with CIC departmental staff or as part of the written test or at your interview with a citizenship judge, you will be expected to:

• answer simple questions on familiar topics, using short sentences;
• show that you know enough words for basic everyday communication;
• tell a simple story about everyday activities;
• speak about something you did in the past (or will do in the future);
• give simple everyday instructions and directions; and
• express satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

For more information on passing the Canadian citizenship test, http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/citizenship/cit-test.asp