FAQ Canadian Citizenship
What are the requirements to apply for Canadian citizenship?
You must meet different requirements to apply for citizenship depending on your situation. Are you:
- An adult (18 years of age or older) permanent resident of Canada applying for yourself or your minor (under 18) child.
- A current or former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) applying under the fast-track process.
- Someone who used to be a Canadian citizen, including current and former CAF members, and wants to get your Canadian citizenship back.
- A Canadian applying for citizenship for their adopted child who was born outside Canada.
There are not special requirements for spouses of Canadian citizens to apply for citizenship. Spouses of Canadians must meet the same requirements as other adults. You do not automatically become a citizen when you marry a Canadian.
I already have a citizenship application in process. How will the 2015 changes to the citizenship legislation affect my application?
If your citizenship application was deemed to be complete and received (by IRCC) before June 11, 2015, the new residence requirements and expanded age groups for language and knowledge testing do not affect your application or the applications of any associated minors. However, some situations could prevent you from being granted citizenship regardless of when you apply, including misrepresenting yourself, criminal offences abroad and any unfulfilled conditions attached to your status as a permanent resident.
How much does it cost to apply for Canadian citizenship?
Fees for adults and children under 18 are available on IRCC Website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp#citizenship
Is the citizenship test difficult?
The citizenship test covers the range of topics and subjects found in the citizenship study guide entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. You should study this guide to prepare for the test. On the test, you can expect to see questions that ask about:
- Facts and ideas presented in Discover Canada;
- Your understanding of Canada’s history, symbols, institutions and values; and
- The rights, responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
Does the study guide have sample questions to help me prepare for the citizenship test?
I am a citizen of another country. Will I lose that citizenship if I become a Canadian?
After I apply for citizenship, how long will it be before I am asked to write the citizenship test?
The time between submitting your application and writing the citizenship test can vary from one case to the next and depends on the processing times. When IRCC begins processing your application, they will mail you a letter telling you this. Later, you will be mailed a notice telling you the time and location of your test. This is your official confirmation that you will be taking the citizenship test. You can also check the Client Application Status service, which will tell you when we mailed letters or notices to you. If you move to a new address, you must inform IRCC. You can update your address online.
Can I reschedule my citizenship test if I cannot attend it?
When do I know if I passed the citizenship test?
What happens if I fail the written citizenship test?
If you do not pass the written test, but you meet the other criteria for citizenship, IRCC will schedule you for a second test. The second test will usually take place 4-8 weeks after your first test, but the delay may be longer. If you are not available to take the test on that date, you must let IRCC know. If you do not pass the second test, you will be sent a notice telling you to appear for a hearing with a citizenship officer. During this hearing, the citizenship officer may assess whether you meet all the requirements for citizenship. During an oral interview, the citizenship officer may:
- Test your knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship;
- Ask questions about your residency in Canada; and/or
- Assess if you have adequate knowledge of English or French.
If you are asked to attend an interview, but applied for citizenship with your family by sending your applications in the same envelope, your application will be processed separately from your family’s unless you want them to be processed together.
What if I cannot attend my hearing with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge? Can I reschedule it?
Yes. If you are not available on the date and time to meet with a citizenship officer or a citizenship judge as part of your application for citizenship, you can schedule a new date and time. The notice asking you to appear will contain the details of:
- How to schedule a new appointment;
- What will happen if you do not attend the meeting.
What happens after the hearing with a citizenship officer to test my knowledge of Canada?
The hearing will last 30 to 90 minutes. At the hearing, the citizenship officer will ask you questions orally to see if you meet the conditions of citizenship, including knowledge of Canada. After your hearing, we will send you a letter with the results. If you passed the interview, the letter will tell you the date of your citizenship ceremony. Not passing the interview will cause your application for citizenship to be refused. For further information, contact us.
