Citizenship Judge Screening Process

Backgrounder

A comprehensive screening process has been established to provide the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration with qualified and competent candidates to consider for appointment to the position of citizenship judge.

The screening process uses a series of competency-based assessment tools to evaluate candidates fairly and objectively against the skills and abilities required by the position:

1. Information-seeking
2. Judgment/analytical thinking
3. Decision-making
4. Effective interactive communication
5. Cross-cultural sensitivity
6. Leadership
7. Self-confidence
8. Self-control
9. Writing Ability

Initial screening

To enter the screening process, candidates must submit their curriculum vitæ and cover letter. Please provide a cover letter which illustrates how you meet each qualification. One suitable approach is to use each screening qualification as a heading, and provide a description outlining how that qualification is met. This will be used to determine whether candidates possess the prerequisites for the position:

1. Canadian citizenship;
2. Fluency in English or French. Bilingualism is an asset;
3. Professional or volunteer achievements that demonstrate a high standard of citizenship;
4. A degree from a recognized university or equivalent professional qualification; and
5. A minimum of five years of professional experience.

Candidates who do not possess these prerequisites are screened out of the process.

Written component

Candidates who are selected for the written exam are required to provide a candidate information summary, including names of references and complete a written exam which will assess decision-making, information-seeking, leadership, and self-confidence. Written communication skills are assessed.

Candidates who do not adequately demonstrate the knowledge and competencies assessed by the written components are screened out of the process.

Oral component

Candidates invited to an oral interview will be evaluated by an Advisory Panel on their knowledge of Canada as well as judgment/analytical thinking, cross-cultural sensitivity, effective interactive communication and self-control.

Prior to the interview a reference check will be completed.

Candidates who do not adequately demonstrate the knowledge and competencies assessed by the oral components are screened out of the process.

Recommendations

The results of the written and oral components and the reference checks are provided by the Advisory Panel to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration for his/her consideration when appointments are prepared.