Study Guide – Discover Canada
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

Applying for Citizenship

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.

How to use this booklet 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) adequate knowledge of English or French, and 2) knowledge of Canada and of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Adult applicants 55 years of age and over do not need to write the citizenship test.

All the citizenship test questions are based on information provided in this study guide. You will be asked about facts and ideas presented in the guide. You will be required to successfully answer questions on the following topics:

• The rights and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen (including the right to vote in elections, the right to run for elected office in Canada and voting procedures);
• Canada’s government and social, cultural and political history; and
• Canada’s geography.

After 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.

You are encouraged to bring your family and friends to celebrate this occasion.

 

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