Online citizenship test becomes default path for most Canadian citizenship applicants

Canada’s online self-administered citizenship test has effectively become the default route for most citizenship applicants, according to updated guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. IRCC says it will invite most applicants to take the test online, while alternative formats such as in-person testing or Microsoft Teams are reserved for cases where accommodations are needed.

Under the current rules, applicants usually need to take the citizenship test if they were between 18 and 54 years old on the day they signed their application. Those under 18, over 55, or granted a waiver do not normally have to take it. IRCC also says applicants get up to 3 chances to pass, and the test can be taken in either English or French.

Once invited, applicants have a 30-day window to complete the online test. It can be taken from anywhere in the world, meaning applicants do not need to be physically in Canada. However, they must use a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam, and use Chrome or Safari. IRCC says the test should not be taken on a mobile phone or while connected to a VPN.

Before starting, applicants must have identification ready, such as a permanent resident card, even if expired, or another valid photo ID with a signature. They must sign in using their application number and UCI, request the test link by email, and take photos of both their ID and themselves before beginning. During the test, the system captures random webcam images to confirm identity and ensure the applicant is working alone.

The test itself is 45 minutes long and contains 20 questions. Applicants must answer at least 15 correctly, or 75 percent, to pass. Online test-takers receive a temporary result immediately after submission, but the official result only comes after review by an IRCC officer, which may take days or even weeks.

IRCC warns that technical problems or suspected cheating can lead to a result being invalidated or a retest being ordered. If an applicant misses the first online invitation, IRCC says it will automatically send a new one with another 30-day period. But if the second invitation is missed and the applicant does not contact the department, the application may be treated as abandoned. Applicants who fail all 3 attempts are then invited to a hearing with a citizenship official.

For applicants, the practical takeaway is clear: the citizenship test is no longer something to expect mainly in person. For most people, the process now depends on being ready digitally as well as academically, from studying Discover Canada to making sure their device, webcam, email access and internet connection are all working properly before the test window opens.