If you are a permanent resident between the ages of 18 and 54, you will need to take the citizenship test to become a Canadian citizen. The test demonstrates your knowledge about Canada. Some individuals may be asked to attend a citizenship interview.
Key Benefits of Citizenship
A permanent resident who is eligible to become a citizen will likely want to get citizenship sooner rather than later. Here’s why:
1. Security: Citizens need not fear deportation, which is not the case for permanent residents. There is no need to fear losing your status if you don’t meet residency requirements. No more renewing your PR card.
2. Travel: A Canadian passport allows one to travel to over 160 countries without requiring a visa. As such, a Canadian passport is one of the most powerful in the world. When traveling, you can receive consular support at Canadian embassies/consulates around the world should you lose your passport or require help in an emergency.
3. Employment: As a citizen, you can apply for jobs that may require higher-level security clearance and government positions.
4. Voting: Only citizens can vote in Canada’s federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
5. Public service: As a citizen, you can get involved in politics and run for office if you are interested.
(source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports.html)
Overview of the Test
The test typically takes about 30 minutes and includes questions about the following:
- → citizens’ rights, freedoms and responsibilities
- → democracy
- → Canadian society and how to participate
- → physical and political geography of Canada
- → Canadian social and cultural history and symbols
- → political and military history of Canada
Test Preparation
Read the official guide
The most reliable place to begin your study preparation is the official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship. The guide can be download as a PDF here.
If you prefer, you can download and listen to the audio version of the guide (approx 3 hours). All the official test preparation resources are provided by the government for free.
Practice the test questions
Want to see if you’re ready? Try a few sample test questions. Other online resources may be helpful, but be careful to go only with trusted resources. For example, many Canadian public libraries have assembled practice tests:
- → Toronto Public Library’s practice test here
- → BC’s Richmond Public Library Canadian Practice Citizenship Test here
Attend a preparation session
If you would benefit from group studying, many organizations offer sessions that cover the test material and help you practice. For example, Toronto Public Library offers an ongoing six-session series on Canadian Citizenship Test Preparation. You can check their page for registration information.
(source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/discover-canada.html)
