- An applicant must answer at least 15 of the 20 Canadian citizenship test questions correctly
- The test may be retaken
- The questions for the test are based on a booklet called Discover Canada.
Are you planning to migrate to Canada? Then, you must be prepared for a Canadian citizenship test. Here is what you can expect from the test.
Why Migrate to Canada?
Before you take the Canadian citizenship test, let us understand why Canada is one of the best countries to migrate:
Canada is a beautiful country with a number of renowned universities, plenty of job opportunities and warm people. It’s no surprise to know then that many people from around the world choose to become Canadian citizens through naturalization. Read on to find out more about how to become a Canadian citizen.

Immigrant Population in Canada
According to a survey conducted in 2011, 15.8% of Canada’s population were citizens by naturalization. Unlike its neighbor, the USA, it is not very difficult to become a citizen in Canada.
It is important t note that Canada supports dual citizenship. In 2011, a little over 85.6% of immigrants eligible for citizenship were naturalized. Within Canada, Ontario had the highest eligible immigrant population.
The Foreign-born Population in Canada by Country of Origin (2016)
Asia | Europe | Caribbean and Latin America | Africa | British Isles | USA | Oceana |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
48% | 21% | 12% | 9% | 7% | 3% | 1% |
How to Become a Canadian Citizen
If you have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days out of the last 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship. During these 5 years, you should have also filed taxes for at least 3 years and paid all income tax owed to the government. You should also be able to speak, read and write English or French.
If you meet the above conditions, you may fill out the application for citizenship and submit it to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. Applications for your spouse and children may also be submitted at the same time.
This must be accompanied by all the required supporting documents and proof of having paid the application fee. If your application is accepted, you will need to take the citizenship test. This is applicable to all applicants between the age of 18 and 54 years.
The Canadian Citizenship Test
The Canadian citizenship test is usually a written test but in some cases, it may be conducted orally. In the case of the latter, it will be part of the interview with the citizenship officer. This test consists of 20 multiple choice questions of which at least 15 must be answered correctly.
Applicants have 30 minutes to complete the test. This test is designed to test the applicant’s knowledge about life in Canada and the applicant’s knowledge of English or French. It covers:
- Rights and duties of a Canadian citizen
- Canadian history
- Canadian politics
- Canadian political and physical geography
- Questions related to the applicant’s region
The questions for the test are based on a 63-page booklet called Discover Canada. This is available online. Here’s a sample of the type of questions you could expect.
Q1. What province in Canada is known for its Celtic and Gaelic traditions?
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
Correct Answer: Nova Scotia
Q2. Which of the options is NOT true with respect to the Head of State’s role?
- He/she is the guardian of the Constitution’s freedoms
- He/she is a reflection of Canada’s history
- He/she has an important non-partisan role
- He/she directs the government
Correct Answer: The Head of State directs the government
Q3. Sir Louis-Hippolyte La Fontaine was:
- The author of the phrase Dominion of Canada
- The first Prime Minister of Canada
- The first head/leader of a responsible government in Canada in 1849
- The Father of the Confederation from New Brunswick
Correct Answer: The first head/leader of a responsible government in Canada in 1849
Q4. Who is Canada’s Head of State?
- The Prime Minister
- The Governor General
- The Lt. Governor
- The Sovereign
Correct Answer: The Sovereign
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a provincial/territorial responsibility?
- Education
- Property and civil rights
- Health
- Foreign policy
Correct Answer: Foreign Policy
Q6. Where is the majority of immigrants to Canada come from?
- Scotland
- The United States
- Asia
- England
Correct Answer: Asia
Q7. How are the Senators chosen?
- They are appointed by Lt. Governors
- They are elected by Canadian citizens
- They are chosen by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General
- They are appointed by the Sovereign
Correct Answer: They are chosen by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor General
Q8. How many Canadians died in World War II?
- 6,000
- 44,000
- 60,000
- 110,000
Correct Answer: 44,000
Q9. Where do most Métis live?
- In the Atlantic Provinces
- In Central Canada
- In the Prairie Provinces
- In Quebec
Correct Answer: In the Prairie Provinces
Q10. Name 4 rights mentioned in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom
- Mobility rights, Right to Vote, Aboriginal People’s rights, Freedom to Disobey the Law
- Mobility rights, Official Language Rights, Aboriginal People’s Rights, Multiculturalism
- Mobility rights, Right to life, Official Language Rights, Right to a University Education
- Mobility rights, Right to Vote, Right to buy property, Multiculturalism Rights
Correct Answer: Mobility rights, Official Language Rights, Aboriginal People’s Rights, and Multiculturalism
After the Canadian Citizen Test
Most applicant’s clear this test. However, if an applicant does not clear the test on their first attempt, he/she may retake the test. If they still fail to clear the test, they will have a 15-20 minute interview with a citizenship judge who will ask the applicant another set of 20 questions.
These may be multiple choice questions, true or false questions or explanatory questions and answers. Based on the answers given to these questions, the Judge will decide whether or not to give the applicant citizenship.
On the other hand, if the applicant clears the test, he or she will be invited to participate in a citizenship ceremony within the next 6 months. At the ceremony, the applicant must take the citizenship oath after which he or she will be given a citizenship certificate.
Also See
- Canadian Job Opportunities For Chefs – The Job Market And Opportunities
- How to Apply for Canada Student Visa
- How to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa
- Asian Immigrants in Canada – Interesting Facts
- Types Of Canadian Visa – The Complete List
- Increase in the Number of Indians Applying for Canadian Citizenship
- Canada Skilled Worker – How to Migrate to Canada as One?
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