Not every citizenship applicant takes the test. Whether you must take it depends mainly on your age, and the date that counts is not the one many people think. This page explains the age rule in detail: who takes the test, who does not, and what still applies to people who are exempt. For all the other requirements, see Am I eligible?
The rule in one table
| Your age on the day you sign your application | Citizenship test | Proof of English or French |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Not required | Not required |
| 18 to 54 | Required (in most cases) | Required: CLB/NCLC 4 in speaking and listening |
| 55 or older | Not required | Not required |
IRCC also says that a person who asked for and received a waiver does not have to take the test. That is why IRCC writes “in most cases” for the 18 to 54 group.
Which date counts?
IRCC counts your age on the day you sign your application. It is not the day you mail or submit it, not the day you get your test invitation, and not the day of the test.
This has real effects:
- If you are 54 when you sign, you must take the test and prove your language level, even if you turn 55 before the invitation arrives.
- If you are 17 when your parent or guardian signs for you, you do not take the test, even if you are 18 by the time IRCC processes your file. For minors, IRCC counts from the date the parent or guardian signs.
- The same signing date also starts the count for your 5-year eligibility period. So the date on your signature matters for more than the test.
If you are close to a birthday that changes your group, check the dates carefully before you sign. Do not change the date on a form to fit a rule; it must be the real date you signed.
If you are 18 to 54
You must do two separate things:
- Prove your English or French when you apply, at CLB (English) or NCLC (French) level 4 or higher in speaking and listening. One way is proof that you studied in a secondary or post-secondary program in English or French, inside or outside Canada. Another is a result from an approved language test.
- Pass the citizenship test after you apply: 20 questions, at least 15 correct, in English or French. You have up to 3 attempts in your 30-day test period. There is no test in Chinese.
Language proof and the test are different things. A good language test result does not replace the citizenship test, and passing the citizenship test does not replace language proof. To prepare for the test, see Study plan and Test day.
If you are 55 or older
You do not take the test and you do not send language proof. But you are not exempt from everything:
- All the other requirements still apply, such as permanent resident status, 1,095 days of physical presence, tax filing and prohibitions.
- IRCC may still invite you to an interview. IRCC says adults 18 and older, including seniors 55 and older, may be interviewed. The interview is used to check your identity, your original documents and your eligibility.
- Most applicants, including older applicants, still attend a citizenship ceremony and take the oath. See The Oath of Citizenship.
Many families apply together: for example, parents over 55 and adult children in their 30s or 40s. In that case, the parents skip the test, but the adult children must still take it and prove their language level.
If you are under 18
Minors do not take the test or prove language. Usually a parent, legal guardian or another person who can act for the child applies for them. Minors aged 14 to 17 must also sign the application. IRCC may interview a minor aged 14 to 17 who applies without a parent applying at the same time; in that case both the minor and the person who applied for them must attend.
Common mistakes
- Counting age on the test date. The signing date is what matters.
- Thinking 55+ means no contact with IRCC. Watch your email and mail for an interview or ceremony invitation, and keep your contact details up to date.
- Assuming a family member’s exemption covers you. Each applicant’s age is checked separately.
- Mixing up language proof and the test. People aged 18 to 54 need both.
Rules can change
This page summarizes IRCC’s pages as checked in November 2026. Rules can change, and some people have special situations. Always follow the current official instructions and your own letters from IRCC, and contact IRCC if you are unsure. CitizenNow.ca is independent and not affiliated with IRCC.
Official pages: Eligibility, Language proof, How the test works, Test results and interviews.
Aged 18 to 54? Start with practice test 1 to see how much you already know.
این راهنما خلاصهای ساده است و مشاوره حقوقی نیست. قوانین و هزینهها ممکن است تغییر کنند — پیش از درخواست یا پرداخت، همیشه در وبسایت رسمی IRCC تأیید کنید.