Test day: how the online citizenship test works

Most adults who apply for Canadian citizenship take the test online, on their own computer, in a private place they choose. Knowing exactly what happens on the day takes away much of the stress. This guide walks through the process as IRCC describes it and ends with a checklist. Your own invitation is what counts: if anything in it differs from this page, follow the invitation.

1. The invitation and the 30-day window

When your application reaches the right stage, IRCC emails you an invitation to the test. The invitation opens a 30-day test period. There is no fixed appointment: you choose when to sit the test inside that window. Don’t leave it to the last few days. If something goes wrong, you want time to sort it out, and all of your attempts have to fit inside the same period.

Check your spam folder and add the sender to your safe senders list so IRCC’s emails reach you. When you are ready, you request your test link. The link expires after a short time, so only request it when you are ready to start.

2. Technical checks before the day

• Use a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a working webcam. A mobile phone is not accepted, and IRCC lists some device and browser combinations that do not work (for example, Chrome on an iPad).
• Use Chrome or Safari, updated to a recent version.
• Use a reliable internet connection and turn off any VPN.
• Close every other tab, window and program. If you have trouble signing in, try turning off browser extensions.
• Plug in your device or make sure it is fully charged.

Do these checks a day or two before the test, not five minutes before.

3. Identity photos

Before the questions begin, the system asks you to take a photo of your face and a photo of your identification. You can use your permanent resident card (even if it has expired) or another valid ID that shows your photo and signature, such as a driver’s licence or a provincial health card. Check that both photos are clear before you approve them: once the test starts, you cannot retake them. Sit facing a light source so your face is easy to see.

4. During the test

The test has 20 questions and you have 45 minutes. Once the timer starts, it cannot be paused. You get a warning when 5 minutes remain, and the test is submitted automatically when time runs out.

Your webcam monitors you for the whole test and takes photos at random moments. IRCC compares these with your pre-test photos and your application photos to confirm that it is you and that you are working alone.

What is not allowed

• Anyone else in the room, or anyone helping you in any way, in person or remotely.
• Notes, books, printouts, Discover Canada, or this website.
• Phones, second screens or any other device.
• Opening other tabs or programs, or using the browser’s back button.
• Moving to another place: stay where you took your pre-test photos, with your face fully visible.
• Leaving papers or items that show personal information visible in the background.

Choose a quiet room where you will not be interrupted, and tell the people you live with when you will be testing. If IRCC sees technical problems or signs of cheating, your test may be declared invalid and you may be asked to take it again.

If your connection drops

Sign in again and use the most recent link. The timer keeps running while you are disconnected, so act quickly. If you cannot get back in, or your webcam stops working, email IRCC at the address in your invitation, include your application number and UCI, and describe what happened. Then follow the instructions IRCC gives you.

5. Your result is provisional

You need 15 correct answers out of 20 (75%) to pass. A score shown at the end of an online test is not final: an IRCC officer reviews the test, including the photos, before the result becomes official. This can take a few days or a few weeks. Our guide on what happens after the test explains the next steps.

In-person and video tests

Most people take the online test. If you need an accommodation, for example because of a disability, or in other special cases, IRCC may arrange the test in person or by video call on Microsoft Teams. In-person tests can be written on paper or taken orally, and other formats such as Braille are available. Whatever the format, you have three attempts in total.

Test-day checklist

• Invitation email found, and the 30-day deadline noted in your calendar.
• Computer, laptop or tablet with webcam (not a phone), plugged in.
• Chrome or Safari updated; VPN off; other tabs and programs closed.
• PR card or valid photo ID with photo and signature, within reach.
• Quiet private room, good light on your face, clear background.
• Phone, notes and study materials out of the room.
• Household told not to come in for the next hour.
• Application number and UCI written down in case you need to contact IRCC.
• A glass of water, a bathroom break, and a few deep breaths before you request the link.

For the full official instructions, see IRCC’s page Take the online citizenship test. This site is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with IRCC.