The final stages of the Canadian citizenship application process for most adult applicants are a citizenship knowledge test and a citizenship ceremony. The test assesses the applicant's knowledge of Canada — its rights and responsibilities, history, values, institutions, and symbols. The ceremony is the formal event at which eligible applicants take the Oath of Citizenship and become Canadian citizens. Both stages are administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the authority of the Citizenship Act.

The citizenship test is conducted online for most applicants. The ceremony may be in person or virtual (by videoconference). Bilingual ceremonies are conducted in both English and French, Canada's two official languages.

The citizenship process is governed by the Citizenship Act, RSC 1985 c C-29. Section 5 sets out the conditions for grant of citizenship, including the requirement to demonstrate adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship (s 5(1)(e)). The Citizenship Regulations set out the procedural requirements for the test and ceremony. The Oath of Citizenship is prescribed in Schedule 5 of the Citizenship Act.

The citizenship knowledge test:

Most adult applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must pass a citizenship knowledge test. The test is based on the official study guide, Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, which covers:

• Canadian history (Indigenous peoples, colonial history, Confederation, key events)
• Government (how Parliament, the courts, and elections work; the role of the Crown)
• Rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• Canadian symbols and geography
• Canadian values and diversity

The test is conducted online for most applicants. IRCC may invite applicants to an in-person hearing instead of or in addition to the test if further assessment of knowledge or language ability is needed. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and must be completed within a set time. A passing score is required to proceed to the ceremony.

Test exemptions:

• Adults aged 55 and older do not need to take the citizenship knowledge test and do not need to prove language skills
• Minors under 18 do not need to take the citizenship knowledge test and do not need to prove language skills

The citizenship ceremony:

After passing the test (where applicable), applicants are invited to a citizenship ceremony — the final step before becoming a Canadian citizen. At the ceremony, the Oath of Citizenship is administered by a citizenship judge or a commissioner of oaths designated by IRCC. The ceremony is held bilingually in English and French.

Ceremonies may be:

• In-person: held at IRCC offices, community centres, or other venues
• Virtual: held by videoconference; applicants must remain on screen for the entire ceremony

At the ceremony, applicants:

1. Confirm their personal information is correct
2. Take the Oath of Citizenship (or affirm, for those with a conscientious objection to swearing)
3. Receive their citizenship certificate

Oath exemptions:

• Minors under 14 do not need to take the Oath of Citizenship
• Minors aged 14 to 17 may request a waiver of the oath requirement

After the ceremony: The citizenship certificate received at the ceremony is the primary proof of Canadian citizenship. Applicants can apply for a Canadian passport immediately after becoming a citizen.

There is typically a wait between the citizenship test and the ceremony invitation. IRCC schedules ceremonies based on administrative capacity and the volume of applicants in a given area. Wait times vary by region.

The Oath of Citizenship reads: "I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen." (The oath is adapted following accession of a new sovereign.)

An applicant who fails the citizenship knowledge test may be invited to a second test or a hearing with a citizenship officer. Repeated failure may result in the application being refused, with the right to appeal to the Federal Court on a question of law.

For more information, refer to the IRCC citizenship ceremony guidance.