色狐入口

Canada is resuming citizenship testing online

Shelby Thevenot
Published: November 26, 2020

Eight months after all citizenship tests were cancelled, Canada is now making the test available online.

(IRCC) is testing the new platform over the next few months. During this time, online citizenship tests will first be offered to those whose tests were cancelled due to the pandemic and those who are on the waiting list.

IRCC will invite more citizenship applicants to use the platform after performance monitoring proves it works reliably. More people will likely be invited to take the test in the new year, .

Test-takers will have to confirm their identity through personal information, and take a photo of themselves and their ID documents with a webcam before the test begins.

Citizenship applicants will have 21 days to complete the test, at a time that is convenient for them.

The system will take photos of participants during the test, which is a process that has been used to monitor other tests that have moved online during the pandemic such as bar exams, and law school admissions tests.

IRCC had been working on modernizing the citizenship program before the pandemic, according to a . Online testing was a part of this initiative.

What will the test format be like?

Much like the in-person tests, online tests will be 20 questions and participants will have 30 minutes to complete them.

IRCC said that people do not need to reach out to the department, those invited to take the test online, or their representative, will be notified by email.

There is also the option to wait to take the test in-person, but no date has been set yet for resuming that process.

85,000 or more people waiting for citizenship test

As of September 7, about 85,000 people were waiting to take the citizenship test, according to IRCC data.

The backlog in citizenship applications was the impetus for the group Advocates for Resumption of Canadian Citizenship Tests, who held demonstrations in Toronto and Montreal in early November. Among one of the group's calls to actions was the resumption of citizenship tests.

In a statement to聽色狐入口, the group called the online testing initiative "a step in the right direction" but question whether or not it will be sufficient to address the needs of tens of thousands of applicants in a timely manor.

As part of the Citizenship Act, all citizenship applicants between ages 18 to 54 must demonstrate knowledge of Canada in order to become citizens. Prior to 1994, this process was done by interview, which is still the case for applicants over age 55.

Canadian citizenship gives immigrants the right to vote and get a passport. It also gives many people a sense of belonging, and security.

漏 2020 色狐入口 All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Canada ranked 4th best country in the world in 2024
A Canadian flag waving with a tree, and both modern and classical buildings in the background.
IRCC鈥檚 backlog increasing as department looks to reduce temporary resident numbers
Jasper National Park
What鈥檚 the difference between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship?
A person with a packed bag stands on a road with the Canadian flag in front of them.
How does Canada compare to other top immigrant destinations?
A Canadian flag waving in the wind on a bright day.
Top Stories
Canada ranked 4th best country in the world in 2024
Business Insurance: An Overview for Newcomers to Canada
IRCC announces tighter cap for study permits and changes to PGWP eligibility
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Work
IRCC announces tighter cap for study permits and changes to PGWP eligibility
Parliament Hill in Ottawa
Destination Canada holds virtual job fair for bilingual candidates
A person siting in the living room, preparing for a virtual interview online.
IRCC introduces new LMIA-exempt work permit for select tech companies in Canada
A woman in a suit starts at a tablet while standing next to a window
Maintained status: What do I need to know?
Picture of a man smiling and holding a tablet
Link copied to clipboard