Planning To Take The Canadian Citizenship Test? Settle These Things First!

Heading to Canada and getting a citizenship is something that many individuals are thinking of doing today. Should you complete this, you can get the opportunity to meet countless new folks and receive free medical care. Additionally, you will able to work for Canada’s government, which can make for a stable and lucrative career. All of these advantages can be readily available to you, but you first have to take the Canadian citizenship test.

The test will evaluate just how well you know Canada’s geography, government, history, culture, and citizen’s rights, and determine if you’re deserving of being a citizen. When preparing for this kind of test, it’ll greatly help if you choose to review beforehand using online practice exams. Doing this will not only alleviate the anxiety of taking the test, but also help increase your chances of passing.

Though an oral test is deemed necessary by citizenship officers on occasion, the Canadian citizenship test is normally a written exam. Upon applying to the local citizenship office, they will let you know when to head to the Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship for the examination. When you do this, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents, as well as the original papers that were sent with the application.

In order to even get a citizenship test, however, there are particular things you should have. Listed here are just a handful of the most crucial requirements before you can get Canadian citizenship.

1. Legal age

Being at least 18 isn’t necessarily a strict requirement, but being underage makes applying lots more difficult. If you are underage, you need to have a parent or guardian fill up the application form on your behalf. Additionally, your parent or legal guardian should already be a Canadian citizen, or at least applying to become one.

2. The ability to communicate in French or English

Similar to many other countries, Canada has two official languages: French and English. If you apply for a citizenship exam, a citizenship officer will assess if you have the ability to speak well enough using these languages. Fortunately, you just need to understand one, and you do not need to be fluent either. At the very least, you have to understand enough basic grammar to introduce yourself, provide directions, or make chit-chat.

3. Permanent residence in Canada

To get your citizenship examination, you must have permanent residence in Canada first. For this, you can either apply at your preferred province or get the help of a family member who already lives in the country. Furthermore, you can choose to apply at Quebec, which can make the process much easier thanks to its unique immigration requirements.

After you’ve settled your permanent residence, you have to declare your intent to remain Canadian. You should also ensure that you stay for at least a couple of years within a five-year period, or else you could lose permanent resident status.

Getting permanent residence already gives you some options for jobs, education, and travel, and also some healthcare benefits. You still can’t run for government positions, vote, or get work that requires high security clearance, however.

4. Knowledge about the country

Naturally, you need to understand a lot about Canada to become a citizen. In fact, it’s one of the primary focuses of the citizenship test. Some of the most crucial topics you have to learn are Canada’s history, icons, values, and institutions.

5. Provide your income tax filing

To be a Canadian citizen, an essential requirement is your income tax filing. For this, they will ask for a minimum of four years of income tax returns within the six-year period prior to your citizenship application. This lets the authorities determine whether or not you have a genuine career.

6. Stay in the country for six years

Following securing permanent residency, you must live in Canada for a really long period to be a citizen. More specifically, you should be physically present in Canada for no less than four years within the six years before you apply for citizenship. Moreover, you must stay in Canada for 183 more days during those four years, and fully or partially within the six-year period prior to your date of application.

Prior to your Canadian citizenship test, you should keep these essential requirements in mind. When you take care of these essential things ahead of time, you can expect a hassle-free path to becoming a Canadian citizen.