Lesson 2 of 2 · 4 min read
Passing the test usually leads to an interview and then a citizenship ceremony, where you take the Oath of Citizenship in its current wording to formally become a citizen.
Passing the citizenship test is not the final step — there are still a few more stages before you officially become a Canadian citizen.
Many applicants are invited to an interview with a citizenship official after the test, where the official confirms your identity, checks your documents, and verifies you still meet the eligibility requirements. If everything is in order, you're invited to a citizenship ceremony.
If you do not pass the test within your 3 chances, you're invited to a hearing with a citizenship official instead of an automatic denial. The hearing can last 30 to 90 minutes, and the official may ask you up to 20 knowledge questions (you need at least 15 right) and up to 9 language questions (you need at least 6 right). Passing the hearing still leads to a ceremony invitation; failing it can result in your application being refused.
Every applicant must take the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony — this is the moment you legally become a Canadian citizen, not the moment your application is approved. At the ceremony, new citizens take the Oath, sign official documentation, and receive their certificate of citizenship. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate.
The wording of the Oath has changed over time. Today, it 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, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
The Oath now names the reigning monarch, King Charles the Third, rather than a previous Queen, and it explicitly recognizes the Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples as part of Canada's Constitution — a change made to reflect Canada's ongoing work toward reconciliation.
Key facts
After the test, many applicants are invited to an interview with a citizenship official to confirm their identity, documents, and eligibility before their ceremony.
If you do not pass the test after your 3 chances, you are invited to a hearing with a citizenship official, which can last 30 to 90 minutes.
At the hearing, the official may ask up to 20 knowledge questions (you must get at least 15 right) and up to 9 language questions (you must get at least 6 right).
Every applicant must take the Oath of Citizenship at a citizenship ceremony to formally become a Canadian citizen.
Discover Canada — The Oath of CitizenshipThe current Oath of Citizenship promises to be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, and it recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
canada.ca — The Oath of Citizenship — current wording (His Majesty King Charles the Third; Aboriginal and treaty rights)At the ceremony, new citizens take the Oath, sign documentation, and receive their citizenship certificate.
Discover Canada — Preparing for the Citizenship TestAnswer all 3 to mark this lesson done.
1. What must every successful applicant do to formally become a Canadian citizen?
2. Who does the current Oath of Citizenship pledge allegiance to?
3. What happens if you do not pass the citizenship test after your 3 chances?
HomelandCanada