Test results and next steps
After you take the test, you’ll get your test result. Your next steps will depend on whether you pass or fail the test.
On this page:
Unofficial test result
Once you submit the test online, the result page will immediately display your score. This score is temporary and not your official test result.
You won’t get an unofficial test result if you take the test in person or on Microsoft Teams.
Print or email your test result as a confirmation
We will not send you a confirmation email after you complete the online test. Also, you can’t sign in to view your results again.
To save a copy of your results for your records, print the test results page, or email the page to yourself using the buttons at the bottom of the page. If you select the “Email” button, we’ll send the results to the email address you provided on your citizenship application form.
If you forgot to save a copy, email the address in the “Rescheduling” section of your test invitation.
Official test result
For tests taken in person and on Microsoft Teams, you’ll get your official test score right after you take the test.
After you take the online test, one of our officers will review your result to make it official. This could take a few days or a few weeks. There are 3 possible test results:
Pass
You correctly answered at least 15 of the 20 questions (75%).
Fail
You failed all your test attempts during the 30-day period in your invitation.
Invalidated
Your test result may be invalid if
- we find out or suspect that you cheated
- a technical issue prevents us from confirming your identity or your test score
Application status
Your application status will still show as In progress if your
- test hasn’t been reviewed yet
- test was cancelled and rescheduled
- results were invalidated
Your application status will show as Completed if you received a pass or fail.
Depending on your official result, your updated application status will be 1 of the following 4 options:
- Decision made on your application
- Invitation for an interview
- Invitation for a retest
- Invitation for a hearing
You won’t get email updates, so check the tracker for the latest application status.
If you pass the test
After you pass the test
- we may invite you to an interview with a citizenship official (depending on your case)
- we’ll invite you to the citizenship ceremony
Who can get invited to an interview
You may get invited to an interview if you’re
- an adult 18 years or older (including seniors 55 years and older)
- a minor 14 to 17 years old without a parent applying at the same time
Both the minor and the person who submitted the application for the minor must be present at the interview.
What to expect if you’re invited to an interview
We may invite you to an interview to
- verify your identity
- authenticate photocopies of your documents
- verify if you’re eligible for Canadian citizenship
Interviews will not necessarily result in a final decision.
When you come for your interview, bring
- the original documents you sent with your application
- any passport or travel documents you used in the 5 years before you applied
If you fail the test
Within your 30-day test period, you have up to 3 chances to pass the test (whether online, on Microsoft Teams, or in person).
If you fail the test all 3 times, we’ll invite you to a hearing with a citizenship official.
What to expect at the hearing
Depending on the type of hearing you’re invited to, the citizenship officer may orally ask you questions
- about your knowledge of Canada (similar to citizenship test questions)
- The oral knowledge test has 20 questions, and you must pass 15 of them.
- about your residence in Canada
- to assess your language skills in English or French
- The officer can ask up to 9 questions, and you must pass 6 of them.
The hearing will last 30 to 90 minutes. It helps us verify if you’re eligible for Canadian citizenship.
After your hearing, we’ll send you a letter with the results.
- If you pass the hearing, wait for your invitation to the citizenship ceremony.
- If you fail the hearing, we’ll refuse your application. You need to reapply and pay the fees again if you still want to become a citizen.
If you fail the test and you applied as a family or group
When you apply as a family or group, we process all your applications together.
In some cases, we may be able to separate some applications. If you want to find out if you can separate your application to attend the ceremony on your own, email the address in the “Rescheduling” section of your invitation.