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Canadian citizenship test online: how it works

Most people take the Canadian citizenship test online, after IRCC emails them an invitation. You get a 30-day period to take it, up to 3 chances to pass, and 45 minutes for each test. You need a computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam (not a phone) and the Chrome or Safari browser. You don't need to be in Canada.

Checked against canada.ca on November 1, 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on canada.ca before you act.

Who takes the test online

IRCC invites most citizenship applicants to take the online test, unless they need an accommodation. People who ask for an accommodation take the test in person or on Microsoft Teams instead.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship test: how it works (opens in a new tab)

You can take the online test from anywhere. IRCC watches you through your webcam while you take it. For every format, you can take the test in English or French.

The invitation and your 30 days

You need an invitation to take the test online. IRCC emails it after you submit your citizenship application. The invitation is a PDF attached to the email. Look for an email address that ends in "@cic.gc.ca" or "@canada.ca", and check your junk or spam folder.Source: canada.ca, Wait for a test invitation (opens in a new tab)

Most people get the invitation 1 to 3 months after they receive the acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) of their application. It can take longer, for example if your application is non-routine. You can't book the test yourself.

Devices, browser and place

Take the test on a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam, using the Chrome or Safari browser.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)

  • Don't use a mobile phone.
  • Don't use Chrome on an iPad, or a Microsoft Surface Pro.
  • Don't use a virtual private network (VPN).
  • Choose a place with good lighting so the system can see you clearly. A public library or a public computer is allowed.

ID and photos

Have a piece of ID ready: your permanent resident card (even if it's expired), or a valid piece of ID with your photo and signature, such as a driver's licence or health card.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)

Before the test, you take photos of your ID and of yourself. Your face must be clearly visible. You may wear traditional or religious clothing, head coverings and glasses. If your photos are blurred, your test may be invalid and you may have to take it again.

During the test, IRCC uses your webcam to take random photos. It compares them with your test photo and the photos from your application.

Rules during the test

Each test is 45 minutes. Once the timer starts, you can't stop it. You get a warning when 5 minutes are left, and after 45 minutes the test is submitted automatically, even if you haven't finished.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)

  • Take the test alone, in the same place where you took the photo of yourself and your ID.
  • Keep your face fully visible in the webcam, and have a reliable Internet connection.
  • Close all other tabs, windows and programs.
  • Don't have items with your personal information in the background (like a diploma).
  • Don't use other devices, don't look at study materials, and don't use your browser's back button.

Starting the test

Sign in only after you get your invitation, with your application number and UCI. You then ask for a test link by email. The link expires after 15 minutes; if it expires, sign in again to get a new one. You confirm your identity, take your photos, and select "Start the test" when you are ready. canada.ca's "Take the online test" page has the full steps and the link to the test.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)

Pass15 is an independent study site, not IRCC. Our practice tests are for studying only. The real test is only on IRCC's system, through the link in your invitation.

If something goes wrong

If you close the test by mistake or lose your connection, sign in again as soon as possible. The 45-minute timer keeps running. When the time is up, the system submits the answers you selected.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)

If you are disconnected or can't finish because of a technical problem, email the address in your test invitation with a detailed explanation, your application number and your UCI. You have 30 days from the start date in your invitation to contact IRCC. If your test needs to be rescheduled, it usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, but it may take longer.

If there are technical issues or signs of cheating, your test may be invalid, and IRCC will ask you to take it again.

Common questions

Can I take the Canadian citizenship test online from home?
Yes. Most applicants are invited to take the test online, and you can take it from anywhere. You don't need to be in Canada.Source: canada.ca, Citizenship test: how it works (opens in a new tab)Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)
Can I take the online citizenship test on my phone?
No. canada.ca says not to take the test on a mobile phone. Use a desktop computer, laptop or tablet with a webcam, and Chrome or Safari.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)
How many times can I take the online test?
After you get your invitation, you have up to 3 chances to pass the test during the 30-day period.Source: canada.ca, Wait for a test invitation (opens in a new tab)
Can I take the test before I get an invitation?
No. You need an invitation to take the test online, and you can't book the test yourself. You can't sign in before or after the 30-day period on your invitation.Source: canada.ca, Wait for a test invitation (opens in a new tab)
Can I pause the online test?
No. Once the timer starts, you can't stop it. After 45 minutes, the test is submitted automatically.Source: canada.ca, Take the online test (opens in a new tab)
What if I need to reschedule my online test?
Email the address in the rescheduling section of your invitation. Include why you need to reschedule, your application number and your UCI. It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, but it may take longer.Source: canada.ca, Wait for a test invitation (opens in a new tab)