Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance to make the self-administered online citizenship test the default for most applicants, with up to three attempts. The new instructions, published March 9, 2026, also set a 45-minute time limit for the online test and maintain in-person or Microsoft Teams testing under specific circumstances.
Under the updated rules, online testing is the primary format, but in-person or Teams-based tests may be used when accommodations are needed, technical issues arise, or there are identity verification concerns. Each testing event permits one attempt, with retakes scheduled as separate events if required.
The online test comprises 20 questions, and applicants must answer at least 15 correctly to pass. Questions are drawn from a pool of 300–400 items, balanced by topic and difficulty. If results indicate an issue, applicants may be asked to retake the test or attend an interview.
Three test attempts replace the previous two, with a knowledge or language hearing only after the third failed attempt or if an officer believes the applicant does not meet the required language level.
The 45-minute timeline for the online test is a continuation of the post-pandemic shift from a 30-minute format. Applicants who require accommodations can request additional time.
A passing online score is provisional: a temporary score is issued immediately, but final status depends on IRCC’s review of identity verification and proctoring. If concerns are identified, applicants may be asked to retake the test or attend an interview.
Citizenship officers may assess other eligibility requirements during a hearing and can reject an application immediately if any single requirement is not met. They are not required to assess every criterion once ineligibility is found.
Core elements of the knowledge test remain unchanged: the test still has 20 questions, with a 15/20 passing mark, and cheating remains a serious issue that can stop a test. In language assessments, officers may ask up to nine questions, with at least six correct answers needed to meet the requirement. The test is part of the broader naturalization process for permanent residents aged 18–54; applicants must also meet residency, language, and tax obligations.
After passing the test and meeting all other criteria, eligible applicants aged 14 or older are typically invited to take the Oath of Citizenship, after which they receive proof of citizenship and can apply for a Canadian passport. Canada’s passport remains among the world’s strongest, ranking highly in global assessments.
Canada also allows dual citizenship, meaning naturalization does not automatically forfeit other nationalities. However, whether dual citizenship is permitted by other countries varies, and applicants may need to notify or renounce other nationalities in some cases.