You have submitted your citizenship application — congratulations! Now comes the waiting period. This guide tells you exactly what happens at each stage so you know what to expect. CitizenPass helps you prepare for every step — read on, then start practicing for free.
Trusted by thousands of new Canadians. CitizenPass is the #1 free citizenship test prep platform — 600+ practice questions, AI coaching, and lessons covering every chapter of the Discover Canada guide.
The Complete Post-Submission Timeline
Here is what happens after you click "Submit" on your citizenship application:
Month 1: Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
What happens: Within 1-4 weeks of submission, IRCC sends you an Acknowledgement of Receipt email. This confirms your application has been received and is in the processing queue.
Your AOR includes:
- Your application number
- Confirmation of payment received
- Estimated processing time
- Instructions for checking your status
What to do:
- Save this email — you will need the application number
- Do not contact IRCC during this period
- Start preparing for the citizenship test
Months 2-6: Background and Security Checks
What happens: IRCC conducts thorough background checks:
- RCMP criminal record check — Searches the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)
- CSIS security screening — Checks for security concerns
- Immigration history review — Verifies your immigration file is clean
- CRA tax verification — Confirms you have filed taxes as required
What to do:
- Nothing required from you unless IRCC requests additional documents
- Continue checking your IRCC account weekly for updates
- Continue studying for the citizenship test with CitizenPass
- Respond immediately to any document requests
Months 6-10: Application Review
What happens: A citizenship officer reviews your complete file:
- Verifies physical presence calculation
- Reviews all submitted documents
- Confirms eligibility based on all criteria
- Makes a recommendation on your application
What to do:
- Keep checking your account for updates
- If you change your address, update your IRCC account immediately
- Have your citizenship test preparation well underway
Month 10-14: Citizenship Test Invitation
What happens: If you are between 18 and 54, you will receive a test invitation. The test may be online or in-person.
Test details:
- 20 multiple-choice questions
- 45-minute time limit
- 75% passing score (15/20)
- Covers Canadian history, geography, government, rights, and responsibilities
- Based on the Discover Canada study guide
What to do:
- Make sure you are well prepared — use CitizenPass for comprehensive practice
- Attend the test at the scheduled time
- Bring your PR card and photo ID
Month 14-18: Citizenship Ceremony
What happens: After passing the test and all reviews are complete, you receive a ceremony invitation. This is the final step!
Ceremony details:
- May be in-person or virtual (via video conference)
- You take the Oath of Citizenship
- You receive your citizenship certificate
- You are officially a Canadian citizen
What to bring:
- PR card (IRCC will collect it)
- Photo ID (driver's license or provincial ID)
- Ceremony invitation letter
What the Citizenship Test Covers
The test is based on the Discover Canada study guide and covers:
Topic Areas
| Topic | Percentage of Questions |
|---|---|
| Canadian history | ~30% |
| Government and politics | ~25% |
| Rights and responsibilities | ~20% |
| Geography and regions | ~15% |
| Canadian symbols and values | ~10% |
Sample Topics
- Confederation and key historical events
- How Parliament works (House of Commons, Senate)
- Voting rights and responsibilities
- Provincial and territorial geography
- National symbols (flag, anthem, coat of arms)
CitizenPass Pro Tip: Start studying as soon as you submit your application. With 12-18 months of processing time, you have plenty of time to prepare thoroughly. CitizenPass users who study for at least 4 weeks score an average of 18/20.
The Oath of Citizenship
At the ceremony, you will recite the Oath of Citizenship:
"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 Metis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."
After the Ceremony: What to Do Next
Once you are a citizen, here are the immediate next steps:
1. Apply for a Canadian Passport
- Visit the Passport Canada website or a Service Canada office
- Processing time: 10-20 business days
- Cost: $160 for a 5-year passport, $260 for a 10-year passport
2. Update Social Insurance Record
- Visit Service Canada to update your SIN record
- Your SIN number does not change, but the record is updated to reflect citizenship
3. Register to Vote
- You are now eligible to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
- Registration is often automatic, but verify through Elections Canada
4. Apply for Other Benefits
- You may now be eligible for certain government jobs that require citizenship
- You can apply for a NEXUS card for expedited border crossing
- You can sponsor family members for immigration
Dealing with Delays
If Processing Exceeds Normal Times
- Check the IRCC website for current processing time estimates
- Use the IRCC web form to inquire about your application
- Consider hiring an immigration consultant if you are concerned
If You Receive a Request for Additional Documents
- Respond within the deadline (usually 30 days)
- Submit all requested documents through your IRCC account
- Contact IRCC if you need more time
If Your Application Is Denied
- You will receive a letter explaining the reason
- You can reapply after addressing the issue
- Consider consulting an immigration lawyer for complex cases
Pass Your Citizenship Test — With CitizenPass
The test is the most important step you can control. Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass on their first attempt — completely free to start:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
- AI-Powered Coach — Identifies your weak areas and builds a personalized study plan just for you
- 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
- Real-Time Progress Tracking — See exactly when you are ready to pass
- Bilingual Support — Study in English or French, switch anytime
- Mobile + Desktop — Available on iOS, Android, and web — study anywhere
CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 on their first attempt — well above the 15/20 passing score.
Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1When will I get my Acknowledgement of Receipt?
You should receive your AOR email within 1-4 weeks of submitting your online application. If you do not receive it within 4 weeks, check your spam folder and then contact IRCC through your online account.
2Can IRCC ask for more documents after I submit?
Yes. IRCC may request additional documents at any point during processing. Common requests include additional identity documents, updated photos, or clarification on travel history. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
3What happens if I fail the citizenship test?
If you fail the test, IRCC will schedule a second test. If you fail again, you may be invited to a hearing with a citizenship judge. The judge will assess your knowledge and may ask you questions orally.
4Can I reschedule my citizenship ceremony?
Yes, but only for valid reasons (medical emergency, unavoidable work conflict, etc.). Contact IRCC before the ceremony date to request rescheduling. Missing a ceremony without notice can negatively impact your application.