What to Bring to Your Canadian Citizenship Test (Checklist)

Arriving at your citizenship test without the right documents can cause delays or even prevent you from taking the test. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.

Must-Bring Items:

• [ ] Notice to Appear — The letter from IRCC with your test date, time, and location
• [ ] Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) — Or Confirmation of Permanent Residence if your PR card has expired
• [ ] Two pieces of personal identification — Government-issued photo ID preferred
• [ ] All passports and travel documents — Both current AND expired
• [ ] Any other documents specified in your notice — Read your Notice to Appear carefully

Acceptable Forms of ID (bring two):

• Driver's license
• Provincial health card (with photo)
• Passport (counts as one)
• Bank card with your name
• Student ID with photo
• Any government-issued photo ID

If Your Name Has Changed:

If your name on any documents differs from your application, also bring:

• Marriage certificate
• Legal name change documents
• Court order for name change

The following items are not allowed in the testing room:

• Cell phones (must be turned off and stored)
• Tablets, laptops, or smartwatches
• Study materials, books, or notes
• Food or beverages (water may be allowed in some locations)
• Bags or backpacks (may need to be stored outside)

There is no dress code for the citizenship test, but:

• Dress comfortably — you will be seated for the test
• Dress in layers — IRCC offices can be warm or cold
• If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, that is fully acceptable

• [ ] Gather all documents and put them in one folder or bag
• [ ] Double-check the test date, time, and location on your Notice to Appear
• [ ] Plan your route to the IRCC office (allow extra time for transit/parking)
• [ ] Set an alarm to arrive 30 minutes early
• [ ] Get 7-8 hours of sleep
• [ ] Eat a good breakfast (do not skip meals — your brain needs fuel)

1. Review your documents one more time before leaving
2. Eat a healthy breakfast — Protein and complex carbs for sustained energy
3. Leave early — Aim to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time
4. Stay calm — You have prepared, and you are ready

1. You check in at the IRCC office reception
2. A citizenship official verifies your identity and documents
3. Your photo may be taken
4. You are directed to the testing room
5. Instructions are given before the test begins
6. You receive your test booklet and answer sheet
7. The 45-minute test begins

Keep your documents with you after the test. You may need them for:

• The citizenship ceremony (if you pass)
• Follow-up correspondence from IRCC
• Future passport applications

Having all your documents ready eliminates one major source of stress on test day. Combine this with thorough study preparation using CitizenPass, and you will walk into your test with confidence. Start your preparation today.

Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass their citizenship test on the first attempt. Here is what you get — 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

Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.