What Happens After the Canadian Citizenship Test? Results, Review and the Oath

After you finish the Canadian citizenship test, IRCC reviews the result and continues checking your application. If you pass and meet the other requirements, IRCC will invite you to a citizenship ceremony. You do not become a Canadian citizen when you pass the test. For most applicants, citizenship starts after they take the oath at the ceremony.

The wait can feel unclear because the score shown after an online test is not yet the official result. Here is what each stage means and what you can do while you wait.

1. Save the Score Shown After an Online Test

When you submit an online test, the results page shows your score immediately. IRCC calls this an unofficial result.

Save it before you close the page. You can print the page or use the email button. IRCC does not send a separate confirmation email, and you cannot sign in later to see that results page again.

If you forgot to save it, use the email address in the rescheduling section of your test invitation. IRCC gives this instruction on its official test results and next steps page.

People who take the test in person or through Microsoft Teams receive their official score right after the test.

2. Wait for IRCC to Make an Online Result Official

An IRCC officer reviews an online result before it becomes official. IRCC says this review can take a few days or a few weeks.

The review can produce one of three results:

• Pass: you answered at least 15 of the 20 questions correctly.
• Fail: you used all your attempts during the 30‑day period in your invitation without passing.
• Invalidated: IRCC could not confirm the result, such as when a technical problem prevents identity or score checks.

A temporary score is therefore not the last step in the process. Wait for the tracker to show the official update.

3. Check the Citizenship Application Tracker

IRCC says it does not send email updates for every change after the test. Check the citizenship application tracker for the latest status.

The test can still show In progress while an officer reviews it. It may also stay in progress if IRCC cancelled and rescheduled the test or invalidated the result. A pass or fail changes the test activity to Completed.

The next update can include:

• a decision on the application
• an interview invitation
• a retest invitation
• a hearing invitation

A tracker that has not changed immediately after the test does not, by itself, mean something is wrong. The official review may still be under way. For the wider picture, see the current Canadian citizenship processing times.

4. Be Ready for an Interview If IRCC Asks for One

Passing the knowledge test does not finish every part of the citizenship application. IRCC may invite you to an interview to confirm your identity, check original documents or verify that you meet the citizenship requirements.

If you receive an interview invitation, follow that letter. IRCC says applicants should bring the original documents submitted with the application and the passports or travel documents used during the five years before applying.

An interview does not always produce a final decision on the same day.

5. Wait for the Citizenship Ceremony Invitation

If you pass and IRCC approves the application, IRCC will invite you to a citizenship ceremony. Most applicants must take the oath at the ceremony. It is the final step before becoming a Canadian citizen.

There is no single official number of days from the test to the oath that applies to every file. IRCC says processing varies with the application, the checks required and how quickly an applicant answers requests. Treat personal timelines posted online as examples, not promises.

Keep checking your email, including the junk folder, and the tracker. Make sure IRCC has your current contact information. Follow the date, format and document instructions in your ceremony invitation.

You can read the official overview on the Government of Canada citizenship ceremony page.

Can You Travel After the Citizenship Test?

IRCC says you can leave Canada after applying if you keep your permanent resident status, can receive and answer its messages, and can attend required appointments in Canada. IRCC also says to notify it if you plan to leave Canada for more than two weeks in a row.

Travel details can depend on your documents and circumstances. Check the official after you apply guidance before making plans. This guide is general test‑process information, not legal or immigration advice.

What If the Test Result Does Not Update?

Start with these checks:

1. Confirm how long it has been since the online test. IRCC says official review can take a few days or a few weeks.
2. Check the citizenship tracker rather than waiting for an email.
3. Read the test invitation again for the correct contact address.
4. Use IRCC's official contact route if the delay has gone beyond the guidance for your situation or if IRCC asked you to respond.

Do not take another test unless IRCC invites you to do so.

What If You Did Not Pass?

Within the 30‑day period in the invitation, IRCC gives applicants up to three chances to pass. If a person fails all three attempts, IRCC invites them to a hearing with a citizenship official.

For a full explanation, read our guide to what happens if you fail the Canadian citizenship test.

The Short Version

After an online test, save the temporary score and wait for IRCC to review it. Check the tracker for the official result. IRCC may request an interview or more checks. If the application is approved, the next major step is the citizenship ceremony and oath.

Passing the test is important, but the oath is the point at which most applicants become Canadian citizens.