Passed the Citizenship Test? Here Is What Happens Next

Passing the test is a major milestone, but it is not the final step. Here is exactly what comes between passing and holding your citizenship certificate.

1. Wait for your ceremony invitation

After you pass the test, IRCC schedules your citizenship ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Citizenship. This invitation typically arrives after your test, with the exact wait time varying by IRCC office and current processing volumes.

2. Attend the ceremony and take the oath

At the ceremony, you take the Oath of Citizenship, described in full in our dedicated guide, and you receive your citizenship certificate, either on paper or electronically. The moment you take the oath, you are legally a Canadian citizen.

3. Apply for a Canadian passport

A Canadian passport is a separate application from citizenship itself, made to the Government of Canada's Passport Program (applications are accepted at many Service Canada locations) using your new Certificate of Canadian Citizenship as proof of citizenship. Processing times and fees for passports are set independently of the citizenship process.

4. Register to vote

As a new citizen, you gain the right to vote in federal elections (and, once you meet provincial residency requirements, provincial and municipal elections too). You can register with Elections Canada.

5. Update your identification and records

Many new citizens also use this moment to update other identification, such as a driver's licence, and to notify institutions like banks of a legal name change, if one occurred as part of the process.