Who Takes the Canadian Citizenship Test, and Who Is Exempt
Adults aged 18 to 54 take the knowledge test and show language ability; applicants outside that range do not. These guides explain who takes the test, when an exemption or waiver applies, how it works for children, and who may already be a citizen by descent.
Who takes itCitizenship by Descent After Bill C-3Bill C-3 changed the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent on 15 December 2025. Who it affects and how to confirm your status. · 3 min read
Who takes itCanadian Citizenship for Children Under 18How a child under 18 becomes a Canadian citizen: the 5(2) and 5(1) processes, the fee, who takes the oath, and what minors do not have to do. · 3 min read
Who takes itCitizenship Test and Language Exemptions and WaiversWho is automatically exempt from the citizenship test and language proof, and how waivers and accommodations work for everyone else, per IRCC. · 2 min read
Who takes itWho Has to Take the Canadian Citizenship Test?Applicants aged 18 to 54 on the day they sign must take the citizenship test. Who is exempt, why the signing date matters, and what else applies. · 3 min read