When wondering exactly what happens if you fail the Canadian citizenship test, the most important thing to know is that you are not instantly rejected. You generally receive up to three attempts to pass the written test within your 30-day window, and if you do not pass after three attempts, you will be invited to a formal oral hearing with a citizenship official to answer the questions verbally.
Studying for the final exam can feel incredibly overwhelming, and many newcomers worry deeply about what happens if you fail the Canadian citizenship test after waiting so long for approval. 😞 The truth is, struggling with the first attempt is quite common, and missing the passing mark does not mean your journey to becoming a Canadian is officially over.
The immigration system is designed to be fair and accommodating, offering applicants multiple chances to demonstrate their understanding of our country’s rich history, values, and symbols. 🍁 This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what to expect if you do not get a passing score, how the retake process works, and how to calmly prepare for a verbal hearing so you can finally take the oath of citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process in Edmonton, Alberta
Step 1: Taking Your Initial Written Exam
Most applicants today take their official exam online from the comfort of their own home, though some are asked to visit a local test centre. 💻 To pass, you generally need to answer 15 out of 20 multiple-choice questions correctly within the strict 45-minute time limit, with all questions based entirely on the official Discover Canada study guide.
Step 2: Receiving Results and Preparing for Another Attempt
If you score 14 or lower, you will instantly see that you did not pass on the screen, but there is no need to panic. 📧 Under IRCC regulations, the online test system gives you up to three attempts to pass within your single 30-day test window, meaning you do not have to wait for a new official invitation or a rescheduled date after your first unsuccessful try.
Step 3: Retaking the Exam Within the 30-Day Window
If you need to make another attempt, it is highly recommended to study the official Discover Canada guide again and use practice tools online to build your confidence. 📖 Each of your three allowed attempts will feature different randomly generated questions, meaning that simply memorizing your previous test answers will not guarantee a passing score.
Step 4: Attending an Oral Hearing with a Citizenship Official
If you do not pass after three written attempts, the next step is an oral hearing with a citizenship official or judge. 🗣 If you live in Edmonton, Alberta, this interview may be conducted securely via video call, or you might be asked to attend in person at the local IRCC office, typically located at Canada Place, 9700 Jasper Avenue in downtown Edmonton.
During this hearing, the official will ask you verbal questions to test your knowledge of Canada and verify your ability to speak basic English or French. 🤝 They simply want to see that you understand the fundamental responsibilities of citizenship, assessing your verbal answers rather than your ability to quickly click through a multiple-choice screen.
Step 5: The Final Assessment and Next Steps
If the official is fully satisfied with your verbal answers during the hearing, your application will generally be approved, and it will be an honour to invite you to the final citizenship ceremony. 🎉 However, if you fail the oral hearing, your application will generally be refused. If this happens, you can reapply immediately by submitting a brand new application from scratch.
How Much Does it Cost?
The good news is that you do not have to pay any extra fees for your second written test or your oral hearing. 💵 However, if your application is ultimately refused after the hearing, you will lose the main processing fee. Here is a breakdown of the standard federal fees as of June 2026:
| Type of Application or Service | Cost or Refund Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Standard Adult Citizenship Application | $653 |
| Standard Minor Citizenship Application | $100 |
| Second Written Test Retake | $0 (Free) |
| Oral Hearing with a Citizenship Official | $0 (Free) |
| Right of Citizenship Fee Refund (If Refused) | $123 Refunded |
If your application is officially refused after the hearing, the government will automatically refund the $123 Right of Citizenship fee to your credit card, but they will legally keep the $530 processing portion. 💳 You will then need to pay the full $653 again when you submit a new application from Edmonton, Alberta.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Because you can take all three of your written test attempts within your single 30-day window, there is no waiting time or delay required between failed attempts. 📅 You can log back into the IRCC portal and retake the exam whenever you feel ready within those 30 days.
However, if you fail all three attempts and require an oral hearing, the wait is usually much longer. 🗓 It can easily take 3 to 6 months or more to be scheduled for an interview with a citizenship official at the Edmonton office, depending heavily on the current local processing backlog and staff availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay again if I fail the first test?
No, you do not have to pay again. The Canadian government allows you to take up to three attempts on the online written test within your 30-day window and offers the subsequent oral hearing completely free of charge. You only lose your processing fee if you fail the oral hearing and your application is formally refused.
What exactly happens at the oral hearing?
At an oral hearing, a citizenship official or judge will meet with you to ask questions verbally. The questions are based entirely on the Discover Canada guide, just like the written test. They will ask about Canadian geography, history, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens to ensure you have studied the material.
Can I bring my lawyer or a family member to the hearing?
Generally, yes. You are legally allowed to bring legal counsel, an immigration consultant, or a supportive family member to the hearing. However, it is crucial to understand that they are only there for support; they are strictly forbidden from answering the citizenship questions for you.
If I am refused, how long do I have to wait to reapply?
There is no mandatory waiting period to reapply. If your application is refused after the oral hearing, you can generally submit a brand new application the very next day, provided you still meet all the basic requirements, including the physical presence days, and you pay the full application fee again.
Can I skip the written tests and just ask for a hearing?
Generally, you must attempt the written test first. However, if you have a severe cognitive disability, a medical condition, or learning difficulties, you can request an official accommodation from IRCC before your test. With proper medical notes, they may allow you to take the test orally from the very beginning.
Is the second or third test harder than the first one?
No, additional attempts are not designed to be harder or more confusing. The questions are randomly generated from the exact same database used for your initial test. Each try simply presents different facts from the Discover Canada guide, ensuring that your overall knowledge of the country is well-rounded.
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