Canada has identified three categories of applicants who can obtain citizenship without meeting certain language, knowledge test and oath requirements under specific age-based exemptions.
The exemptions, outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), apply automatically. Eligible applicants do not need to submit a separate waiver request to benefit from them.
The categories include adults aged 55 and above, all applicants under 18, and children below 14 who are exempt from taking the citizenship oath.
However, these exemptions do not remove all the conditions for acquiring Canadian citizenship. Applicants must still satisfy other applicable requirements, including permanent resident status and restrictions relating to criminal or other prohibitions.
3 Categories of Applicants Exempt From Certain Canadian Citizenship Requirements
According to IRCC, the following groups are automatically exempt from specific citizenship requirements.
1. Adults aged 55 and above
Permanent residents aged 55 or older do not need to demonstrate their English or French language ability when applying for Canadian citizenship.
They are also exempt from taking the citizenship knowledge test, which assesses applicants’ understanding of Canada’s history, values, institutions, rights and responsibilities.
However, they must still meet other citizenship conditions, including physical presence requirements and applicable tax filing obligations.
2. Minors under 18
Applicants below the age of 18 are also exempt from the language requirement and citizenship knowledge test.
This means children and teenagers applying for Canadian citizenship do not need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French or pass the citizenship test.
They must still meet the other applicable eligibility conditions for minors, including having permanent resident status and not being subject to a citizenship prohibition.
3. Children under 14
Children below the age of 14 receive an additional exemption during the citizenship process.
They are not required to take the oath of citizenship when their applications are approved.
However, applicants aged 14 to 17 must still take the oath, even though they are exempt from the language requirement and citizenship knowledge test.
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Requirements Applicants Must Still Meet
Being exempt from certain citizenship conditions does not automatically qualify someone for Canadian citizenship.
IRCC maintains other requirements that applicants must satisfy, depending on their age and application category.
Adults aged 55 and above must still:
- Have permanent resident status in Canada.
- Meet the required physical presence conditions.
- File income taxes if required under Canadian tax law.
- Take the oath of citizenship.
- Not be subject to a prohibition that prevents them from receiving citizenship.
Minors under 18 must also have permanent resident status and must not be subject to a citizenship prohibition.
However, the oath requirement depends on their age. Applicants aged 14 to 17 must take the oath, while children under 14 are exempt.
Can Other Applicants Request an Exemption From Canada’s Citizenship Test?
Applicants who do not fall into the three automatically exempt categories may still have an option to request a waiver under certain circumstances.
Adults aged 18 to 54 are generally required to demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French and pass the citizenship test.
However, those who cannot meet the language or knowledge requirements because of certain circumstances may request a waiver from IRCC.
Approval is not automatic. Applicants must provide the necessary information to support their request, and IRCC considers each case individually.
The distinction is that adults aged 55 and above and applicants under 18 receive the specified exemptions automatically, without having to apply for a waiver.
Foreign nationals planning to become Canadian citizens should confirm which requirements apply to their age group before submitting an application.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is exempt from the Canadian citizenship test?
Adults aged 55 and above and applicants under 18 are automatically exempt from taking Canada’s citizenship knowledge test.
2. Are foreigners aged 55 and above exempt from the English test in Canada?
Yes. Citizenship applicants aged 55 or older do not need to prove their English or French language ability.
3. Are children under 18 exempt from Canada’s citizenship language test?
Yes. All applicants under 18 are exempt from the language requirement and citizenship knowledge test.
4. Do children under 14 have to take the Canadian citizenship oath?
No. Applicants under 14 are exempt from taking the citizenship oath. Those aged 14 to 17 must take it.
5. Can applicants aged 18 to 54 get an exemption from Canada’s citizenship test?
They may request a waiver if they cannot meet certain requirements under qualifying circumstances. Approval is not guaranteed.
6. Do people exempt from Canada’s citizenship test automatically qualify for citizenship?
No. They must still meet other applicable requirements, including permanent resident status, physical presence where required and the absence of citizenship prohibitions.