Booking the citizenship test: how the invitation works

What’s in the invitation

Check your spam folder. The email comes from an address ending in @cic.gc.ca or @canada.ca. If you didn’t give an email address, IRCC may mail the invitation or phone you.

• The start and end dates of your 30-day window, or the time and place of an in-person test
• The test link, for an online test
• Your application number and unique client identifier (UCI)
• An email address for questions and rescheduling
• A PDF with instructions for before, during and after the test

Still waiting?

You can’t ask IRCC to send an invitation early. To see where you are, check the citizenship test part of IRCC’s online status tracker. “In progress” means your test is scheduled and the invitation is on its way.

If the tracker shows an online test date but nothing has arrived 2 to 3 business days before the start date, email IRCC’s online test address (it’s on the invitation page linked below). Include your application number and UCI.

How to reschedule

There’s no special form or template. A clear reason and your two numbers are what IRCC asks for.

1. Find the email address in the rescheduling section of your invitation.
2. Write a short message that explains clearly why you can’t take the test in that window.
3. Add your application number and your UCI.
4. Wait for a new invitation. It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer.

If you miss it

Online: the first time you miss your window, IRCC sends a new invitation automatically. If you miss the second one too, email IRCC with your reason. Miss it twice without contacting them and your application is closed.

In person or on a video call: contact IRCC within 30 days of the missed date and explain why.

Can’t wait for your window?

If an emergency means you need to test sooner, see whether you qualify for urgent processing on IRCC’s citizenship application page.