First off, I can't believe how time flies. Not too long ago, I was on this forum looking for information for my PR application. Now I am ready to apply for citizenship.
Secondly, I have somehow of a peculiar question. What happens if you fail the citizenship test? I know in theory, you fail once they give you another chance, fail twice you are called in for an interview. But I would like to know first-hand experience if any of you had this happen.
I have my application ready to send after the long Canada day weekend (just to avoid delays). It is a pretty straightforward application. Became PR in January 2015 after I was sponsored by my spouse, took only two trips for a total of 21 days outside of Canada and have only one other citizenship (my country of birth). My only worry about all this is that I will fail the citizenship test. And I will tell you why. I am a stay at home mom to a 2,5-year-old toddler and I am currently pregnant with our second child. My toddler keeps me on my toes all day long, between activities and household chores, I am constantly running. I am also enrolled in a certificate program at a post-secondary school. Being pregnant, I am very tired, nauseated, and forgetful. I have what they call "baby brain", the pregnancy-induced fog which makes me less able to concentrate on tasks.
I'm afraid I will not be able to study or to remember what I studied for the test, which in turn will cause me to fail.
I guess I am looking for some reassurance. And in case you were wondering why I chose to apply for citizenship while pregnant and while having so much on my plate, is because I really don't want to renew my PR card in 2020. Also, it would make family trips much easier since my current passport doesn't enjoy a lot of visa-free travel.
I may not be able answer your exact question but I would like to congratulate you for being such a courageous mom! The test is not as difficult as you are imagining it. Reading the book about 3 times (on an ongoing basis) should really do it. From the time you apply, it would take them about 3 to 6 month to schedule you for a test (unless they ask for figer print or an RQ before it) which then would make it even longer. So you have at least about 3 months.
For the first month. start to read the book (the printed one) like a story book. Just browse through it the first time without trying to remember things. (I have a master degree and read the book 4 times and I still dont remember many details and I still passed 20/20).
Read the book a second time and try to remember a few major things which are highlighted in the book and do some highlighting yourself. At the same time do the easy online practice tests which are not exactly like the actual test but they are very good to help you remember the contents. This will be your second month.
I can assure you that you can even pass the test like this. Now if you do it a third time, you can even ace the test!
I think you mentioned that you are doing a certificate: if you can do that, passing the test will not be an ussue if you prepare and start doing it now.
I may not be able answer your exact question but I would like to congratulate you for being such a courageous mom! The test is not as difficult as you are imagining it. Reading the book about 3 times (on an ongoing basis) should really do it. From the time you apply, it would take them about 3 to 6 month to schedule you for a test (unless they ask for figer print or an RQ before it) which then would make it even longer. So you have at least about 3 months.
For the first month. start to read the book (the printed one) like a story book. Just browse through it the first time without trying to remember things. (I have a master degree and read the book 4 times and I still dont remember many details and I still passed 20/20).
Read the book a second time and try to remember a few major things which are highlighted in the book and do some highlighting yourself. At the same time do the easy online practice tests which are not exactly like the actual test but they are very good to help you remember the contents. This will be your second month.
I can assure you that you can even pass the test like this. Now if you do it a third time, you can even ace the test!
I think you mentioned that you are doing a certificate: if you can do that, passing the test will not be an ussue if you prepare and start doing it now.
Thank you! That makes me feel a bit better. I can definitely read for 30 mins each day after my son goes to bed. And 3 months is a pretty reasonable time frame.
I guess the worst that could happen is that I have to reapply and lose the $530 processing fee.
Thank you! That makes me feel a bit better. I can definitely read for 30 mins each day after my son goes to bed. And 3 months is a pretty reasonable time frame.
I guess the worst that could happen is that I have to reapply and lose the $530 processing fee.
I also recommend citizenshipsupport.ca. But don't forget to read the book once or twice. My friend just passed the test. She has three small kids and works full time so she is was unable to study all the time but she said a week or two of practice tests and reading through the book was enough
You sound like a very smart person.... you will be OK.
Others have already offered sound advice. I'd just add that you have to be aware of your learning style. Some people have to see (read) to learn; others have to hear and others have to interact with a subject matter in practical ways to learn anything.
For me, I learn best by hearing. So, I read the book but I also listened to the MP3 version while driving etc. While my wife to read and interact through discussion and the actual history and current affairs of Canada in order to absorb the material.
You sound like a very smart person.... you will be OK.
Others have already offered sound advice. I'd just add that you have to be aware of your learning style. Some people have to see (read) to learn; others have to hear and others have to interact with a subject matter in practical ways to learn anything.
For me, I learn best by hearing. So, I read the book but I also listened to the MP3 version while driving etc. While my wife to read and interact through discussion and the actual history and current affairs of Canada in order to absorb the material.
Thanks! I do have a visual memory, so a book or pdf would be best for me. I usually don't have a problem with learning (I'm 35 years old and have been in school on and off, upgrading my credentials; I even switched careers twice!). It's just that my pregnant brain can't focus on anything right now. I can only think of pickles, poutine, big bowls of nectarines, bassinet, cute baby outfits, etc. Hahahaha
Thank you, everyone, for your replies, I am beginning to feel more confident about this test. I will start reading the book tonight!
Don't spend $$$ in websites. It's not needed for most people. There are enough free tests on the internet to validate your understanding of the Discover Canada booklet.
Thank you! That makes me feel a bit better. I can definitely read for 30 mins each day after my son goes to bed. And 3 months is a pretty reasonable time frame.
I guess the worst that could happen is that I have to reapply and lose the $530 processing fee.
