After you apply for Canadian citizenship, you can receive 3 letters from CIC(Citizenship and Immigration Canada). The first letter gives your case number and a guide, " Discover Canada," The second letter tells you where and when you need to take a citizenship test. The third letter tells you where and when you can take an oath of citizenship.
I applied for citizenship on August 6, 2013 and received the first letter from CIC on September 8, 2013. I received the second letter on March 10, 2014. This letter told me:"You will take the citizenship test at 1:30 pm on March 17, 2014. The test includes a writing test and a short-time interview. Please appear at 200 Skaguboard town centre. You must bring this notice, PR Card, 2 IDs, landing paper, all passports and original documents." I was lucky and surprised because I just had waited for this test for 7 months. I thought my waiting time was very short. There are a lot of applicants waiting for this test from Toronto for at least one and half years. My friends have waited it for 2 years. But I was a litter nervous because I would take this test in 7 days. Fortunately, I took Peter's citizenship classes and studied the" Discover Canada"guide 2 month ago. That week was March Break and I would stay home to review. I thought I was OK for the writing test!
So, I did 4 main things in Spring March Break .
1. I studied very hard to review this guide .
2. I did a lot of online tests.
3. I checked the information carefully and found 2 mistake on my application form.
4. I prepared all IDs, documents and other proofs, such as volunteer proof, job proof, T4 and T5.
I got up early and kept fresh in morning on March 17. My daughter told me " Mom, are you ready? You can do very well. Cross your fingers! Good luck!". I drove to 200 Skaguboard town centre at 12:30. There were 8 applicants waiting at a big meeting room when I arrived. The writing test started on time. There were 60 applicants for taking this test. There were 4 examiners inside; a young examiner showed us how to correctly write down your name, case number,date and answers on the red sheet. I did this test quickly and checked 3 times. I thought I would do it very well.
We waited at another big meeting room after the writing test. There were 5 office rooms for the short-time interview. My immigration officer was a lady, she looked nice and was almost 40 years old. She smiled to say," Nice to meet you! Your writing test is excellent! No mistake!" I was surprised and felt more relaxed. She checked my IDs then asked me," Why are your drive's license and health card different." ＂I moved to Toronto from Qucbec 7 months ago because my daughter wanted to study in high school here. So I changed the 2 IDs." She continued to ask me,"Please tell me...about trip." She spoke so fast and low, I couldn't catch what she said. "Trip? One trip?" "No, more times." I quickly understood and answered," I went to China 4 times and went to America 3 times." She pointed the form about work and education," Do you know what matters here?" " I'm sorry, I made 2 mistakes, I forgot to write down about out of Canada's addresses 2 times." " Ok! Please tell me when, where,why and how many absence days for the 2 trips, then find the stamps in your passports." I quickly answered and found the stamps. She checked and said " Good job! Please sign your name here!" She asked me about my job, LINC School, volunteering, crime and plans in future. I was pleased to talk the topics with her and enjoyed my new life in Canada. She smiled to listen and asked, "How are you feeling today?" " Today is very important and special experience for me. If I can pass the test, I will very happy and proud because I will be a Canadian!". She returned my all IDs and documents " You need to wait a letter at home in month, maybe 3 to 6 weeks." I confused:" You mean I passed this test and will wait a ceremony, do you?" She didn't say "Yes" or "No" and just said" I told you, that's fine! Have a good day! Do you understand?" I still confused and said" Thank you very much! Have a good day!" After the interview I went out to asked another officer, he told me" Don't worry! You will received a letter and take a oath of citizenship! If you didn't pass this test, she must tell you when and where you need to take next test!"Oh, It was a good news for me ! I look forward a new journey in Canada!
I received the third letter for ceremony for 4 days after the citizenship test. I am happy and will take a oath of citizenship next Monday. I will invite my daughter and friends to attend this ceremony with me and share my happiness!
Congratulations, Teresa. And all the best on your next journey, as a Canadian citizen!
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