IRCC launched the online citizenship test in November last year, more than 6,700 applicants have participated. Ottawa is now considering continuing this type of virtual examination mode. Asim Zaidan, a spokesperson for IRCC, said that before the pandemic, IRCC began to implement modern platforms to improve the service experience of applicants. Due to the pandemic, IRCC staff began to work from home, resulting in a decline in the efficiency of processing operations, affecting 85,000 applicants for the citizenship test. However, Zaidan emphasized that so far, nearly 50,000 Canadians have taken the oath of citizenship in 8,000 virtual ceremonies. From a point of view, this is undoubtedly successful.

Online testing allows clients to complete the test at a time convenient to them, within 21 days. It will also help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by limiting gatherings of individuals and protecting clients and IRCC staff as the department strives to limit in-person interactions.