8 New Canadian Citizenship Accessibility Instructions Now In Effect

Last Updated On 4 December 2025, 8:26 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has activated a major update to the Canadian citizenship program, introducing 8 new accommodation instructions designed to make the entire process more accessible for applicants.

These updated instructions to IRCC staff were posted on December 2, 2025, and apply to every stage of the citizenship journey, including tests, hearings, ceremonies, documentation, interpreters, and guardianship.

The new framework ensures that applicants can request accessibility supports at any point in the process and that IRCC staff must apply reasonable accommodation measures under subsection 5(3.1) of the Citizenship Act.

These changes strengthen procedural fairness, ensure equal access, and clarify how staff should manage accommodation, interpretation, and compassionate waivers.

Below is a full breakdown of the 8 new accommodation instructions that are now officially instructing IRCC staff with clarity.

Accommodation Instruction 1: Citizenship Test Accessibility Updated

IRCC has expanded accessibility measures for citizenship knowledge tests, allowing applicants to choose from several formats depending on their needs.

These include:

one-on-one oral tests
large-print tests
Braille tests
tests with sign language interpretation
additional time for applicants with ADHD, test anxiety, learning disabilities, or medical limitations

Applicants now receive three attempts to pass the knowledge test before being referred to a hearing.

Where accommodations cannot reasonably meet an applicant’s needs, a compassionate waiver may be considered.

IRCC staff must contact applicants who indicate accessibility needs to confirm the supports required, add case notes, and ensure all future steps reflect those needs.

Accommodation Instruction 2: Updated Procedures for Oral, Large-Print, and Braille Tests

Applicants who cannot take the standard written test due to disability or literacy limitations may be scheduled for:

in-person or virtual oral tests
large-print versions of the test
Braille versions of the study guide and test

Each test type now has updated procedures. For example:

Braille test applicants are allowed 90 minutes or more as required
candidates may use their personal Braille typewriter
oral tests must follow strict rules where IRCC officers read questions exactly as written and record answers without rewording

If an applicant requests accommodation after receiving an online test invitation, local IRCC offices must still arrange the support and reschedule if needed.

Accommodation Instruction 3: New Rules for Knowledge and Language Hearings

Hearings now include expanded accommodations for applicants who cannot complete written tests.

Updated measures include:

accessible environments for oral knowledge hearings
sign language interpretation for deaf applicants
the ability to reschedule if an interpreter is not providing faithful interpretation
case-by-case assessment for waivers when accommodation cannot address limitations

Oral tests still count as test attempts and do not replace the formal hearing. All procedures must be carefully documented for fairness and consistency.

Accommodation Instruction 4: Accessibility Measures at Citizenship Ceremonies

IRCC has introduced updated standards to ensure full accessibility at citizenship ceremonies.

Key accommodations include:

first-row seating for applicants with limited mobility
sign language interpreters in visible positions for deaf applicants
large-print, Braille, and audio versions of the oath of citizenship
private ceremonies for applicants unable to vocalize the oath
alternative oath responses, such as nodding or blinking, for candidates with speech impairments

Applicants unable to sign the oath form may use an X or another mark, or IRCC will annotate the form when physical signing is impossible.

Accommodation Instruction 5: Updated Policy on Accompanying Persons

Applicants may bring accompanying persons to provide emotional or physical support, as long as they complete form CIT 0117.

Under the new instructions:

accompanying persons cannot have an active citizenship application unless excluding them causes undue hardship
accompanying persons may attend identity verification, instructions, and some assessment stages, depending on disability needs
citizenship judges and officers must consider factors like travel cost, applicant disability, and lack of alternatives before refusing an accompanying person
officials may stop a proceeding if an accompanying person starts translating, becomes disruptive, or gives answers on behalf of the applicant

Every decision must be documented in GCMS.

Accommodation Instruction 6: Stricter Criteria for Interpreters

New rules define who may act as an interpreter during citizenship processes.

An interpreter must:

be at least 18 years old
not have a citizenship application in progress
demonstrate strong knowledge of English or French
sign the Interpreter’s Oath (CIT 0117)

Exceptions may be made only when exclusion would cause undue hardship to the applicant.

IRCC now uses a formal Language Assessment Tool for Interpreters (LATI) to confirm the interpreter’s language ability.

If the interpreter fails, disrupts the process, or misinterprets, officials may end the session and reschedule.

ASL and LSQ interpreters are always permitted for deaf applicants, including during knowledge hearings.

Accommodation Instruction 7: Clear Rules for Applicants Unable to Act on Their Own Behalf

The updated instructions detail how cases are handled when an applicant cannot understand the significance of citizenship due to a mental disability.

Key updates include:

all such applicants require a legal guardian
guardians must provide proof such as court orders, power of attorney, or affidavits
IRCC may request a Medical Opinion Form (CIT 0547)
officers must ensure applicants understand that citizenship may affect other citizenships or succession rights
if applicants cannot understand the oath, IRCC must not administer it and must instead refer the case for a waiver

Minors 14 and older do not require an affidavit but must still meet all requirements unless waived on compassionate grounds.

Accommodation Instruction 8: Updated Rules for Taking Affidavits and Declarations

IRCC clarified procedures for taking affidavits, affirmations, and declarations for applicants who require additional support.

New instructions ensure:

visually impaired applicants receive documents in large print, Braille, or read aloud
applicants with literacy issues must have documents read to them
interpreters must be formally sworn in before assisting with affidavits
only authorized officers, judges, notaries, and commissioners may administer oaths inside or outside Canada
all steps must follow the Canada Evidence Act

These rules ensure applicants understand any declaration they sign and that IRCC maintains legal integrity across all proceedings.

These 8 new citizenship accommodation instructions significantly expand Canada’s accessibility standards for citizenship applicants.

The updates ensure that citizenship tests, hearings, ceremonies, and legal documentation are all inclusive, fair, and adaptable to a wide range of disabilities and personal circumstances.

IRCC emphasizes that applicants should always communicate their accommodation needs as early as possible, and officers must tailor supports on a case-by-case basis while preserving the integrity of the citizenship process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who qualifies for a Canadian citizenship knowledge test waiver on compassionate grounds?

Applicants with disabilities that cannot be supported through standard accommodations may qualify for a compassionate waiver. This includes cases where a disability prevents understanding test content, completing the test in any form, or participating in hearings despite accommodations.

What should I do if I need an interpreter for my citizenship process?

Applicants who cannot understand English or French may bring their own interpreter or request IRCC to arrange one. The interpreter must be at least 18, fluent in English or French, and not have a citizenship application in progress unless excluding them causes undue hardship.

What if a citizenship applicant cannot act on their own behalf?

Applicants who cannot understand the meaning of becoming a citizen require a legal guardian. Guardians may submit a Medical Opinion Form, affidavits, court orders, or power of attorney documents. Guardians sign forms, represent the applicant, and request waivers when appropriate.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.