Updated July 2026. On December 2, 2025, IRCC updated its internal instructions to staff covering accessibility accommodations throughout the citizenship process — from knowledge tests and hearings to ceremonies, interpreters, and support persons. Here’s what changed.
Knowledge Test Accessibility
Applicants can now choose from several test formats depending on their needs: one-on-one oral tests, large-print tests, Braille tests, tests with sign language interpretation, and extended time accommodations. Applicants get three attempts to pass the knowledge test before being referred to a hearing. Where accommodations still can’t reasonably meet an applicant’s needs, a compassionate waiver may be considered.
For Braille tests specifically, applicants are allowed 90 minutes or more as needed and may use their own personal Braille typewriter. Oral tests follow strict procedural rules — IRCC officers must read questions exactly as written and record answers precisely, to keep the process fair and consistent across applicants.
Knowledge and Language Hearings
Updated rules expand accommodations for applicants who can’t complete a written test, including accessible hearing environments, sign language interpretation, and case-by-case waivers where standard accommodations aren’t sufficient.
Citizenship Ceremonies
Accessibility measures at ceremonies now include first-row seating for applicants with mobility impairments and accommodations for a range of disabilities, including alternative ways of delivering the oath for applicants who need them.
Support Persons and Interpreters
Applicants can bring an accompanying person for emotional or physical support under certain conditions — that person must complete Form CIT 0117 and cannot have an active citizenship application of their own. Interpreters face stricter eligibility criteria too: they must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate proficiency in English or French, and sign the Interpreter’s Oath (also CIT 0117), with exceptions considered only in cases of undue hardship to the applicant.
How to Request Accommodations
IRCC staff are required to follow up directly with applicants who indicate an accessibility need, confirm exactly what supports are required, document it in their case file, and ensure every subsequent step in the process reflects those needs.
Source: IRCC, Accessibility accommodations for citizenship application.
