My husband has low scores in reading and writing, is there any way they'd consider that when arranging his test? I mean, could he get an interview instead of a written one?
@scylla has provided good observations.
No need to pay any attention to troll-criticisms which offer no semblance of either an answer to the question posed or any on-topic observations.
I would further note, largely emphasizing the observations offered by
@scylla, that
the knowledge test inherently ALSO tests the applicant's language abilities. In this regard, it warrants a reminder, even though an applicant must provide specified documentation to prove language ability in one of the official languages, the interview constitutes further screening of language ability in addition to the fact that the knowledge test also inherently tests the applicant's language ability.
The over all timeline for the process will typically be quite a bit longer if the applicant fails the knowledge test.
And of course the applicant must pass the knowledge test (unless exempted) to obtain the grant of citizenship.
A small clarification about the process (applicant gets two tries and oral alternative is administered by a Citizenship Officer):
The applicant is generally given TWO tries to pass the WRITTEN knowledge test. If the applicant fails the SECOND attempt, generally that will result in a hearing before a Citizenship Officer (NOT a Citizenship Judge -- Citizenship Judges now have a very limited role, largely limited to presence cases, in citizenship application decision-making).
In particular, the current Program Delivery Instructions (see link below) for interviewing adult citizenship applicants describes a number of "scenarios" for which a hearing will be held, including when the applicant "
fails the written citizenship test on a second attempt." Another scenario described suggest that an applicant can WAIVE either the written test or a re-test, and request a Citizenship Officer hearing. To be specific, the PDI states that there may be a citizenship officer hearing in the scenario where . . .
-- "the applicant waives their right to a written test or a re-test and requests a hearing (where the knowledge test will be administered orally)"
Thus, it does appear that an applicant who knows his or her reading ability will preclude passing a written test can waive the written test and proceed to an oral test before a Citizenship Officer, and this might significantly reduce the timeline. HOWEVER, unless the applicant simply cannot read much at all in either of the official languages, the multiple choice format of the written test is PROBABLY easier than an oral test. And again, the applicant is given two tries for the written test.
As I noted above, the interview also constitutes further screening of the applicant's ability in an official language (in addition to the documentation that applicants must submit with the application), and thus another scenario in which an applicant may be required to appear before a Citizenship Officer is where the interviewer (referred to as an "official" in the PDI) concludes the applicant does not meet the language ability requirement; in particular, the PDI states that a citizenship officer hearing may be required in the scenario where . . .
-- "an official feels that the applicant cannot understand or express basic information in one of the official languages (despite the provision of language evidence at the time of application)"
Some References/Links:
Citizenship Decision-making procedures:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/canadian-citizenship/admininistration/decisions/decision-making-procedures.html
Citizenship interview of adult applicants:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/canadian-citizenship/admininistration/decisions/interviewing-adult-applicants.html
(this references a "hearing" before a Citizenship Officer if an applicant has failed the written test ON A
SECOND ATTEMPT, and also includes the quoted description above about waiving written test and proceeding to an oral test in a hearing conducted by a Citizenship Officer)
Referral of application to Citizenship Judges:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/canadian-citizenship/admininistration/decisions/referring-applications-judge.html
