As salons and patios reopen, Kitchener man wonders why citizenship tests still on hold

A Kitchener man says that if he can get a haircut and sip a drink on a patio, he should be able to write his citizenship test.

Mohamed Solyman, 31, is a permanent resident who immigrated to Canada almost five years ago and was scheduled to write his test in person at the end of March.

Before he had the chance, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to cancel citizenship tests, interviews and ceremonies until further notice.

Solyman said it's clear the shutdown was needed, in the interests of protecting public health. But in recent weeks, he said it's been tough to watch services resume and workplaces reopen across the country as citizenship events are kept on hold.

"We haven't received anything [from the government], and that's partially why it's frustrating," said Solyman, who is originally from the United Arab Emirates and an engineer by training.

Government mulling online tests

In a statement to CBC News, a spokesperson said IRCC is considering options for resumption of services, which could include holding citizenship tests online.

Solyman said he's happy the government is considering that possibility, but thinks more should have been done early on in the pandemic to keep the citizenship process moving.  

Once services do resume, Solyman said he worries the months-long shutdown could lead to a backlog. 

"Something needs to be done — otherwise there is going to be lots of delays for people who should have done their exam by now," he said.

The IRCC did not provide a timeline for when tests might resume, although a statement on the government's website said some applicants are now being invited to make citizenship oaths by video. 

Last month, University of Manitoba researcher Adolf Ng, who is working on a study related to supply chain management issues during the pandemic, became the first person to be awarded Canadian citizenship through a virtual ceremony.

As for Solyman, he said he's looking forward to the next step in the citizenship process — and hopes it happens sooner rather than later.

"I moved to Canada looking for a better life, looking for a place to settle, and I found it here."