The Canadian Citizenship Ceremony and Oath: What to Expect

The citizenship ceremony is the very last step to becoming Canadian: you only officially become a citizen the moment you take the oath. It happens in person or online by video, lasts 30 to 90 minutes, and ends with you receiving your citizenship certificate. Here is how it works and how to prepare. This is a general guide: the official source is always canada.ca.

Key takeaways

• You become a citizen the moment you take the oath, not before.
• The ceremony can be in person or online (by video).
• You then receive your citizenship certificate, the official proof of your status.
• Bring your invitation, your PR card (even if expired) and your identity documents.

What is the citizenship ceremony?

Once your application is approved, IRCC invites you to a citizenship ceremony. It is the culmination of the journey described in our guide on how to become a Canadian citizen. The invitation gives the date, time and format. Since 2020, many ceremonies are held online, by video conference, but in-person ceremonies still exist and carry strong symbolic weight.

How does the ceremony work?

• You receive an invitation with the date, time and format (in person or by video).
• A citizenship judge or presiding official welcomes everyone and gives a short address.
• You take the Oath of Citizenship, in English or French, all together.
• You sing the national anthem, O Canada.
• You receive your citizenship certificate, the official proof of your new status.

What does the Oath of Citizenship say?

You take the oath as a swearing ("I swear") or a solemn affirmation ("I affirm"). Since June 2021, it explicitly recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples. Here is the official wording in force:

"I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."

In person or online: what is the difference?

In substance, none: either way you take the same oath and receive the same certificate. The online ceremony happens from home, by video, with a connection link sent in your invitation. The in-person ceremony gathers several new citizens in a room and is often felt to be more solemn. IRCC sets the format; in some cases you can express a preference.

What should you bring?

• Your ceremony invitation.
• Your permanent resident card (even if expired), which will be collected.
• Your identity documents and anything else IRCC requests.
• For an online ceremony: a device with a camera and a stable connection.

Can you invite family and friends?

Yes. In-person ceremonies usually welcome family and friends, subject to seating. For an online ceremony, your loved ones can join you on screen. It is a proud moment meant to be shared.

What happens after the ceremony?

Once you are a citizen, you can apply for a Canadian passport, register to vote and take part in elections, and travel under your new status. Your citizenship certificate is the document that proves your citizenship, so keep it somewhere safe.

Frequently asked questions

Can the citizenship ceremony be rescheduled? If you have a serious conflict, yes: tell IRCC as soon as possible by replying to the invitation, and a new date will be offered.

Do I have to memorize the Oath of Citizenship? No. The words are read out and you repeat them. There is no need to learn it by heart.

When do I actually become a Canadian citizen? At the exact moment you take the oath, not when you receive the invitation or the certificate.

The ceremony comes after the citizenship test, often the step people worry about most. The good news: you can prepare for free right now with our mock exams and chapter quizzes, so you arrive at the ceremony calm and proud.