The Oath of Canadian Citizenship: What to Expect at Your Ceremony

You have passed your knowledge test, cleared the language assessment, and met the physical presence requirement. Now comes the moment everything has been building toward: the oath of Canadian citizenship ceremony. For most applicants, the ceremony is an emotional and legally significant milestone — the single event that transforms permanent resident status into full citizenship.

This guide explains how the ceremony works, what the oath actually says, what to bring, and what to do the moment it is over. All procedural details reflect the process as of writing; always confirm current requirements on Canada.ca or through IRCC directly, as rules and formats can change.

What the Citizenship Oath Is — and Why It Matters

The oath of citizenship is not a formality. Under the Citizenship Act, taking the oath is the final legal step that confers Canadian citizenship on adult applicants. Until you recite those words and sign the oath form, you are not yet a citizen — regardless of how long your application has been approved. For minors included in a parent's application, the oath requirement may be waived, but they are still granted citizenship at the ceremony (see "Minors at the Ceremony" below).

The governing statute is the Citizenship Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-29, not the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. If you are reading advice that conflates the two, treat it with caution.

The Wording of the Oath

As of writing, the Canadian citizenship oath reads:

I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.

The oath was amended in 2021 to include an explicit reference to the Constitution and to duties as a citizen — a notable change from earlier versions. The reference to the monarch reflects Canada's constitutional monarchy. Parliament can amend the oath by legislation, so confirm the current wording on Canada.ca before your ceremony.

You may swear (religious affirmation) or affirm (secular affirmation) — both are legally equivalent.

How You Are Notified About Your Ceremony

Once IRCC approves your citizenship application, they will send you a Notice to Appear for a citizenship ceremony. As of writing, this notice arrives through your IRCC secure account (MyCIC/IRCC portal) and/or by mail. The notice confirms:

• The date, time, and location (or virtual access link) of your ceremony
• Documents you must bring
• Any specific instructions for your cohort

Check your IRCC portal regularly after your application is approved so you do not miss the notice. You are expected to attend the scheduled ceremony; missing it without notice to IRCC can complicate your file.

In-Person vs. Virtual Ceremony Formats

As of writing, IRCC offers both in-person and virtual citizenship ceremonies.

In-person ceremonies are held at Federal Court locations or other designated venues across Ontario and the rest of Canada. They typically involve a group of new citizens, a presiding citizenship judge or designated official, remarks on Canadian values and history, and a communal recitation of the oath.

Virtual ceremonies were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and have continued as a permanent option for many applicants. Participants join by video platform (details provided in the Notice to Appear), recite the oath on screen, and sign and return the oath form as directed by IRCC. Virtual ceremonies carry the same legal effect as in-person ones.

Your Notice to Appear will specify which format applies to you. If you have accessibility needs or a scheduling conflict, contact IRCC as early as possible — do not simply skip the ceremony.

What to Bring to the Ceremony

Based on IRCC guidance as of writing, bring the following to an in-person ceremony:

• Your Notice to Appear (printed or accessible on a device)
• Your Permanent Resident (PR) card or other government-issued photo ID
• Any supporting documents specifically requested in your Notice to Appear (for example, proof of name change, court documents, or documents relating to minors in the application)
• Your current passport(s), if requested

Do not bring your PR card to surrender unless IRCC has instructed you to do so. Confirm the current document checklist on Canada.ca before your ceremony date.

What Happens During the Ceremony

A typical ceremony follows this general order:

1. Arrival and check-in — staff verify your identity and documents
2. Welcome and opening remarks — the presiding official introduces the ceremony and its significance
3. Group recitation of the oath — all candidates stand and recite the oath together; you then sign the oath form
4. Remarks from the citizenship judge — a short address on what Canadian citizenship means
5. Presentation of the citizenship certificate — you receive your certificate individually or in a group
6. O Canada — the national anthem is sung or played
7. Photographs and congratulations — time to mark the occasion

The entire ceremony typically runs between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the size of the group.

What You Receive: The Citizenship Certificate

At the ceremony, you will receive your Canadian citizenship certificate. This document is your primary proof of citizenship. Keep it in a safe place — replacing a lost certificate requires an application to IRCC and involves a fee and processing time.

The citizenship certificate is distinct from a Canadian passport. You will need to apply separately for a passport if you want to travel on a Canadian travel document.

What to Do Immediately After the Ceremony

Once you are a citizen, a number of updates become available or necessary:

• Apply for a Canadian passport — the most immediate priority for most new citizens; apply through Passport Canada
• Update your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — visit Service Canada to update your immigration status on file
• Update your provincial health card (OHIP in Ontario) — contact ServiceOntario
• Update your Ontario driver's licence — visit a ServiceOntario centre with your citizenship certificate
• Notify your employer and financial institutions if your immigration status affects tax or benefit classifications

You should also surrender your PR card to IRCC if instructed; as a citizen, you no longer need it to re-enter Canada (a Canadian passport serves that function).

Missed or Rescheduled Ceremonies

If you cannot attend your scheduled ceremony, contact IRCC before the ceremony date to request a rescheduling. Reasons IRCC may accept include serious illness, a family emergency, or a scheduling conflict that arose after the notice was issued. If you miss the ceremony without contacting IRCC, your application may be affected. Do not assume that missing one date automatically results in a new one — follow up promptly.

Minors at the Ceremony

Children under 18 who are included in a parent's or guardian's citizenship application are granted citizenship at the same time. They are generally not required to take the oath themselves (the oath requirement applies to applicants aged 18 and over as of writing). Minors receive their own citizenship certificate. Confirm the current age threshold and any documentation requirements for minors with IRCC, as these details are subject to legislative change.

Frequently asked questions