The oath ceremony: your last step to citizenship
Passed the test? What is left is the good part. Here is what happens between the test and the ceremony, what the day looks like, the oath itself, and your first steps as a Canadian citizen. For the test half of the story, see the test day guide.
The Oath of Citizenship
“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.”
Twenty-nine words that end one journey and start another. Read them a few times before your ceremony; you will be glad you did.
Before the ceremony
It has your date, time, format (video or in person), and personal instructions, including which documents to have ready. The invitation always overrides general advice.
You stop being a permanent resident the moment you become a citizen, so PR cards are surrendered at (or right after) the ceremony. Bring it, plus the ID your invitation lists.
Many ceremonies are held by video. Test your camera, microphone, and connection in advance, and plan for a quiet spot. You will hold documents up to the camera during check-in.
It does. This is the finish line of a years-long journey, there will be photos, and many people bring family to watch. Business casual or better is the norm.
You recite it out loud, in English, French, or both. Read it a few times beforehand (it is short) so the moment is about the meaning, not the words.
What the day looks like
- Check-in: your documents are verified and your PR card is collected.
- The presiding official (often a citizenship judge) speaks about what citizenship means.
- Everyone takes the oath together, out loud, and signs the oath form.
- You sing O Canada, officially for the first time as a citizen.
- You receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony or by mail soon after.
Ceremonies usually run under an hour, and nobody fails one. Bring tissues; it sneaks up on people.
Your first days as a citizen
You receive it at the ceremony or by mail shortly after. It is the proof of citizenship you will use for your first passport, so store it like the important document it is.
You can apply as soon as you have your certificate. For many new citizens this is the very first errand, and it usually takes a few weeks to arrive.
Citizens can vote in federal elections. Register with Elections Canada online in minutes, or check the box the next time you file taxes.
Someone in your circle is probably a few steps behind you on the same road. Share what you learned; test-day and ceremony intel from real people is gold.
Common questions
How long after the test is the oath ceremony?
It varies. After you pass, IRCC finalizes its decision and then schedules you into a ceremony; the wait is commonly weeks to a few months. Community timelines from other applicants are the best live signal.
Is the ceremony online or in person?
Both happen. Your invitation states the format. Video ceremonies are common and are just as official; in-person ceremonies are held at IRCC offices and community venues.
Can my family attend?
Usually yes. In-person ceremonies generally welcome guests, and for video ceremonies your household can simply be there with you. Check your invitation for specifics.
Do I swear or affirm?
Your choice. Swearing is religious in form; affirming is not. Both are equally valid, and you can also take the oath in English, French, or both.
Deeper answers: how long after the test is the oath and how long the whole process takes.
Still on the road to the oath?
Track every milestone from application to ceremony, see how your timeline compares with other future citizens, and walk into the test already knowing you can pass it.