What to Expect at Your Canadian Citizenship Ceremony: Oath, Certificate & Guide

Your Canadian Citizenship Ceremony: The Final Step

After passing your citizenship exam, language assessment, and background clearances, you receive an invitation to the Citizenship Ceremony. This is the official event where you formally become a Canadian citizen.

1. Formats: Virtual vs. In-Person Ceremonies

IRCC conducts both in-person ceremonies at local citizenship offices and virtual ceremonies via Zoom. Both share the exact same legal validity and standard proceedings.

2. The Oath of Citizenship

The centerpiece of the ceremony is repeating the Oath of Citizenship in English, French, or both languages:

"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."

3. Ceremony Procedures

1. Registration & ID Check: Present your Permanent Resident card and personal identification to the clerk.
2. The Judge's Address: A Citizenship Judge or Presiding Official welcomes candidates and reflects on Canadian rights, democracy, and community duties.
3. Administering the Oath: All candidates stand, raise their right hand, and repeat the oath aloud together.
4. Singing O Canada: The ceremony concludes with the bilingual singing of the national anthem.
5. Surrendering PR Card: You will cut your PR card across the middle (on camera or in person), officially ending your status as a permanent resident.

4. Receiving Your Canadian Citizenship Certificate

Candidates taking virtual ceremonies receive their electronic citizenship certificate (e-Certificate) within 2 to 5 business days to download and print. In-person candidates receive their paper certificate at the ceremony.