What is the Oath of Citizenship?

The Oath of Citizenship is the final formal step in Canadian citizenship — a public declaration of loyalty to the Crown (the Monarch of Canada) and to Canada. Applicants who have passed all prior steps (application approval, citizenship test, language verification) are scheduled for a citizenship ceremony where they take the oath.

The oath text

The standard oath text (as updated in 2021 to include explicit recognition of Indigenous rights):

"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."

Applicants choose between "swear" (oath) and "affirm" (affirmation) based on personal belief.

Ceremony format

• Conducted by a citizenship judge or designated official
• Group ceremony with multiple new citizens — sometimes in-person at IRCC offices, sometimes virtually via Zoom
• Includes singing of O Canada
• New citizens receive their citizenship certificate at or shortly after the ceremony
• Family and friends may attend

When the ceremony happens

After IRCC approves the citizenship application and citizenship test is passed, applicants are scheduled for a ceremony — typically within 2-4 months of test passing. Virtual ceremonies have been the default since 2020 but in-person ceremonies are also available.

What to bring (in-person ceremonies)

• Photo ID + PR card
• Letter inviting you to the ceremony
• Any documents IRCC has asked you to bring
• Family / guests are welcome

What to wear

Business or business-casual is standard. Many new citizens wear traditional dress representing their heritage — this is encouraged and celebrated as part of Canada's multicultural identity.

After the ceremony

You are a Canadian citizen from the moment you take the oath. You can:

• Apply for a Canadian passport immediately
• Renounce your prior nationality if required by your country of origin (Canada allows dual citizenship; many countries don't)
• Update your records with provincial governments, employers, financial institutions