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Oath of Citizenship

A mandatory ceremony where applicants take the Oath of Citizenship to officially become Canadian citizens.

Sections

1. Overview of the Oath of Citizenship

The Oath of Citizenship is a mandatory step for all applicants aged 14 and older who are approved for Canadian citizenship. By taking the oath, individuals pledge their loyalty to Canada, commit to upholding its laws, and affirm their responsibilities as Canadian citizens.

The oath is typically administered during a citizenship ceremony, which is a celebratory event marking the final step in the citizenship process.

2. The Text of the Oath

The Oath of Citizenship is as follows:

"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 and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."

  • Applicants can choose to either swear (religious connotation) or affirm (non-religious) the oath.
  • The reference to the monarch reflects Canada’s constitutional monarchy system.

3. National Regulations Governing the Oath

The Oath of Citizenship is governed by the Citizenship Act and its associated regulations. Key points include:

  • Eligibility: Only applicants who have been approved for citizenship by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can take the oath.
  • Age Requirement: Applicants aged 14 and older must take the oath. For children under 14, their parent or legal guardian takes the oath on their behalf.
  • Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French (Canada’s official languages) as part of the citizenship process.
  • Residency Requirement: Applicants must meet the physical presence requirement (1,095 days in Canada within the last five years) before being eligible to take the oath.

4. Costs Involved

The costs associated with the Oath of Citizenship are part of the overall citizenship application fees. As of October 2023, the fees are:

  • Adult applicants (18 and older): CAD $630 (includes a CAD $530 processing fee and a CAD $100 right of citizenship fee).
  • Minor applicants (under 18): CAD $100 (processing fee only).

There is no additional fee specifically for the oath or the citizenship ceremony.

5. Standard Procedures for Taking the Oath

The process for taking the Oath of Citizenship involves several steps:

Step 1: Approval of Citizenship Application

  • After submitting your citizenship application, IRCC will review it to ensure you meet all requirements (e.g., residency, language, knowledge of Canada).
  • If approved, you will receive a Notice to Appear for a citizenship ceremony.

Step 2: Receiving the Notice to Appear

  • The notice will include the date, time, and location of your citizenship ceremony.
  • Ceremonies can be held in person or virtually (online). Virtual ceremonies became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be an option.

Step 3: Preparing for the Ceremony

  • Bring the required documents, which typically include:
    • Your permanent resident (PR) card or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
    • A valid government-issued photo ID.
    • The Notice to Appear for the ceremony.
    • Any other documents requested by IRCC.
  • Dress appropriately for the occasion, as it is a formal and celebratory event.

Step 4: Taking the Oath

  • During the ceremony, a citizenship judge or official will lead the oath.
  • You will recite the oath in either English or French. If you are attending a virtual ceremony, you may be asked to unmute your microphone and turn on your camera while reciting the oath.
  • After taking the oath, you officially become a Canadian citizen.

Step 5: Receiving Your Citizenship Certificate

  • After the ceremony, you will receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. This document serves as proof of your citizenship and is required for applying for a Canadian passport or other government services.

6. Country-Specific Considerations

Here are some unique aspects of the Oath of Citizenship in Canada:

a) Virtual Ceremonies

  • Virtual ceremonies are now a common option, allowing applicants to take the oath from the comfort of their homes. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet environment for the ceremony.

b) Religious and Non-Religious Options

  • Applicants can choose to swear the oath (religious) or affirm it (non-religious). This choice is respected and does not affect the process.

c) Dual Citizenship

  • Canada allows dual citizenship. Taking the Oath of Citizenship does not require you to renounce your previous citizenship unless your country of origin prohibits dual citizenship.

d) Accessibility

  • IRCC accommodates individuals with disabilities or special needs during the ceremony. Applicants should notify IRCC in advance if they require assistance.

e) Children Under 14

  • While children under 14 are not required to take the oath, they are encouraged to attend the ceremony with their parents or guardians to celebrate this milestone.

f) Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

  • Many citizenship ceremonies include an acknowledgment of the Indigenous lands on which the ceremony is taking place, reflecting Canada’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

7. Tips for a Successful Ceremony

  • Arrive Early: Whether attending in person or virtually, ensure you are ready at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
  • Practice the Oath: Familiarize yourself with the text of the oath to feel confident during the ceremony.
  • Celebrate the Moment: The citizenship ceremony is a significant milestone. Many participants choose to celebrate with family and friends afterward.

8. Post-Ceremony Steps

After taking the Oath of Citizenship, you can:

  • Apply for a Canadian passport.
  • Register to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
  • Enjoy the full rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship, including the right to live and work anywhere in Canada.

9. Additional Resources

For more information, visit the official IRCC website: www.canada.ca

If you have specific questions or concerns, you can contact IRCC directly through their online portal or by phone.

By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the process of taking the Oath of Citizenship and enjoy the privileges and responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen.