What to Expect at the Citizenship Oath Ceremony in Canada

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Becoming a Canadian citizen is a monumental achievement for anyone, with the final step being the oath ceremony. This is the moment you officially become a Canadian citizen, and it’s an emotional, celebratory day for everyone involved. 
But what exactly happens at the ceremony? And how long after the citizenship test is the oath ceremony in Canada? 
We’ll walk you through what to expect from start to finish so you can be prepared.

Pre-Ceremony Preparations

After you’ve passed your citizenship test, the wait begins. Many new citizens wonder, "After the online citizenship test, how long until the oath ceremony?" Normally, you will get an invitation to the ceremony. This will be just within a few weeks to a few months after passing the test. While the timeline for the oath ceremony in Canada varies based on your location. However, most people are invited to take the oath within 2 to 6 months after passing their test.
Once you receive your invitation from IRCC, the real excitement begins! The invitation will include important details like the date, time, and whether the ceremony will be held virtually or in person. Just keep an eye on your inbox or IRCC’s portal for updates.

Documents to Bring

When preparing for your citizenship ceremony, ensure you have the following documents:

• Your permanent resident card (PR card)
• Government-issued ID (like a passport or driver's license)
• Your ceremony invitation letter

You must also arrive early to the ceremony if it's in person or log into the virtual ceremony on time.

Can I Take the Oath Outside of Canada?

No, you must be physically present in Canada to take the citizenship oath. Unfortunately, the option to take the citizenship oath outside of Canada isn’t available.

What Happens During the Ceremony?

Checking In

If you’re attending an in-person ceremony, you must arrive early, go through a check-in process, and show the required documents. If it's a virtual ceremony, you must log into a secure video conference platform like Zoom and have your ID ready for verification.

Opening Remarks

The ceremony usually begins with a formal introduction by a citizenship judge or another official. They’ll speak about the importance of becoming a Canadian citizen and what it means to be part of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.

Taking the Oath

The highlight of the ceremony is the citizenship oath itself. You’ll be asked to repeat the words of the oath aloud, either in English or French, and pledge allegiance to the Queen, Canada’s laws, and constitution. This moment is incredibly special and symbolic—it marks the official point at which you become a Canadian citizen.
If you’re having a virtual ceremony, you’ll still be taking the oath alongside others. However, you’ll be doing so in the comfort of your home. After the oath, you’ll be asked to sign an oath form as confirmation.

Singing O Canada

After the oath, the national anthem, “O Canada,” will be sung. Whether you're in person or on a virtual call, this moment adds to the excitement and sense of unity with your fellow new citizens.

Receiving Your Citizenship Certificate

You be officially presented with your citizenship certificate at the end of the ceremony. If it’s an in-person ceremony, you may receive a paper certificate instantly. However, with virtual ceremonies, you’ll likely get instructions on how to access and download your Canadian citizenship e-certificate online.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Citizenship Certificate After the Oath?

Those attending in-person ceremonies often receive the certificate the same day. The citizenship certificate may take 2-4 weeks to arrive in the mail for those attending virtual ceremonies. Some applicants can also download it online. If you're wondering "how long to get citizenship certificate after the oath?", it usually doesn’t take too long, but be patient as mail times may vary.

After the Ceremony: Next Steps

Applying for a Canadian Passport

Once you have your citizenship certificate, the next thing you’ll probably want to do is apply for your passport. The process can be started immediately after the ceremony. 
Wondering "How soon can I apply for a Canadian passport after the citizenship ceremony?" 
You can apply as soon as you receive your certificate, whether it’s the physical version or the digital e-certificate.

How Long for Passport After the Citizenship Ceremony?

Once you apply for your passport, it takes 10 to 20 business days to process, depending on whether you apply in person or by mail. If you need your passport urgently, expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Updating Your Legal Documents

You’ll also want to update other important documents, like your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and health card, to reflect your new citizenship status.

Rescheduling an Oath Ceremony

If you cannot attend your scheduled ceremony, you might be wondering, “How long does it take to reschedule an oath ceremony in Canada?” You should notify IRCC as soon as possible. While it’s usually possible to reschedule, it can delay the process by a few weeks or even months, depending on availability.
If possible, attend your originally scheduled ceremony to avoid delays in receiving your citizenship certificate and applying for a passport.

Frequently Asked Questions