The Canadian Citizenship Oath is an important step in the process of becoming a Canadian citizen. It symbolizes your formal commitment to Canada, its values, and its laws. Taking the Oath of Citizenship is one of the final steps in the citizenship process, and it is a crucial moment when you become a full-fledged member of Canadian society.
1. What is the Canadian Citizenship Oath?
The Canadian Citizenship Oath is a solemn declaration that signifies your commitment to being loyal to Canada, upholding Canadian values, and respecting its laws. The Oath of Citizenship is a formal pledge that all new citizens must take during a citizenship ceremony to finalize their citizenship.
Here’s the wording of the Oath:
“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, her heirs and successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen.”
Taking the Oath is an expression of loyalty to the Canadian monarchy and the Canadian state. After taking the Oath, you officially become a Canadian citizen and gain the rights and privileges that come with citizenship, such as the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and enjoy all other benefits of being a citizen.
2. When Do You Take the Oath of Citizenship?
The Oath of Citizenship is taken after your citizenship application is approved and all requirements have been met, including the successful completion of the Canadian Citizenship Test (if applicable) and meeting the residency requirements. Once you pass the test and meet the necessary criteria, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony, during which you will take the Oath.
- After the Approval: Once your application has been approved, you will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony. The ceremony is typically scheduled within a few weeks to a few months after your application is approved, depending on the location and volume of applicants.
- Scheduling the Ceremony: The invitation will include details about the date, time, and location of the ceremony. You must attend the ceremony in person to take the Oath. For some people, the ceremony may be held online, especially during times of public health concerns, but this depends on your specific situation and location.
3. What Happens During the Citizenship Ceremony?
The citizenship ceremony is a formal and meaningful event where new citizens from various backgrounds come together to celebrate their new Canadian citizenship. It is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of becoming a Canadian citizen and to pledge allegiance to the country.
Here is what typically happens during a citizenship ceremony:
- Taking the Oath: All participants in the ceremony take the Oath of Citizenship together. You will be asked to raise your right hand and repeat the Oath in front of the citizenship official.
- Official Declaration: Once you have taken the Oath, you are officially a Canadian citizen. The citizenship official will declare that you are now a citizen of Canada and will provide you with your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
- Pledge of Allegiance: During the ceremony, you will also be asked to affirm your commitment to Canada’s values, history, and diversity.
- Receiving Your Certificate: After taking the Oath, you will be given your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, which is a vital document proving your status as a Canadian citizen. It is important to keep this certificate safe, as you will need it for any future citizenship-related matters.
4. Are There Any Special Circumstances for Taking the Oath?
While most applicants take the Oath as part of a group at a ceremony, there are some special circumstances to be aware of:
- Minors (Under 14 Years Old): Children under 14 do not need to take the Oath themselves. However, they must be included in the citizenship application of their parents or guardians. Once their parent or guardian becomes a citizen, the child automatically becomes a Canadian citizen, but they will not be required to take the Oath individually.
- Ceremony Location: Most people take the Oath in person at a local citizenship ceremony. However, in some exceptional cases, individuals may be given the option to take the Oath at a special ceremony or at virtual ceremonies, depending on their personal circumstances and the regulations in place at the time of their citizenship approval.
- Language of the Oath: The Oath of Citizenship is typically taken in either English or French, depending on the applicant’s preference and the region where the ceremony is held.
5. Do You Have to Attend the Ceremony?
Yes, attending the citizenship ceremony is mandatory. You must attend the ceremony in order to take the Oath and officially become a Canadian citizen. If you fail to attend without a valid reason, your citizenship application may be delayed or canceled.
However, if you have a valid reason for not attending (such as illness or a personal emergency), you can request a different ceremony date. You will need to contact IRCC to explain your situation and ask for an alternative date.
6. What if I Cannot Attend the Citizenship Ceremony?
If you are unable to attend the scheduled ceremony due to valid reasons, you must inform the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immediately. You may need to provide proof of your reason for not attending, such as a doctor’s note for health-related issues. If your request is approved, IRCC will reschedule your ceremony for a later date.
If you do not attend the ceremony and fail to inform IRCC, your citizenship application may be delayed, and you may need to reapply for citizenship.
7. What Happens After Taking the Oath?
After you take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, you are considered a Canadian citizen with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it. These include:
- Right to Vote: You are now eligible to vote in federal, provincial, and territorial elections in Canada.
- Canadian Passport: As a Canadian citizen, you are eligible to apply for a Canadian passport, which allows you to travel internationally with the full support of the Canadian government.
- Access to Government Benefits: You gain access to government programs and services available only to Canadian citizens.
- Full Citizenship Rights: You now have the right to live and work anywhere in Canada and participate in Canadian society fully.
Conclusion
The Canadian Citizenship Oath is a significant and ceremonial step in the journey to becoming a Canadian citizen. By taking the Oath, you make a formal pledge of loyalty to Canada and accept the responsibilities of citizenship. It is typically taken during a citizenship ceremony after your application has been approved. Once you have taken the Oath, you are officially a Canadian citizen with all the rights, privileges, and duties that come with that status.