Citizenship judges
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
The citizenship judge is vested with the authority to conduct a ceremony of Canadian citizenship. In this regard, the judge is responsible for carrying out the requirements of the Citizenship Act and Citizenship Regulations with respect to administering the Oath of Citizenship (in English and French pursuant to the Official Languages Act) and presenting citizenship certificates at an in-person citizenship ceremony.
A presiding official can view the following videos in preparation for an upcoming citizenship ceremony:
A presiding official can view the following videos in preparation for a reaffirmation ceremony:
- Reaffirmation of the Oath of Citizenship (Video - English)
- La réaffirmation du serment de citoyenneté (Video - French)
Special themed speaking points, developed by National Headquarters (NHQ), are available for presiding officials (citizenship judges and volunteer presiding officials) to use during ceremonies to highlight special days or moments in history (for example, Flag Day).
For more information about a judge's citizenship ceremony responsibilities and duties, refer to the following links:
- Types of citizenship ceremonies – see Ceremony language formats
- Media considerations for citizenship ceremonies – see Interviews
- Dress code for citizenship ceremonies – see Citizenship judges
- Order of precedence at a citizenship ceremony
- Citizenship ceremony opening
- Oath of Citizenship
- Presentation of certificates at citizenship ceremonies
- Citizenship ceremony closure and reception