Citizenship Ceremonies: overview
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Approximately 1,700 citizenship ceremonies are held in communities across Canada every year. It can be an emotional experience for all who attend or take part in a citizenship ceremony when candidates for citizenship take the oath of citizenship and proudly embrace their new country’s values. For a new Canadian citizen, the citizenship ceremony is the formal entry into the Canadian family and the acceptance of the responsibilities and privileges of membership.
The citizenship ceremony is legally and symbolically important. An applicant only becomes a citizen after taking and signing the oath of citizenship and being presented with the certificate of citizenship.
The citizenship ceremony is also important for others in attendance. It is a reminder of the values that Canadians share, of the diversity and welcome that play such an important role in our citizenship, and of the obligations it entails.
The citizenship ceremony is a rare celebration of our citizenship and one of the few occasions when we reflect on the rights, responsibilities and privileges of being a Canadian citizen. It is a goal reached after transition, and sometimes hardship. It is always a cherished occasion and a starting point in a promising future and a new way of life.