Program delivery update – November 2, 2015
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Update to the instructions related to the Oath of Citizenship as a result of the decision by the Federal Court of Appeal
Summary
Following the recent decision of the Federal Court of Appeal in Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada v. Ishaq, operational instructions related to the delivery of the Oath of Citizenship have been updated.
The operational policy requires applicants to remove their face covering when taking the Oath, but applicants who are unwilling to do so for religious reasons must now be accommodated and allowed to recite the Oath of Citizenship privately, in front of a female judge or official who is authorized to administer the Oath, before joining the public ceremony.
Updated instructions
- Oath of Citizenship
- Citizenship ceremony opening
- Religious and cultural considerations during citizenship ceremonies
- Venue and setup of citizenship ceremonies
- Bilingual text for the clerk of the ceremony
- Presentation of certificates at citizenship ceremonies
- Working with volunteer presiding officials
- Citizenship grants: Applicants 55 years of age or older – Applications received before June 11, 2015
- Citizenship grants: Applicants 65 years of age or older – Applications received on or after June 11, 2015
- Using interpreters in the citizenship application process