About the citizenship ceremony
The citizenship ceremony is the final legal step in becoming a Canadian citizen—and one of the most meaningful. It’s a celebration of belonging, commitment and the shared values that unite Canadians.
On this page
- What happens during the ceremony
- Why it’s special
- Ceremony format
- Get a list of upcoming ceremonies with locations and times
What happens during the ceremony
- Successful citizenship candidates take the oath of citizenship, swearing to uphold the rights and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen.
Rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship
Canadian citizens have the right to
- vote and run for office in federal, provincial and territorial elections
- live and work anywhere in Canada, and travel in and out of the country freely
- access English or French education at the primary and secondary level if they’re part of the linguistic minority population
- apply for a Canadian passport
Citizens are responsible for
- respecting and obeying Canada’s laws
- caring for oneself and one’s family
- serving on a jury when called upon
- voting in elections
- helping others in the community
- protecting Canada’s heritage and environment
- New citizens receive their Canadian citizenship certificate during the in-person ceremony. Those attending a virtual ceremony receive their certificate after the event.
Why it’s special
A citizenship ceremony is a special and meaningful occasion because
- it reflects the dedication and effort candidates have made on their journey to citizenship
- it’s when someone officially joins the Canadian family, often the fulfillment of a dream and the beginning of a new life
- it celebrates Canada’s rich cultural diversity, including languages, traditions and ethnic backgrounds
- it’s a powerful way to express the values and symbols that bring Canadians together
- other attendees may also reaffirm their own citizenship by reciting the oath of citizenship alongside new citizens, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to Canada
- it’s a joyful celebration for new Canadian citizens, welcoming everyone in a non-partisan and respectful setting
Ceremony format
Citizenship candidates may be invited to attend either an in-person or a virtual citizenship ceremony.
To learn more about the different formats, watch our videos about the
Learn more about the citizenship ceremony.
Get a list of upcoming ceremonies with locations and times
Interested in hosting a ceremony? If you’ve never attended a ceremony before, consider joining one in your area to see how it works.