The Canadian Oath of Citizenship: Meaning, History & Ceremony Guide
The Oath of Citizenship is the final and most meaningful step in becoming a Canadian citizen. It is a public declaration of loyalty and commitment to Canada and its laws. This guide covers the full official text in both English and French, explains what the oath means, traces its history, and tells you exactly what to expect at your citizenship ceremony.
The Full Text of the Oath (English)
The following is the current official text of the Canadian Oath of Citizenship in English. This is the exact oath you will recite at your citizenship ceremony:
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
You may choose to "swear" (a religious declaration) or "affirm" (a secular declaration). Both are legally equivalent. Neither form is better or more valid than the other.
Indigenous Peoples Acknowledgment
Since 2021, a new preamble is read aloud by the citizenship officer before the oath is taken. It acknowledges Indigenous peoples and their contributions to Canada. However, the preamble itself is not part of the oath you recite — the oath text above remains unchanged.
The Oath in French
The following is the official French text of the Canadian Oath of Citizenship. Both the English and French versions are official — you recite whichever is your preferred language:
Je jure (ou j'affirme solennellement) que je serai fidèle et porterai sincère allégeance à Sa Majesté le Roi Charles III, Roi du Canada, à ses héritiers et successeurs, que j'observerai fidèlement les lois du Canada et que je remplirai loyalement mes obligations de citoyen canadien.
Note: At bilingual ceremonies, the oath is typically recited in both languages together. At ceremonies where all candidates prefer one language, it may be recited only in that language.
What the Oath Means
The Oath of Citizenship has two distinct parts, each with significant meaning:
Allegiance to the Crown
The first part — being faithful and bearing true allegiance to His Majesty — is not a personal pledge to the individual monarch. It is an oath of loyalty to Canada's system of constitutional democracy. The Crown represents the institutions of Canadian government, the rule of law, and the democratic values Canadians hold.
Commitment to Canada's Laws and Duties
The second part — faithfully observing the laws of Canada and fulfilling duties as a citizen — is a concrete commitment to participate in Canadian society. Duties include obeying laws, serving on juries when called, voting in elections, and contributing to the community.
The oath does not require you to renounce other allegiances, religions, or cultures. Canada's multicultural tradition means you are encouraged to maintain your heritage while embracing Canadian values and civic responsibilities.
Brief History of the Oath
The Canadian oath has evolved significantly since citizenship was first defined in Canadian law:
| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 1947 | The Canadian Citizenship Act came into force on January 1, creating Canadian citizenship as a distinct status separate from British subject status. The first oath pledged allegiance to the British Crown. |
| 1977 | A new Citizenship Act revised the oath, shifting language toward commitment to Canada's values and democratic institutions, while retaining allegiance to the Crown. |
| 2015 | The oath was updated to reference "King Charles III" after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. The text was adjusted to reflect the new monarch. |
| 2021 | Bill C-8 amended the Citizenship Act to add a preamble acknowledging Indigenous peoples and their rights before the oath. This was a historic recognition of Canada's relationship with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. The core oath text itself was not changed. |
The reference to the monarch is updated whenever the Crown changes. The current text refers to King Charles III following the accession to the throne in September 2022.
What Happens at the Ceremony
The citizenship ceremony is a formal but welcoming event. Here is the typical sequence:
Arrival and check-in
Arrive early — typically 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Bring your notice to appear, valid photo ID, and any documents requested in your letter. An officer will verify your identity.
Indigenous acknowledgment preamble
The presiding judge or commissioner reads a preamble acknowledging Indigenous peoples and their long history in Canada. This was added in 2021.
The judge or commissioner speaks
The presiding official (typically a Federal Court judge or citizenship commissioner) addresses all candidates, explaining the significance of citizenship and the meaning of the oath.
Taking the oath
All candidates rise, raise their right hand, and recite the Oath of Citizenship together. You may say "swear" or "affirm" — your choice. Some candidates bring religious texts to hold during the swearing; this is permitted.
Receiving your certificate
Each new citizen receives their citizenship certificate. This is your official proof of citizenship. Keep it in a safe place.
O Canada
The ceremony typically concludes with the national anthem, O Canada, sung in English and French. Song sheets are often provided.
Virtual vs. In-Person Ceremonies
Since 2020, IRCC has offered virtual citizenship ceremonies by videoconference in addition to traditional in-person ceremonies. Both are fully valid — the certificate and citizenship status are identical.
| Aspect | In-Person | Virtual |
|---|---|---|
| Format | At an IRCC office or community venue | By secure videoconference (Zoom or similar) |
| Certificate delivery | Handed to you at the ceremony | Mailed to your address after the ceremony |
| Who attends | Candidates and invited guests (limited) | Candidates only (guests may watch separately) |
| Group size | Typically 10–50+ candidates per ceremony | Typically 5–25 candidates per ceremony |
| Oath validity | Fully valid | Fully valid — same legal effect |
| Request type | Assigned by IRCC; may request | Available upon request or may be assigned |
If you have a strong preference for in-person or virtual, you can contact IRCC to request your preferred format. Availability varies by region.
After You Take the Oath: Next Steps
Becoming a Canadian citizen opens new doors. Here is what you can do immediately after your ceremony:
Apply for a Canadian passport
Your citizenship certificate is the key document needed to apply for a Canadian passport. You can apply online or at a passport office. A Canadian passport gives you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
Register to vote
Only Canadian citizens can vote in federal, provincial, and most municipal elections. You can register online through Elections Canada or at the polling station on election day.
Access citizenship-based benefits
Some government positions and benefits are restricted to Canadian citizens. You may now be eligible for programs and roles that were not available as a permanent resident.
Keep your citizenship certificate safe
Your certificate is an important document — treat it like a birth certificate. Consider storing a certified copy somewhere accessible and keeping the original in a secure location.
Check your provincial health card status
In most provinces, your health card is tied to your PR card. Some provinces require notification of status changes. Check with your provincial health authority.
Preparing for Your Citizenship Test?
Before you can take the oath, you need to pass the test. Our practice tests simulate the real 20-question format so you arrive fully prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact text of the Canadian Oath of Citizenship?
"I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."
Can I say "affirm" instead of "swear" in the oath?
Yes. You may choose to say either "I swear" or "I affirm" — both are legally equivalent. "Swear" carries a religious connotation for those who wish to make a religious declaration; "affirm" is a secular alternative. Your choice does not affect the validity of your oath.
When was the Canadian Oath of Citizenship last changed?
The most recent change was in 2021, when Bill C-8 added a preamble acknowledging Indigenous peoples that is read before the oath at all ceremonies. The core oath text itself was last updated to reference King Charles III following the accession to the throne in September 2022.
Do I have to memorize the oath before my ceremony?
No. You do not need to memorize the oath. The text is provided at the ceremony — on a card or projected on a screen — and all candidates recite it together. However, many new citizens choose to memorize it as a personal milestone.
Can I bring family members to the citizenship ceremony?
For in-person ceremonies, a limited number of guests are usually permitted — typically 2–3 per candidate. Virtual ceremonies are generally for candidates only, though family can watch nearby. Check your specific ceremony invitation for guest details.
What happens if I miss my citizenship ceremony?
If you cannot attend your scheduled ceremony, contact IRCC as soon as possible to explain the situation and request a rescheduled date. You will generally need a valid reason (medical emergency, family crisis, etc.). IRCC typically works with applicants to accommodate genuine conflicts.
Is a virtual citizenship ceremony legally valid?
Yes, fully. A citizenship ceremony conducted by videoconference has the same legal effect as an in-person ceremony. The oath you take is identical, and the citizenship certificate you receive confirms the same citizenship status.
What do I receive at the end of the citizenship ceremony?
You receive your Canadian citizenship certificate — official proof of your citizenship. At in-person ceremonies, it is handed to you directly. At virtual ceremonies, it is mailed to your address within a few weeks after the ceremony.