The Canadian Oath of Citizenship: Meaning, History & Ceremony Guide
Read the oath in English and French, understand the promise about Indigenous rights, and prepare for your ceremony. Use your IRCC invitation for your own arrival time, documents and ceremony format.
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The Full Text of the Oath (English)
IRCC publishes the following English oath. Line breaks are combined here for reading; use the linked IRCC text and recordings to practise with the presiding official.
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of Canada, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfill 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.
The Indigenous-rights clause is part of the oath
The 2021 amendment added recognition of the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to the oath itself. This clause is included in the words candidates recite; it is not merely a separate introduction.
The Oath in French
IRCC also publishes the French oath below. Practise the wording in either language using the official text and recordings.
Je jure (ou j’affirme solennellement) que je serai fidèle et porterai sincère allégeance à Sa Majesté le roi Charles Trois, Roi du Canada, à ses héritiers et successeurs, que j’observerai fidèlement les lois du Canada, y compris la Constitution qui reconnaît et confirme les droits ancestraux ou issus de traités des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis, et que je remplirai loyalement mes obligations de citoyen canadien.IRCC encourages candidates to repeat the oath after the presiding official in both official languages if they can. Follow the official’s instructions during your ceremony.
What the Oath Means
Read the promise in three connected parts:
Allegiance
The oath expresses allegiance to the monarch of Canada and the monarch’s heirs and successors.
Laws, the Constitution and Indigenous rights
The commitment to Canadian law explicitly includes the Constitution and its recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights. Do not omit this clause when practising.
Citizenship responsibilities
The final promise is to fulfil your duties as a Canadian citizen. Review the rights and responsibilities in Discover Canada alongside the ceremony instructions.
You may swear the oath with a religious reference or affirm without one. IRCC offers both choices.
Brief History of the Oath
Two dates help explain the wording used at ceremonies today:
| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 2021 | The Citizenship Act’s schedule was amended to include the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights in the oath. |
| 2022 | Charles III became King. IRCC’s current ceremony text names King Charles the Third; use its current text when practising. |
Use the current IRCC ceremony wording rather than an older printed copy that omits the Indigenous-rights clause.
What Happens at the Ceremony
Your invitation controls the details. The official instructions distinguish virtual and in-person procedures:
Check your invitation
Prepare the listed documents and join or arrive at the stated time. Both ceremony formats can take a few hours; allow time for registration and waiting.
Complete registration
IRCC verifies identity. In a virtual ceremony, follow the officer’s instructions for cutting your PR card. At an in-person ceremony, IRCC collects it.
Follow the presiding official
Repeat the oath as directed. Remain seated throughout a virtual ceremony. In person, stand for the oath and anthem if you can.
Return the oath form
At a virtual ceremony, sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form on the day you take the oath and return it as instructed. In person, sign when directed at the ceremony.
Confirm the certificate format
IRCC asks you to confirm paper or electronic format. The delivery process depends on both your format choice and the type of ceremony.
Virtual vs. In-Person Ceremonies
IRCC conducts ceremonies virtually and in person. Both include taking the oath; preparation and certificate delivery differ.
| Aspect | In-Person | Virtual |
|---|---|---|
| Joining | Use the location and arrival time in your invitation. | Use your private invitation link and display your seat number. |
| Position during the oath | Stand if you can. | Remain seated with your head and shoulders visible. |
| Paper certificate | Given at the ceremony. | Mailed after IRCC receives your signed oath form. |
| Electronic certificate | Follow IRCC’s download instructions after the required processing. | Follow IRCC’s download instructions after the required processing. |
| Guests and capacity | Check your invitation for arrangements. | Keep the invitation link private; do not share it with others. |
There is no fixed group size or universal guest allowance stated here. Ask IRCC about changes to your invitation or ceremony arrangements.
After You Take the Oath: Next Steps
Complete the oath paperwork and obtain your certificate before making passport or travel plans.
Get your certificate
For an e-certificate, wait for IRCC’s email with download instructions. Paper delivery differs by ceremony format. Follow the current IRCC certificate instructions linked below.
Check and protect your certificate
Check the personal information for errors and keep the certificate safe. Do not laminate it or apply a plastic coating.
Prepare a passport application
You can apply after receiving your citizenship certificate. The certificate proves citizenship but is not a travel document. Follow IRCC’s passport and travel instructions before booking travel.
Register to vote
Use Elections Canada’s registration service for federal elections and your provincial or territorial election authority for its elections.
Preparing for Your Citizenship Test?
If you are still preparing for the knowledge test, our independent questions can help you review Discover Canada. Test and oath requirements vary by age and circumstances; follow IRCC’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the oath include Indigenous rights?
Yes. The oath itself includes the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Include this clause when practising.
Can I affirm instead of swear?
Yes. IRCC provides a religious oath and a non-religious affirmation. Choose the declaration that applies to you.
Should I stand during a virtual ceremony?
No. IRCC instructs virtual participants to remain seated, including during the oath and anthem. For an in-person ceremony, stand if you can.
When do I sign the virtual oath form?
Sign it on the day you take the oath, then return it using the instructions in your invitation. Do not sign it the day before or after.
Will my certificate always arrive by mail?
No. You may receive a paper or electronic certificate. A paper certificate is given at an in-person ceremony or mailed after a virtual ceremony. An electronic certificate is downloaded after IRCC sends instructions.
Can I use my citizenship certificate for travel?
It proves citizenship but is not a travel document. Read IRCC’s post-ceremony passport and travel instructions before planning a trip.
Related Guides
PassCitizenshipTest.ca is an independent study and practice tool. It is not affiliated with IRCC or the Government of Canada. The official study guide is Discover Canada, available free from the Government of Canada. Read the official guide.