The time has come to stand up, raise your right hand, and take the Oath of Citizenship. This definitive and mandatory legal act completes the citizenship process for every adult in Canada.
By participating, you commit to the four fundamental pillars of Canadian citizenship:
- Loyalty to King Charles III
- Obedience to the laws and Constitution
- Respect for the Indigenous rights of the First Nations
- Fulfilling your duties as a citizen.
Taking the Oath is an absolute requirement for receiving your certificate.
It doesn’t matter if you have already passed other stages, such as the exam or naturalization interview. Without the Oath, there is no citizenship.
Canadian Oath of Citizenship: Current version
There are English and French versions of the Oath of Citizenship in Canada.
Both versions will be recited on the day of your citizenship ceremony. You may choose which version to recite based on which language you feel more comfortable with.
However, it is highly recommended that you recite both versions. This demonstrates respect for Canada’s two official languages and the country as a whole.
The Oath of Citizenship (English)
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.
Le serment de citoyenneté
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.
When taking the Oath, you have two options depending on your beliefs:
- I swear: Use this option to make a promise based on your religious beliefs. You can use a sacred book, such as the Bible or the Quran.
- I solemnly affirm: Use this option if you prefer not to make a religious reference. This option has the same legal value as the oath.
What will you promise when you take the Oath of Citizenship in Canada?
By reciting the oath, you are making four fundamental commitments:
1. Loyalty to the Crown (the Sovereign).
Canada is a constitutional monarchy. In this system, the King is the Head of State and represents the constitutional order and the country’s democratic legal framework.
Therefore, pledging allegiance to the King implies loyalty to Canada as a nation and to its system of government within this constitutional framework.
The current King is Charles III. You must also swear loyalty to his heirs and successors, thereby ensuring the continuity of the government system.
2. Observing Canadian laws and the Constitution
You promise to obey the laws of Canada. This means that you accept the country’s legal framework as your standard of conduct, even if it differs from the laws and customs of your country of origin.
You also accept that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
The Constitution includes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees that all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of their religion, background, or gender.
3. Respect for Indigenous Rights
You promise to respect the ancestral and treaty rights of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
In doing so, you acknowledge that Canada did not just appear out of nowhere. Long before colonization, nations already existed with their own laws and cultures, and these must be preserved for future generations.
4. Fulfilling citizen duties
Finally, you swear to “fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen” Although these duties are not listed in the text, they include:
- Protecting Canada’s heritage and the environment.
- Voting in elections.
- Serving on a jury if you are summoned.
- Respecting the rights and freedoms of other citizens.
Who must take the Oath at the Ceremony?
All adults aged 18 and over whose citizenship application has been approved must take the Oath as the final step in the process.
This includes permanent residents who have met the residency requirements, passed their citizenship test, and received their official invitation.
Regardless of their country of origin, language, religion, or previous status, no adult can become a citizen without performing this legal act.
The only exception is if you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from doing so. In this case, you must request a waiver or an alternative form of the oath from IRCC.
Minors aged 14 to 17 are also required to take the Canadian Citizenship Oath. It is recommended that their parents or legal guardians attend the ceremony to support and represent them.
Children under 14 years old are exempt from taking the Citizenship Oath in Canada.
However, they are welcome to attend the ceremony with their parents or guardians, and they may recite the oath alongside the other applicants if they wish.
What is the next step after the Oath Ceremony?
After taking the Oath and receiving your certificate, you are a full Canadian citizen. You can then enjoy all the rights and benefits of citizenship.
Although the naturalization process is over, you still have a few tasks to complete:
- Applying for a Canadian passport
- Registering to vote
- Updating your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Updating your provincial health card
FAQs
Do I need to memorise the Canadian Oath of Citizenship?
No, you do not need to. During the ceremony, you will be given a bilingual card containing the full text of the Oath in both English and French.
The presiding official or judge will lead the group by reading the Oath line by line and asking you to repeat each line after them.
Can I take the Citizenship Oath outside Canada?
No, you must be physically present in Canada to take the Oath. If you receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony while you are outside the country, IRCC immediately.
Is the Canadian ceremony online?
Yes, video Oath Ceremonies are now a standard option. Since 2020, IRCC has conducted most citizenship ceremonies virtually via platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
However, the same rules apply: you must be physically located in Canada during the video call and show your ID and permanent resident card to the camera.
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