Taking your Citizenship Oath to Become a US or Canadian Citizen: What to Expect
What to Expect at the Citizenship Oath Ceremony Becoming a citizen of a country is a very big deal. Whether you have been living in the country for several years as simply a resident, or you just came to the country in the last few years with the hopes of gaining citizenship, you will need to proclaim your allegiance to your country before you are able to become a citizen.
Every country is different. While some countries do not actually have a ceremony, the United States and Canada both do. Everyone feels differently about the ceremony. For some it can be a very emotional and heartfelt experience as you are accepted into another country. For others it is simply a waste of a day waiting in the hot sun to state your oath in front of the judge.
You should dress in proper attire when receiving your citizenship. You should also bring all your documentation and permanent residency papers. You will stand in front of a citizenship judge and proclaim your oath to your country. You will then receive your certificate of citizenship.
US Oath of Citizenship In the United States, the Oath of Citizenship is also referred to as the “Oath of Allegiance” and must be taken by all immigrants.
According to the US Department of Immigration, the Oath is as follows:
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; (so help me God).
There are variations of this oath that are also considered legal according to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1953. They must have the following five factors:
Your oath of citizenship must proclaim an allegiance to the United States Constitution, a defense of the Constitution against foreign and domestic enemies, a renunciation of allegiance to any other country (for example, your home country), a promise to perform civilian duties when required by law, and a promise to serve in United States Armed Forces when required by law.
Canadian Oath of Citizenship The Canadian Oath of Citizenship is much the same as America’s Oath. As outlined by the Citizens and Immigrations of Canada, the Oath is as follows:
I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
In either Canada or America, if you pass the citizenship exam, successfully complete the application, participate in the required ceremony and make this oath to protect and serve your new country, you will be awarded with citizenship.