Canadian Citizenship Ceremonies & Oath Updates: A 2026 Guide

By Abhi Mehta, Founder of Canada Citizen Center and Immigration Writer

A comprehensive guide to the updated Canadian Citizenship Oath and ceremony process in 2026. Learn about the new oath wording, virtual vs. in-person ceremonies, and what to expect after your application is approved.

In a significant evolution of Canadian civic tradition, the process of becoming a citizen now culminates in a ceremony and oath that reflect a more inclusive understanding of the nation's history and its foundational relationships with Indigenous Peoples. As of 2026, all new Canadians solemnly swear or affirm allegiance to the King, the law, and a commitment to honour the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This change, alongside post-pandemic procedural shifts like the permanent integration of virtual ceremonies, marks a new era for one of the most meaningful rites of passage in Canada. For the thousands who become citizens each year, understanding these updates is the final, crucial step on their journey.

Key Takeaways

  • New Oath of Citizenship: All new citizens must now make a solemn promise to uphold the laws of Canada, which includes honouring the Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples, as per the 2021 amendment to the *Citizenship Act*.
  • Hybrid Ceremony Model: IRCC now permanently offers both in-person and video-based virtual citizenship ceremonies, giving new citizens a choice in how they wish to take the Oath.
  • Increased Processing Times: While virtual options have added flexibility, a backlog of applicants from the pandemic era and high immigration targets continue to impact timelines from final test to ceremony invitation.
  • Ceremony Procedures: Whether virtual or in-person, the ceremony remains a formal, structured event where participants must declare their allegiance and are officially recognized as Canadian citizens.

Background

The legal foundation for the citizenship ceremony and its core component, the Oath of Citizenship, is rooted in the *Citizenship Act* of 1977. For decades, the oath remained largely unchanged, requiring new citizens to swear allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II and her successors, and to faithfully observe the laws of Canada. The ceremony itself, a public declaration of this commitment, has long been a celebratory and mandatory final step to becoming a Canadian.

Calls to amend the oath to recognize the role and rights of Indigenous Peoples grew louder over many years. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), in its landmark 2015 report, issued 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation. Call to Action #94 specifically proposed a change to the Oath of Citizenship:

"We call upon the Government of Canada to replace the Oath of Citizenship with the following: *I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her 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 fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.*"

This recommendation formed the basis for legislative action.

What's New

The most significant change in recent years was the formal adoption of a new Oath of Citizenship. This was enacted through Bill C-8, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2021. The bill amended Section 24 of the *Citizenship Act*, altering the oath to include language acknowledging Indigenous rights.

The new, official Oath of Citizenship is:

"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 fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen."

This updated oath has been mandatory for all new citizens since the law took effect. The IRCC fully implemented the change across all ceremony types shortly after Royal Assent.

Another major development was the operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, IRCC introduced video-based virtual citizenship ceremonies to continue processing new citizens safely. These proved highly successful and efficient. Responding to positive feedback and the need for processing flexibility, IRCC announced in late 2023 that the virtual format would become a permanent option alongside the traditional in-person ceremonies, which have also fully resumed.

As of July 2026, applicants receiving their ceremony invitation are typically given the option to choose between a virtual or in-person ceremony, depending on local availability.

Who Is Affected

These changes affect every individual who is approved for Canadian citizenship through naturalization. This includes applicants from all streams, such as skilled workers, family class sponsored relatives, and refugees who have met the residency and other requirements.

  • All new citizens, without exception, are required to take the new version of the Oath of Citizenship. There are no provisions to take the previous oath.
  • Adults and minors aged 14 and over must attend a ceremony and take the oath. Children under 14 are not required to attend but are welcome and will receive a citizenship certificate.
  • The choice between a virtual or in-person ceremony now directly impacts how an applicant experiences this final step. An individual living in a remote area, for example, might find a virtual ceremony far more convenient than travelling to a major urban centre for an in-person event.
  • Second-generation-born-abroad Canadians, who may now be eligible for citizenship by descent due to potential legislative changes rectifying the "Second-Generation Cut-Off," would not go through this process. The ceremony and oath are for those *naturalizing* as citizens, not for those who are already citizens by descent.

How the Process Works

The path to a citizenship ceremony begins after an applicant has successfully passed the citizenship test and a citizenship officer has approved their application.

  1. Notice to Appear ("Invitation to Ceremony"): Once an application is approved, IRCC issues a "Notice to Appear to Take the Oath of Citizenship." This notice is sent via email or through the applicant's IRCC secure online account. Crucially, this notice will specify the date, time, and format (in-person or virtual) of the ceremony.
  2. Choice of Format: In many cases, the invitation email will contain instructions on how to select a ceremony format. IRCC aims to provide this choice, but it can be limited by local office capacity. If an applicant has a strong preference, they may be able to request a different format, but this can lead to significant delays.
  3. Preparing for the Ceremony: The notice provides all necessary instructions. For in-person ceremonies, this includes the address, required identification (like your Permanent Resident card), and any accompanying documents. For virtual ceremonies, it includes a secure link (typically for MS Teams), instructions for logging in, and rules for participation (e.g., being in a quiet, private space with a neutral background).
  4. The Ceremony: A citizenship judge or presiding official leads the ceremony. It typically includes opening remarks, a land acknowledgement, guest speakers, the formal taking of the Oath (where all candidates repeat the words aloud), the singing of the national anthem "O Canada," and closing remarks. The entire event usually lasts 60–90 minutes.
  5. Taking the Oath: This is the legal pinnacle of the event. All candidates will be asked to raise their right hand and repeat the oath in either English or French. After the oath is taken, the presiding official declares all participants to be Canadian citizens.
  6. Proof of Citizenship: For in-person ceremonies, the coveted Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is often presented to the new citizen at the event. For virtual ceremonies, the certificate is mailed to the citizen's home address within 4-6 weeks after the event. This certificate is the official proof of citizenship and is required for passport applications.

What This Means For You

For prospective Canadians, these updates have practical implications. The permanent adoption of virtual ceremonies offers unprecedented flexibility, especially for those in the U.S., U.K., and elsewhere who may need to coordinate their final landing in Canada with their ceremony date.

If you are an applicant living abroad, you must still be physically in Canada to take the oath, even if you opt for a virtual ceremony. IRCC uses your sign-in data and requires you to confirm your location. Therefore, you cannot complete the process from your home country. Plan your travel accordingly once you pass the citizenship test and are in the final stages.

Understanding the new oath is also vital. It is more than just a recitation of words; it is a binding commitment that reflects contemporary Canadian values. New citizens are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of reconciliation and the unique legal status and rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This is a shift from a simple oath of allegiance to a more complex and meaningful pledge of civic duty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I refuse to take the new oath with the reference to Indigenous peoples?

No. Taking the current, official Oath of Citizenship is a mandatory legal requirement to become a Canadian citizen. There is no alternative wording, and failure to take the oath as prescribed will mean your citizenship cannot be granted.

2. Do I get to choose between a virtual and in-person citizenship ceremony?

IRCC generally offers a choice, and your invitation notice will provide instructions if this option is available to you. However, availability may be limited based on your location and IRCC's operational capacity. If you decline your first invitation in hopes of getting a different format, you may face a lengthy delay before a second invitation is issued.

3. What happens if I miss my citizenship ceremony?

If you miss your ceremony, you must provide a valid reason to IRCC within a specified timeframe (usually 30 days) by submitting a web form. If you have a good reason (e.g., a medical emergency), IRCC will reschedule you. If you do not provide a valid reason, your application may be considered abandoned.

4. Can my family watch my virtual ceremony?

Yes. One of the benefits of virtual ceremonies is that family and friends, both in Canada and abroad, can often watch the live event via the link provided. However, only the citizenship candidate should be on camera in the designated space to maintain the solemnity of the event.

5. How long after my citizenship test is the ceremony?

Timelines vary significantly based on your case and the workload at the local IRCC office. As of mid-2026, the wait time between passing the test and receiving a ceremony invitation can range from as little as one month to over six months.

Becoming a part of the Canadian family is a profound journey, and the citizenship ceremony is its celebratory conclusion. With an oath that looks to the future of reconciliation and a modern, flexible ceremony process, Canada continues to shape what it means to be a citizen.

Ready to start your own journey? Take our two-minute quiz to see if you're eligible for Canadian citizenship today at /quiz.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Canada Citizen Center is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.