What Is the Oath of Citizenship?

Taking the Oath of Citizenship is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen. It happens at a citizenship ceremony, often with other new citizens, family, and friends present.

Who takes the Oath

Every applicant aged 14 years or older must take the Oath in person at a citizenship ceremony. You can choose to swear the Oath (a religious form) or affirm it (a non-religious form) — both are treated exactly the same way in law.

What the Oath says

The Oath is a short, formal promise. In it, you promise:

• Loyalty to the King, Canada's Head of State
• To faithfully observe the laws of Canada
• To fulfil your duties as a Canadian citizen

You do not become a Canadian citizen the moment your application is approved — you become a citizen only after you take the Oath at the ceremony.

Why loyalty to a person?

The guide explains that Canadians profess loyalty to a person who represents all Canadians, the Sovereign, rather than to a document such as a constitution, a banner such as a flag, or a country as such. In a constitutional monarchy, all of those are embodied by the Sovereign: "Canada is personified by the Sovereign just as the Sovereign is personified by Canada."

Since 2021 the Oath also includes observing the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Why it matters

The ceremony marks the formal, symbolic moment you join the Canadian family. It is often an emotional and meaningful event for new citizens and is also open to the public to attend and celebrate.