Canadian Citizenship Interview and Oath Ceremony: What to Expect
After your test, an officer may invite you to an interview, and most applicants then attend a ceremony to take the oath of citizenship. The ceremony is the final step before you become a citizen. This guide shows both steps, what to bring and what comes next.
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What is the citizenship ceremony?
A citizenship ceremony is the event where you take the oath of citizenship, the final stage for most applicants (IRCC, checked October 2026). It is a formal occasion that also invites you to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
You can choose a virtual or an in-person ceremony, and you take the oath before you become a citizen.
Will I have an interview?
Maybe. After you pass the test, IRCC may invite you to an interview with a citizenship official, depending on your case. The interview checks your identity, your documents and your eligibility, and IRCC can also select applications at random for quality checks.
What to know before the ceremony
- Invitation: check your email and your IRCC account for the ceremony date
- Bring: your invitation, your PR card or COPR and two pieces of ID with photo and signature, as your invitation lists
- Guests: the public can attend most in-person ceremonies to support new citizens
What happens at each step?
Both steps come after your test.
Interview
- Only if IRCC selects you
- Checks identity, documents and eligibility
- Follows your test
Ceremony
- Virtual or in person
- You take the oath
- You receive your certificate
Not sure where you stand? Take the citizenship eligibility quiz.
Your path, in five parts
Each part has its own rules. Source: IRCC.
Interview
An officer may invite you to check your identity, documents and eligibility.
Ceremony invitation
It tells you the date and what to bring.
The oath
You take the oath of citizenship, in person or virtually.
Your certificate
New citizens receive a citizenship certificate with no separate application.
Your passport
Apply for a Canadian passport after the ceremony.
Not sure where you stand?
We review your situation and tell you your next step.
Rules to know
Interview, if selected
IRCC may invite you to an interview after the test, depending on your case.
Hearing after a failed test
If you fail all three test attempts, IRCC invites you to a hearing of 30 to 90 minutes with an oral test, residence questions and a language check.
Virtual or in person
You can choose a virtual or an in-person ceremony.
Oath age
Applicants aged 14 and older take the oath.
Certificate follows
New citizens receive their citizenship certificate without a separate application.
Public may attend
Members of the public can attend most in-person ceremonies.
Related pages
These guides cover the wider process.
How to avoid problems
Five habits keep you on track.
Check your email
Your ceremony invitation comes by email, so check spam folders.
Bring your ID
Bring your invitation, your PR card or COPR and two pieces of ID with photo and signature.
Stay reachable
You can leave Canada after applying, but you must reach IRCC within 30 days and attend any ceremony.
Keep documents ready
Have your documents ready in case an officer asks for them.
Ask early
If you cannot attend, contact IRCC right away.
Want your application reviewed?
We check your file and tell you if you are ready.
Step by step
Six steps from start to finish.
Pass the test
Get at least 15 of 20 right.
Attend if invited
An officer may check your identity and documents.
Get your invitation
It lists the date and the format, virtual or in person.
Prepare your ID
Bring your invitation and two pieces of photo ID.
Take the oath
Attend your ceremony and take the oath of citizenship.
Apply for a passport
Use your certificate to apply for your Canadian passport.
Five mistakes to avoid
These mistakes cost time and sometimes a second fee.
Missing your ceremony
Missing it can delay your citizenship, so contact IRCC if you cannot attend.
Forgetting your ID
You must show ID at check-in.
Ignoring spam folders
Your invitation may be filtered, so check every folder.
Leaving without a plan
You must keep your PR status and be able to attend.
Ignoring an interview notice
Answer an interview notice on time.
Key facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC, checked October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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Interview and oath ceremony FAQs
What is the citizenship ceremony?
It is the event where you take the oath of citizenship, the final stage for most applicants. You can choose a virtual or an in-person ceremony (IRCC, checked October 2026).
Do I need an interview?
Not always. IRCC may invite you after the test, depending on your case, to check your identity, your documents and your eligibility. It can also select applications at random for quality checks.
What should I bring to the ceremony?
Your invitation lists what to bring. It usually includes your invitation, your PR card or COPR and two pieces of ID with photo and signature. Read it carefully, because the list can change.
Can I attend the ceremony virtually?
Yes. IRCC offers virtual and in-person ceremonies, and you choose between them.
Can I leave Canada after I apply?
Yes, as long as you keep your PR status, can answer IRCC within 30 days and can attend any test, interview or ceremony.
Who takes the oath?
Adults and applicants aged 14 and older take the oath of citizenship.
What happens if I fail the test?
You get up to 3 chances in 30 days. If you fail all three, IRCC invites you to a hearing with a citizenship official, which lasts 30 to 90 minutes. Read our citizenship test guide.
When do I become a citizen?
You become a citizen after you take the oath at your ceremony. The oath is the final step before citizenship.
Do I need to apply for a certificate afterwards?
No. New citizens receive their citizenship certificate with no separate application. You can then apply for a Canadian passport.
Can family attend?
Members of the public can attend most in-person ceremonies to support new citizens.