To officially become a Canadian citizen, you must legally swear or affirm allegiance to King Charles III during your ceremony. Refusing to say the exact wording mandated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will result in immediate denial of your citizenship; in this event, your $123 CAD right of citizenship fee is refundable, but the $530 CAD processing fee is non-refundable.
Reaching the final stage of the Canadian immigration process is an incredibly proud moment. After years of holding a Permanent Resident (PR) card, passing your background checks, and studying for the citizenship test, only one step remains. You must attend a formal ceremony and recite the Oath of Citizenship. However, this is not just a ceremonial formality; it is a strict, legally binding constitutional requirement.
Because Canada is a constitutional monarchy, the legal head of state is the British Monarch, currently King Charles III. 📊 Swearing allegiance to the King is fundamentally the same as swearing allegiance to the Canadian constitution, its laws, and its democratic principles. Whether you live in Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary, the rules imposed by the Federal Court and IRCC remain absolute: you cannot modify, skip, or negotiate the wording of the oath. This guide explains exactly what is required of you during this mandatory final step.
Step-by-Step Process for Taking the Citizenship Oath in Canada
The IRCC has a very specific procedure for administering the oath. Any attempt to alter the process can halt your citizenship journey entirely. Here is how the process generally unfolds across the country.
Step 1: Receiving Your Ceremony Invitation
Once you pass your citizenship test and interview, IRCC will send you a formal Notice to Appear for your citizenship ceremony. 📧 This notice will provide the exact date, time, and format of your ceremony. Today, most applicants in this province are offered virtual ceremonies via video call, though in-person ceremonies are still conducted at local IRCC offices. You must follow the instructions on this notice perfectly.
Step 2: Choosing to Swear or Affirm
You have two legal options for reciting the oath, both of which are treated equally under Canadian law. You can choose to “swear” the oath, which is a religious declaration often done while holding a holy book of your choosing. Alternatively, you can choose to “affirm” the oath, which is a completely secular (non-religious) legal promise. Both versions require you to state your allegiance to King Charles III, his heirs, and successors.
Step 3: Reciting the Exact Wording
During the ceremony, the presiding Citizenship Judge or official will read the oath, and you will repeat it alongside the other new Canadians. 🗣 You must say the words loudly and clearly. The officials actively watch and listen to ensure every single participant is actually speaking. If you stay silent, skip the King’s name, or insert your own political disclaimer, the official will pull you aside and your citizenship will not be granted.
Step 4: Signing the Oath Form
Immediately after reciting the words, you must sign the formal Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form. If you are attending a virtual ceremony, you will sign this document on camera and email it back to the IRCC clerk right away. This physical signature is the final legal trigger. Only once this form is processed do you officially become a Canadian citizen and receive your formal certificate in the mail.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Taking the oath itself does not cost extra, but it is the final step of an expensive administrative journey. As of May 2026, here are the estimated costs in CAD: 💵
| Immigration Service / Expense | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IRCC Adult Citizenship Application Fee | $653 (Includes $530 processing fee and $123 right of citizenship fee) |
| IRCC Minor Application Fee (under 18) | $100 |
| Immigration Lawyer Consultation (Optional) | $300 – $600 per hour |
| Canadian Passport Application (After Oath) | $122.50 – $163.50 |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline for Canadian citizenship requires patience. Currently, the entire IRCC processing time from submitting your application to receiving your ceremony invite takes about 10 to 15 months. 📅 Once you successfully pass your written test, you will typically receive your invitation to take the oath within 3 to 4 months. The virtual ceremony itself takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I refuse to say the King’s name?
If you refuse to say the exact required wording, the IRCC official will not allow you to sign the final document. Your application will be flagged, and you will not become a Canadian citizen. You will remain a Permanent Resident.
Can I cross my fingers behind my back?
While nobody is checking your hands, the oath is a binding legal declaration. Making a false declaration to the Canadian government is an indictable offence that can theoretically lead to the revocation of your citizenship in the future.
Do I have to swear on a Bible?
No. You can choose to affirm the oath secularly without any religious text. If you prefer to swear religiously, you may use any holy book of your faith, such as the Quran, the Torah, or the Guru Granth Sahib.
Does the oath mean I support the British government?
No. King Charles III is legally recognized separately as the King of Canada. Swearing allegiance to him is legally interpreted as swearing loyalty to the Canadian state and its constitutional democracy, completely independent of the United Kingdom.
Can I complain about the monarchy after the ceremony?
Absolutely. Freedom of expression is a Charter right. Once you have officially become a citizen and signed the paperwork, it is perfectly legal to peacefully advocate for Canada to become a republic and abolish the monarchy.
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