Virtual citizenship ceremonies have become the standard in Canada.
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While these ceremonies were typically held in person, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began conducting them virtually during the pandemic to comply with social distancing guidelines and help address the backlog.
Even after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, virtual citizenship ceremonies have become more prevalent than in-person ones. Between January and September 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted an average of 52 in-person ceremonies and 224 virtual ones per month.
The citizenship ceremony marks a significant milestone for those aspiring to become Canadian citizens. During the ceremony, eligible participants sing the national anthem and take the Oath of Citizenship in the presence of a judge and their loved ones. The Oath is a formal pledge to obey Canada’s laws and fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship. Once you take this oath, you officially become a Canadian citizen.
How it’s conducted:
Canada’s virtual citizenship ceremonies are held via Zoom.
Most ceremonies involve multiple participants and typically last up to 1.5 hours.
You can have family and friends with you during the ceremony. A Presiding Official, such as a citizenship judge, along with an IRCC official, will oversee the ceremony and administer the oath.
Participants are expected to dress appropriately; business attire is suggested, but traditional or religious clothing and head coverings are also permitted.
You must be physically present in Canada to take the Oath of Citizenship. If you are out of the country on your scheduled ceremony date, you must contact IRCC to explain your circumstances.
Before the ceremony:
Scheduling the ceremony
You will receive an email or phone call from IRCC about one to two weeks prior to your ceremony. This invitation will provide the time and date, details on what you need to bring, instructions on how to reschedule (if necessary), and the Zoom link.
Required technology
To participate in the virtual oath ceremony, you’ll need access to the internet and a device such as a computer, tablet, or phone with audio and video capabilities. If you don’t have the required equipment, you’ll need to arrange access to a device and download Zoom.
Screen setup
IRCC suggests choosing a space with a plain background for your virtual ceremony. Make sure your camera or device is stable and positioned to clearly show your head and shoulders. While Zoom’s “virtual backgrounds” aren’t recommended, you’re encouraged to display Canadian-themed items or use red and white colors.
Documents and tools needed
You will also receive a checklist of items to have with you during the virtual oath ceremony. These include:
- Your PR card (even if expired) or your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), along with your record of landing if you became a PR before June 28, 2002.
- Two forms of personal identification (one can be your PR card, while the other should be Canadian government-issued ID, such as a health card or driver’s license).
- A pair of scissors to cut your PR card during the ceremony.
- Optional: a holy book, if you wish to use one to swear the Oath of Citizenship.
- Optional: your phone, for taking a selfie at the end of the ceremony (details below).
During the ceremony:
On the day of the ceremony, you will join the Zoom session at the scheduled time and make sure both your audio and video are on.
There are two parts to the virtual ceremony: the registration phase and the video oath phase.
Registration
This first phase occurs in a separate Zoom room. An IRCC official will verify your identity, ask you to cut your PR card on camera, and go over a few questions, including how you would like to receive your citizenship certificate.
Video oath
After registration, you will be moved to the main Zoom room for the oath ceremony, which is the primary part of becoming a Canadian citizen.
Wait for your citizenship certificate
After IRCC processes your signed Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form, you will receive your Canadian citizenship certificate, which serves as proof of your citizenship. You can choose from two delivery options:
- E-certificate: Available in the IRCC portal within five business days after they receive your signed Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form.
- Paper certificate: Delivered by mail, typically arriving two to four weeks after the form is received.
If you do not receive the paper certificate within six weeks, you can contact IRCC for assistance.
Once you have your citizenship certificate, you can use it as proof of citizenship when applying for a Canadian passport.
Please note that the citizenship certificate is not a valid travel document. To travel outside Canada, you will need to apply for a Canadian passport.
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