After You Pass: Citizenship Ceremony, Oath & Next Steps
You passed the Canadian citizenship test. Congratulations — that is a huge milestone, and you should be proud.
But what actually happens now? Between passing the test and becoming a full Canadian citizen, there are a few more steps. The good news: the hardest part is behind you. From here, it's mostly waiting, showing up, and saying the words that make it official.
This guide walks you through everything that comes after passing the test — from the ceremony invitation to the oath, your certificate, your passport, and your first steps as a new citizen.
If you're still preparing for the test, this is also worth reading. Knowing what's on the other side can be powerful motivation. And when you're ready to study, CitizenPrep's daily practice breaks the material into manageable daily sessions.
What Happens Immediately After Passing the Test
When you finish the online citizenship test, you'll see a provisional score on screen right away. If you scored 15 out of 20 (75%) or higher, the screen will indicate that you passed.
But here's the important part: this result is not yet official.
IRCC reviews the proctoring photos from your test session — your webcam took random photos throughout (not a continuous recording). They check for anything unusual: another person in the room, frequently looking away from the screen, or signs that the test environment wasn't secure.
Once IRCC confirms that your test was conducted properly, your result becomes official. According to IRCC's test results and next steps page, after the test is reviewed your application moves toward a final decision — but passing the test is not the last step.
Between Passing and "Decision Made"
Passing the test is a major milestone, but before IRCC issues a ceremony invitation, a citizenship officer must review your complete file and confirm that all eligibility requirements have been met.
Many of these checks run during the processing period before your test invitation is issued. But depending on your application's complexity — and current IRCC processing volumes — some may still be in progress when you take the test. All of the following must clear before your status changes to "Decision Made":
- Criminal background check (RCMP clearance)
- Security screening (CSIS)
- Prohibition check — confirming no grounds for inadmissibility or a bar on applying
- Physical presence calculation — verifying your 1,095-day requirement is met
- Language proficiency review — confirming your submitted evidence meets CLB/NCLC 4
- General eligibility — tax filing compliance, immigration status, application completeness
Only when all of these are resolved does your status change to "Decision Made" — and the ceremony invitation follows from there.
What this means right now (2026): With application volumes still elevated, it is increasingly common for applicants to pass the test and then wait additional weeks — sometimes months — before seeing "Decision Made." If your status stays on "In Process" after passing, it does not mean something went wrong. It means one or more of the remaining checks are still being processed. There is nothing you can do to speed this up; respond immediately to any document requests from IRCC, and otherwise wait.
For a full breakdown of the timeline from application to ceremony, see our citizenship processing time guide.
The Wait for Your Ceremony Invitation
After passing the test, the next step is the citizenship ceremony — and there is a wait.
According to IRCC's Help Centre, the time between passing the test and receiving your ceremony invitation varies based on your situation. In practice, most applicants wait 1 to 3 months after passing the test to receive their ceremony invitation, though it can be longer during busy periods.
How You'll Be Notified
IRCC sends ceremony invitations by email, phone, or mail — at least one week before the ceremony date. Check all three regularly, including your spam folder.
Your invitation will include:
- The date and time of your ceremony
- The format (virtual or in-person)
- What to bring
- Instructions for confirming your attendance
What to Do While You Wait
- Keep your contact information updated with IRCC — especially your email and mailing address
- Maintain your eligibility — don't do anything that could affect your citizenship status (such as serious legal issues)
- Monitor your application status through the IRCC tracker
- Don't leave Canada for extended periods without checking whether it could affect your application
What to Expect at the Citizenship Ceremony
The citizenship ceremony is the final step before you officially become a Canadian citizen. It's a meaningful event — and for many people, one of the most emotional moments of their immigration journey.
Virtual vs. In-Person
As of 2026, IRCC holds ceremonies in both virtual (video) and in-person formats. IRCC determines the format and specifies it in your invitation. If you prefer a different format, you can request a change by replying to the invitation.
Virtual ceremonies are conducted via videoconference and typically last about one hour. An IRCC official and a clerk oversee the ceremony and administer the oath.
In-person ceremonies are held at IRCC offices, courthouses, community centres, or other venues. They typically involve multiple new citizens taking the oath together, and often include special guests, elected officials, and Indigenous participants.
Both formats are equally valid — you become a citizen regardless of which one you attend.
What to Bring
Required:
- Your ceremony invitation
- Your PR card (even if expired) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Two pieces of photo ID with your signature
- Record of landing (if you became a permanent resident before June 28, 2002)
- Scissors (virtual ceremonies only — to cut your PR card on camera)
Optional:
- A holy book if you wish to swear the oath on one
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone or camera (photos are allowed after the ceremony)
Dress Code
IRCC recommends business attire or traditional/religious dress. Head coverings for religious or cultural reasons are welcome. Avoid scented products like perfume or cologne, as some attendees may have sensitivities.
During the Ceremony
Here's what happens:
- Registration and identity verification — you check in and confirm your identity
- Opening remarks — a citizenship officer or presiding official welcomes everyone
- The Oath of Citizenship — everyone recites the oath together (more on this below)
- Signing the Oath form — you sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form
- O Canada — everyone sings the national anthem
- Certificate distribution — at in-person ceremonies, you may receive your paper certificate
- Celebration — handshakes, photos, and sometimes a reception
For virtual ceremonies: Stay visible on screen the entire time. Use your real background (no virtual backgrounds). Remain seated, including during the oath. Don't share the videoconference link with anyone outside your household.
The Oath of Citizenship
The oath is the moment it becomes official. When you recite these words, you become a Canadian citizen.
What was added to the Canadian Oath of Citizenship in 2021?
You can choose to swear (a religious oath) or affirm (a secular declaration) — both are equally valid. If you wish to swear on a holy book, bring it with you.
English Text
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 Metis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.
French Text (Le serment de citoyennete)
Je jure (ou j'affirme solennellement) que je serai fidele et porterai sincere allegeance a Sa Majeste le roi Charles Trois, Roi du Canada, a ses heritiers et successeurs, que j'observerai fidelement les lois du Canada, y compris la Constitution, qui reconnait et confirme les droits — ancestraux ou issus de traites — des Premieres Nations, des Inuits et des Metis, et que je remplirai loyalement mes obligations de citoyen canadien.
The oath was amended in 2021 through Bill C-8 to include recognition of Indigenous peoples' rights. This change responded to Call to Action 94 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
You can take the oath in English, French, or both. The presiding official will lead the oath, and you repeat the words. It takes less than a minute — but it's a moment you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Getting Your Citizenship Certificate
Your citizenship certificate is your official proof that you are a Canadian citizen. There are two formats:
E-Certificate (Electronic)
Your e-certificate will be available in the IRCC Portal within 5 business days of IRCC receiving your signed Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form.
Paper Certificate
- In-person ceremonies: You typically receive your paper certificate at the ceremony itself
- Virtual ceremonies: Your paper certificate is mailed to you and arrives within approximately 2 to 4 weeks
Your citizenship certificate is not a travel document — you cannot use it to enter or leave Canada. For that, you need a passport.
Applying for a Canadian Passport
You can apply for a Canadian passport as soon as you have your citizenship certificate — but there's a small catch.
The 2-Business-Day Wait
IRCC recommends waiting at least 2 business days after your ceremony before applying for a passport or other government services. This gives the system time to update your citizenship status.
How to Apply
You'll need your citizenship certificate (paper or e-certificate) as proof of citizenship. You can apply:
- In person at a Service Canada office or passport office
- By mail
Processing Times
Standard passport processing takes 10 to 20 business days, plus mailing time. If you need it faster:
- Express service: Pick up in 2-9 business days (extra $50)
- Urgent service: Pick up next business day (extra $110)
Your Rights as a New Canadian Citizen
Becoming a citizen unlocks rights that permanent residents don't have. Here's what changes:
You Can Now...
- Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections (you must be 18 or older)
- Run for political office at any level of government
- Hold a Canadian passport and travel with the protection of Canadian consular services worldwide
- Enter and leave Canada freely — no more worrying about meeting residency requirements
- Pass citizenship to your children born abroad (subject to citizenship by descent rules)
- Work in jobs that require security clearance or citizenship
- Serve on a jury
You Still Must...
- Obey Canadian laws
- File taxes annually
- Serve on a jury if called (it's both a right and a duty)
- Respect the rights of others
For the full list, see IRCC's Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship — the same chapter from Discover Canada that you studied for the test.
Celebrate — You Earned This
If you're reading this after passing the test, take a moment to appreciate what you've accomplished.
You moved to a new country. You learned its history, its laws, its values. You met the language requirement. You gathered every document, filled out every form, and waited through months (maybe years) of processing. You studied for the test and passed it.
You did all of that. And now you're a Canadian citizen.
Whether you celebrate with a quiet dinner, a backyard party with friends, or just a deep breath and a smile — this moment matters. Many new citizens describe the ceremony as one of the most emotional experiences of their lives, especially when they recite the oath alongside dozens of other people from around the world who chose the same path.
You belong here. Welcome home.
Practical Next Steps After Becoming a Citizen
Once the celebration winds down, here are the practical things to take care of:
Within the First Week
- Apply for your Canadian passport (after the 2-business-day wait)
- Register to vote with Elections Canada — you can do this online in minutes (you'll need your driver's licence or provincial ID)
- Download your e-certificate from the IRCC Portal and save it securely
Within the First Month
- Update your status with your employer, bank, and insurance provider
- Notify your previous country's embassy if required — some countries require you to report acquiring another citizenship
- Update your SIN record with Service Canada if needed
- Check dual citizenship rules for your country of origin — Canada allows dual citizenship, but not all countries do
Within the First Few Months
- Register for provincial health insurance updates if your status changed
- Update your driver's licence at your provincial licensing office
- Consider updating your will and any legal documents that reference your citizenship status
How CitizenPrep Helped You Get Here
If you used CitizenPrep to study for the test, we're thrilled you passed. Our adaptive learning system was designed to get you to 75% and beyond — and you proved it works.
If you haven't tried it yet and you're reading this while preparing for the test, here's what makes CitizenPrep different:
- Adaptive practice that focuses on topics you're weakest in
- Daily study sessions that build knowledge gradually
- Real test format with 20 multiple-choice questions
- Bilingual support in English and French
Everything you need is at citizenprep.ca. Start with our guide to passing the test, then jump into practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after the citizenship test is the ceremony?
Most applicants wait 1 to 3 months between passing the test and receiving their ceremony invitation. However, wait times vary depending on your location and current IRCC processing volumes. You can monitor your status through the IRCC Application Status Tracker. For more detail, see our processing time guide.
Can I choose between a virtual and in-person ceremony?
IRCC determines the format and specifies it in your invitation. If you prefer a different format, you can request a change by replying to the invitation. Both formats are equally valid — the ceremony page on canada.ca has full details.
Do I get my citizenship certificate at the ceremony?
It depends on the format. At in-person ceremonies, you typically receive a paper certificate at the end. For virtual ceremonies, your paper certificate is mailed within 2-4 weeks. In both cases, an e-certificate is available in the IRCC Portal within 5 business days.
Can I apply for a passport the same day as my ceremony?
Not quite. IRCC recommends waiting at least 2 business days after the ceremony before applying for a passport. This gives time for your citizenship status to update in government systems.
What if I need to travel before I get my passport?
Your citizenship certificate is not a travel document. If you need to leave Canada before your passport arrives, contact IRCC about urgent passport processing. You may also be able to use your existing foreign passport for travel to countries that accept it, though you will need your Canadian passport to re-enter Canada as a citizen.
Do I need to surrender my PR card?
Yes. At the ceremony, you will be asked to return your Permanent Resident card to IRCC (even if it's expired). For virtual ceremonies, you'll be asked to cut it up on camera with scissors. You no longer need it — you're a citizen now.
Can I keep my other citizenship?
Yes. Canada allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. However, your country of origin may not. Some countries require you to renounce your previous citizenship. Check with your country's embassy or consulate to understand their rules.
Am I automatically registered to vote?
Not necessarily. You can register with Elections Canada online, or you can register at the polling station when you go to vote. You may also be added to the voters list when you file your taxes and check the box authorizing CRA to share your information with Elections Canada.
What are the requirements to become a Canadian citizen?
To be eligible, you must meet residency, language, tax filing, and other requirements. We have a complete breakdown in our Canadian citizenship requirements guide.
Passed the test and became a citizen? We'd love to hear your story. Share it on the CanadaVisa forum or tag us on social media.