CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP
Obtaining citizenship in a new country is an amazing achievement that makes one feel successful and deeply connected to the new nation. The citizenship ceremony is the last stage in the process of formally becoming a citizen of Canada.
Obtaining Canadian citizenship is not an easy feat. A number of conditions must be met by immigrants, such as residency, language ability, and familiarity with Canadian culture and history. Applicants eagerly await the conclusion of their efforts at the citizenship ceremony after overcoming these obstacles.
Types of Citizenship Ceremonies
Due to the regular occurrence of citizenship ceremonies and the advent of online resources, newly arrived Canadians can now choose from a variety of citizenship ceremonies. To be more particular, these are:
- Standard ceremonies;
A typical in-person ceremony is held in the ceremony room of the local (IRCC) office, or if the local office venue is not available or cannot accommodate the number of participants, it is held at a different location. As an alternative, this can also be completed online through a typical video oath ceremony that uses software for video conferences.
- Enhanced ceremonies;
An enhanced ceremony is one that consists of a standard ceremony plus one or more of the following components:
- One or more external collaborators or host organizations, such as any level of government (Parks Canada, for example), non-profits (Institute for Canadian Citizenship), educational institutions, or service organizations (Lions Club of Toronto);
- Special guests, like the principal of the school, the president of the host organization, special performers (poetry readers, singers, dancers), and Indigenous artists (Indigenous dancer, drummer, or singer; not to be confused with an Indigenous speaker who offers a prayer, greetings, and congrats) are invited;
- High-ranking officials, such as the prime minister of Canadian Citizenship, the minister of IRCC, the governor-general, a lieutenant governor, a commissioner of the territories, a designated speaker, excluding elected officials, veterans, RCMP officers, CAF personnel, and Native American speakers; and/or
- A reception (ceremonies held in person only).
- Private ceremonies;
Private ceremonies are those that are held for a particular family or person and are not open to the public. These can be carried out in particular circumstances.
- Reaffirmation ceremonies
At formal occasions known as reaffirmation ceremonies, patriotic Canadians swear devotion to their nation by reciting the citizenship oath.
Citizenship Week Celebrations
Immigration, Refugees, and Canadian Citizenship (IRCC) hosts Citizenship Week every year to celebrate newcomers to Canada and the fundamentals of citizenship. The minister attended citizenship ceremonies in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Vancouver, British Columbia, last year, which took place from May 22 to May 28, 2023. Everyone who has previously lined up for the ceremonies held during these days was invited to celebrate citizenship week. On May 24, 2023, Canadians might also participate in the live webcast from Halifax.
IRCC is investing to modernize its services and has achieved significant progress in the area of citizenship.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CEREMONY
It is required of the participants to swear an oath of citizenship, in which they promise loyalty and commitment to Canadian citizenship. Before receiving their citizenship certificate, participants must also sign an oath or affirmation of citizenship form. To enter the ceremony, a participant must bring their PR card and foreign ID documents. They also need to bring ceremony notice.
The Canadian citizenship ceremony is more than simply a formality; it is a celebration of variety, togetherness, and the values that bind individuals from all over the world into a single Canadian identity. With the unfolding of the maple leaf and the swearing-in ceremony, newly naturalized citizens begin a new phase of their lives and add to the colorful tapestry that is Canada.
