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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check you can apply

CitizenshipCeremonyStep 7 of 7

BlockedIRCC schedules it · RequiredYou are here

7. Take the oath at the ceremony

Once your application is approved, IRCC schedules a ceremony.

Waiting on: Take the citizenship test

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 7 of 7 · RequiredClose

Take the oath at the ceremony

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepThe citizenship ceremonycanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

Once your application is approved, IRCC schedules a ceremony. Everyone 18 and over takes the oath of citizenship there, hands in their PR card, and receives a citizenship certificate. You are not a citizen until the oath is taken.

Why it's required: This is the end of the immigration process. From the certificate onward there is no card to renew, no residency obligation, and no status left to lose.

Citizen fromThe oathApproval alone doesn't make you a citizen. Taking the oath does.

Your PR cardHanded inThe certificate replaces it, and unlike the card it never expires.

A passportComes afterThe certificate proves status; it is not a travel document.

Documents you'll need

Your permanent resident card, to hand in
The ceremony notice IRCC sends you
Photo identification

Before this step

BlockedTake the citizenship test

This is the last step of the pathway.