I was scheduled to take the oath with an in-person ceremony on 2023-08-15. I had family and job commitments which made it difficult for me to travel to Canada for the ceremony. Reading the information in this thread, I got the impression that it was possible to take the oath from outside of Canada and hence, I applied for a request to take the oath from outside of Canada.
Just like the thread mentioned, the first reply that I've received on 2023-08-11 was the following:
Finally, on 2023-12-29, I received the following e-mail:
I'm still waiting to be scheduled for a ceremony.
What can I do to speed up the process?
Just like the thread mentioned, the first reply that I've received on 2023-08-11 was the following:
Shortly after this, I received another reply, which stated:Hello,
As of recently, applicants requesting to take the Oath Outside Canada do not need special permission. You are approved to take the Oath Outside Canada. Please inform the check in clerk during your Ceremony where you are taking the Oath from and whether you would like an E-Certificate or Paper Certificate.
Regards,
Citizenship Team
Since then, I've been waiting to be rescheduled for a video ceremony. I'm just being told that my my request to take the oath overseas is under review and that I will be contacted by IRCC in due course.Hello,
As you are scheduled for an In person Ceremony, you will be re-scheduled for a Virtual Ceremony at a later date. Apologies for the previous email.
Regards,
Citizenship Team
Finally, on 2023-12-29, I received the following e-mail:
On the same day, I replied to them that I acknowledge the points above and provided the requested information.Thank you for your enquiry about taking the oath of citizenship by video oath ceremony from outside of Canada.
These requests are being considered as exceptional cases, and in the event that your request is approved, it is important for you to know that:
Should you still wish to pursue this request, please reply to this email acknowledging the points above and tell us
- You will be asked to destroy your Permanent Resident Card during the ceremony.
- You have a choice of receiving either a paper citizenship certificate or an electronic citizenship certificate. Please note the following before making your decision:
- Paper certificates: It may take up to 6 months for you to receive your paper certificate after the ceremony as your certificate will be sent to the Canadian Mission closest to you. (excludes clients in the USA).
- Electronic certificates: E-certificates are available for download in the portal 2 to 5 business days after the ceremony and after you have emailed your signed Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship Form.
- Wait to receive your citizenship certificate, before applying for your Canadian passport. You will need either your paper certificate or a printed version of your e-certificate to apply for your passport.
- For Canadian citizens, including dual Canadian citizens, you must present an acceptable travel document that shows that you are a Canadian to enter Canada. This means you need a valid Canadian passport (or a Canadian travel document issued in urgent situations) to allow airline check-in staff and border officials to confirm that you are Canadian.
- Depending on the laws and regulations of your current country of citizenship or the country where you are presently living, there may be some complexities should you become a dual national abroad (i.e. access to Canadian consular services, travel requirements, etc.). Note that you may not have proof of Canadian citizenship for 6 months. Recommend that you confirm whether any complexities exist before considering to take the oath outside of Canada.
When possible, do not hesitate to provide supporting documentation, if you wish.
- your present circumstances
- reasons for your request to take the oath from outside of Canada.
- date you were last in Canada
- your choice of citizenship certificate
I'm still waiting to be scheduled for a ceremony.
What can I do to speed up the process?