I have seen multiple questions re citizenship ceremony: how much time it takes, what documents to bring, what to wear, etc. Decided to share here my experience I had at the ceremony. Please note that these observations could be wrong for other people and cities. Use them for guidance, not rule.
Documents. You must bring with you all originals of current and past PR Cards, current and past passports, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and Notice to Appear to the Citizenship Ceremony. The latter contains two forms that you need to sign: media release form (to allow others to take pictures) and confirmation that you are not prosecuted, etc, a form that was also a part of the original application.
Duration and timing. My oath was at 11am, and my invitation stated 10.30am with a note that I do not need to arrive earlier. I thought these 30 mins are spent on checking documents and sitting candidates. Therefore, I arrived at 10.45am and was one of the last people in line. At around 10.55am I got to a booth where they requested my letter of invitation with two forms signed and my PR card (current and previous). They did not need my passport and COPR. They suggested I keep COPR for lifetime in case of requirement to verify something in future. I was given several booklets with oath, anthem, congratulations letters by the PM and the Minister and other useful info. They requested me to take a seat at seat number indicated on my invitation. Ceremony started at 11.10am, and ended at 12.15pm. You need to allocate minimum 1.5 hours for this. If paying for parking pay for two hours.
What to wear. Everyone wore nice clothing, like an important event: women nice dresses, men in suits, some in shirts. In general atmosphere recommended that you do not wear jeans, snickers, and T-shirt or hoody.
Ceremony description. The clerk provided some information about citizenship, privileges and duties. The judge has arrived and told some stories about brave Canadians and how good volunteering is. Then it was announced that we take the oath in both languages, stand-up, raise the right hand, repeat the sentences after the judge aloud (you can read it from a booklet you were given). Some officers walked around to ensure everyone repeated oath. After the oath, we sang the Canadian anthem. Then the clerk started reading names, and those had to come up to sign a form that received Certificate and receive it from the judge after shaking hands. Someone can take a picture here without posing because there will be photo session afterwards. You need to ensure all info on the certificate is correct, if not approach the clerk after everyone is done to report this. They called names by seat number we had. If you are on seat 54, you would be 54th person to be called. So, we had approx 100 people and the ceremony itself took an hour.
Afterwards. We were told to apply for passport minimum two business days after the ceremony. And that we can go to another room to take pictures with the judge and/or any other special guests. You are free to leave without taking pictures.
Documents. You must bring with you all originals of current and past PR Cards, current and past passports, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and Notice to Appear to the Citizenship Ceremony. The latter contains two forms that you need to sign: media release form (to allow others to take pictures) and confirmation that you are not prosecuted, etc, a form that was also a part of the original application.
Duration and timing. My oath was at 11am, and my invitation stated 10.30am with a note that I do not need to arrive earlier. I thought these 30 mins are spent on checking documents and sitting candidates. Therefore, I arrived at 10.45am and was one of the last people in line. At around 10.55am I got to a booth where they requested my letter of invitation with two forms signed and my PR card (current and previous). They did not need my passport and COPR. They suggested I keep COPR for lifetime in case of requirement to verify something in future. I was given several booklets with oath, anthem, congratulations letters by the PM and the Minister and other useful info. They requested me to take a seat at seat number indicated on my invitation. Ceremony started at 11.10am, and ended at 12.15pm. You need to allocate minimum 1.5 hours for this. If paying for parking pay for two hours.
What to wear. Everyone wore nice clothing, like an important event: women nice dresses, men in suits, some in shirts. In general atmosphere recommended that you do not wear jeans, snickers, and T-shirt or hoody.
Ceremony description. The clerk provided some information about citizenship, privileges and duties. The judge has arrived and told some stories about brave Canadians and how good volunteering is. Then it was announced that we take the oath in both languages, stand-up, raise the right hand, repeat the sentences after the judge aloud (you can read it from a booklet you were given). Some officers walked around to ensure everyone repeated oath. After the oath, we sang the Canadian anthem. Then the clerk started reading names, and those had to come up to sign a form that received Certificate and receive it from the judge after shaking hands. Someone can take a picture here without posing because there will be photo session afterwards. You need to ensure all info on the certificate is correct, if not approach the clerk after everyone is done to report this. They called names by seat number we had. If you are on seat 54, you would be 54th person to be called. So, we had approx 100 people and the ceremony itself took an hour.
Afterwards. We were told to apply for passport minimum two business days after the ceremony. And that we can go to another room to take pictures with the judge and/or any other special guests. You are free to leave without taking pictures.
