Hello forum members,
We (self, spouse and two kids) took our citizenship oath today with 87 others at Harry Hays building. Ceremony was scheduled for 1.00pm for those taking the oath and 1.30pm for members of the public. We arrived 12:45pm and there was already a long line. Everything however moved rather quickly. The Clerk of the ceremony came around the line to take the page 3 of the invitation letters which is the portion about agreeing to take part in the public ceremony and allowing press coverage.
Each family or single applicant were then called forward to sign present invite letters, sign citizenship certificate documentation and submit PR cards. No other document was checked (despite the invite letter requesting all documents submitted with the citizenship application).
The ceremony itself was quick and efficient and was all about Judge extolling the contribution of immigrants to the building of Canada and encouraging us new citizens to sustain the contributions and be proud of our new home and country. We took the oath, each person/family called forward to receive the certificate and thereafter sang the anthem - Oh Canada. This was followed by photographs with the Judge and other Officers.
This brings an end to my 15 months (yes, exactly 15 months) journey - application to Citizenship.
Happy to note that while it took me 15 months, lead time from application to oath is shortening at an encouraging pace and here is wishing you all the best outcome for your applications.
I may not be a regular contributor anymore but will check in from time to time to send my little contributions whenever it adds value.
We (self, spouse and two kids) took our citizenship oath today with 87 others at Harry Hays building. Ceremony was scheduled for 1.00pm for those taking the oath and 1.30pm for members of the public. We arrived 12:45pm and there was already a long line. Everything however moved rather quickly. The Clerk of the ceremony came around the line to take the page 3 of the invitation letters which is the portion about agreeing to take part in the public ceremony and allowing press coverage.
Each family or single applicant were then called forward to sign present invite letters, sign citizenship certificate documentation and submit PR cards. No other document was checked (despite the invite letter requesting all documents submitted with the citizenship application).
The ceremony itself was quick and efficient and was all about Judge extolling the contribution of immigrants to the building of Canada and encouraging us new citizens to sustain the contributions and be proud of our new home and country. We took the oath, each person/family called forward to receive the certificate and thereafter sang the anthem - Oh Canada. This was followed by photographs with the Judge and other Officers.
This brings an end to my 15 months (yes, exactly 15 months) journey - application to Citizenship.
Happy to note that while it took me 15 months, lead time from application to oath is shortening at an encouraging pace and here is wishing you all the best outcome for your applications.
I may not be a regular contributor anymore but will check in from time to time to send my little contributions whenever it adds value.