I am please to report that I did my oath ceremony yesterday in Ottawa and it was such a proud moment.
I wasn't sure how the event would go so for anyone that has there oath ceremony coming up in Ottawa, here's is how it went.
We were advised to arrive at 9am, the ceremony start time was listed on the cic website as 9:15.
Upon arrival we were asked for our letter of invitation, our signed media disclosure form and our PR card only, despite the invitation letter asking you to bring all kinds of paperwork & passports with you. Once we handed those items over we went to another desk where we were "checked in" and given a seat number.
The room was divided into three blocks of seating. The middle block is reserved for people in the ceremony and the seats are numbered. Your accompanying family & friends are allowed to take seats on the two outer blocks of seating.
Once we were settled into their seats everyone was addressed in both French & English welcoming us and we were given an outline of how the ceremony would proceed. Once this was done we were all asked to stand as our Citizenship Judge entered the room.
The judge addressed the room for about 10 minutes and was so warm and friendly and welcoming. We were then all invited to stand and read the oath in both French and English, this was rather emotional. Once the oath was completed the judge then declared that all of the applicants were now Canadian citizens, which was followed by a huge round of applause.
The judge spoke some to us more about our responsibilities as new Canadians and then we all sang Oh Canada a version that was in both English and French, but the words were provided for those that weren't sure of both versions.
Then everyone was called up by name to receive their certificate of citizenship which was presented by the judge. He shook everyone's hand as he presented you your certificate and gave you a very heartfelt congratulations.
Once everyone had received their certificate the judge was more that happy to pose for photographs with anyone who wanted them.
The whole ceremony was over by around 10am.
The staff were so lovely and the whole day was one we will remember forever.
I know the road from start to finish is sometimes frustrating and annoying, but just look forward to your oath ceremony as it will all be worth it.
The very best of luck to you all and may your day come soon.
I wasn't sure how the event would go so for anyone that has there oath ceremony coming up in Ottawa, here's is how it went.
We were advised to arrive at 9am, the ceremony start time was listed on the cic website as 9:15.
Upon arrival we were asked for our letter of invitation, our signed media disclosure form and our PR card only, despite the invitation letter asking you to bring all kinds of paperwork & passports with you. Once we handed those items over we went to another desk where we were "checked in" and given a seat number.
The room was divided into three blocks of seating. The middle block is reserved for people in the ceremony and the seats are numbered. Your accompanying family & friends are allowed to take seats on the two outer blocks of seating.
Once we were settled into their seats everyone was addressed in both French & English welcoming us and we were given an outline of how the ceremony would proceed. Once this was done we were all asked to stand as our Citizenship Judge entered the room.
The judge addressed the room for about 10 minutes and was so warm and friendly and welcoming. We were then all invited to stand and read the oath in both French and English, this was rather emotional. Once the oath was completed the judge then declared that all of the applicants were now Canadian citizens, which was followed by a huge round of applause.
The judge spoke some to us more about our responsibilities as new Canadians and then we all sang Oh Canada a version that was in both English and French, but the words were provided for those that weren't sure of both versions.
Then everyone was called up by name to receive their certificate of citizenship which was presented by the judge. He shook everyone's hand as he presented you your certificate and gave you a very heartfelt congratulations.
Once everyone had received their certificate the judge was more that happy to pose for photographs with anyone who wanted them.
The whole ceremony was over by around 10am.
The staff were so lovely and the whole day was one we will remember forever.
I know the road from start to finish is sometimes frustrating and annoying, but just look forward to your oath ceremony as it will all be worth it.
The very best of luck to you all and may your day come soon.
it will be almost a year!