The Oath of Allegiance to the United States is a pivotal moment for every citizenship applicant, marking the culmination of the naturalization process. This formal declaration has been a part of American tradition since the 18th century, required for all individuals wishing to become naturalized citizens.
During the ceremony, the applicant vows to:
- Support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the United States against all enemies.
- Forsake allegiance to any other nation or sovereign, and renounce any hereditary or noble titles if applicable.
- Serve in the U.S. military or provide civilian service when called upon by the government.
Attendance at the Oath of Allegiance ceremony is essential, as it is the definitive step in the naturalization journey. Completing this requirement is necessary to officially become a U.S. citizen.
There's no reason to be nervous about the ceremony; it's a simple yet incredibly significant occasion. This guide will cover what you can anticipate before, during, and after the ceremony, ensuring you approach this significant day with confidence and excitement.
Preparation for the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
After your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the next and final step in your citizenship journey is the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
Timing of the Oath Ceremony After Your Citizenship Interview
The scheduling of your Oath ceremony can vary. If USCIS has all necessary information and documentation to approve your application at the time of your naturalization interview and exam, it is possible for your swearing-in ceremony to occur on the same day. In such cases, you would typically be asked to return later the same day after your interview and exam.
If the same-day ceremony isn't possible, USCIS will mail you a “Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony” (Form N-445). This notice will provide you with the details of the ceremony, including the date, time, and location.
Location of the Citizenship Oath Ceremony
The Oath ceremony generally takes place at the same USCIS field office where your interview and exam were conducted. This allows for a seamless transition from the completion of your application process to the formal granting of your U.S. citizenship.
Rescheduling Your Naturalization Ceremony
If you are unable to attend your naturalization ceremony at the scheduled date and time set by USCIS, it's important to act promptly to reschedule. You should return the Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony (Form N-445) to the USCIS field office where your ceremony is set to occur. Along with the form, include a written explanation detailing why you cannot attend the scheduled ceremony and request a new date for your appointment.
It's crucial to understand that failing to attend the ceremony more than once may lead to USCIS denying your citizenship application. Therefore, it is vital to ensure you attend your ceremony on the initially scheduled or a promptly rescheduled date to avoid any complications with finalizing your citizenship.
Attire and Essentials for the Citizenship Oath Ceremony
Appropriate Attire
For the citizenship Oath ceremony, USCIS advises all applicants to dress in a manner that honors the significance of the event. It's important to choose attire that reflects the solemnity of the occasion. Specifically, USCIS discourages wearing casual items such as jeans, shorts, and flip-flops.
Items to Bring to the Ceremony
To ensure a smooth ceremony, you should bring the following items with you:
Your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card, or Form I-551): You are generally required to bring your Green Card to the ceremony. However, there are exceptions where you do not need to bring it:
- If you have provided evidence (like a police report) during your interview that your Green Card was lost or stolen and you have made efforts to recover it.
- If you were never issued a Green Card because you are applying for naturalization based on qualifying military service.
Essential Documents for the Citizenship Oath Ceremony
What to Bring
Your Appointment Letter (Form N-445): If your Oath ceremony is scheduled for more than one day after your naturalization interview, it's essential to complete the questionnaire located on the back of this letter before you arrive at the ceremony. This questionnaire contains yes-or-no questions about any changes in your circumstances since your interview. These questions are designed to confirm that no recent changes compromise your eligibility for citizenship.
Some of the questions you may encounter include:
- Have you gotten married, or have you been widowed, separated, or divorced since your interview?
- Have you traveled outside the United States since your interview?
- Have you committed any crime or offense for which you have not been arrested?
Before the ceremony begins, a USCIS officer will review your answers to ensure that there are no new issues that affect your eligibility for citizenship. Bringing this completed form and being prepared to discuss any changes are crucial steps in the naturalization process.
Additional Required Items for the Citizenship Oath Ceremony
Another Form of Government-Issued Photo Identification
Besides your Green Card, bring another form of identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card.
USCIS-Issued Travel Documents
If applicable, bring any travel documents issued by USCIS, such as your re-entry permit or Refugee Travel Document.
Additional Necessary Documents
If there were any documents you failed to provide at your interview, it is imperative that you bring these to your Oath ceremony. Ensure you have all required paperwork to avoid any delays in the naturalization process.
What to Do Before the Ceremony
There's no extensive preparation needed for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. Simply ensure that you have gathered all the required items previously mentioned, and carefully review the instructions provided in your appointment letter (Form N-445).
Learning the Oath of Allegiance
You do not need to memorize the Oath of Allegiance beforehand. At the ceremony, you will either be given a sheet of paper with the Oath written on it, or the Oath will be displayed on a screen. This makes it easy for all participants to follow along and recite the Oath correctly during the ceremony.
What to Expect at the Citizenship Oath Ceremony
Arrival and Check-In Process
When you arrive at the designated USCIS field office or the location where your ceremony is being held, the first step will be the check-in process. A USCIS officer will review your appointment letter (Form N-445) to confirm that you answered "no" to all questions on the back if you filled it out after your interview. This review is crucial to ensure you remain eligible to take the Oath of Allegiance, confirming that you’ve successfully passed your interview and exam and have provided all necessary documents.
During check-in, you will be asked to surrender your Green Card, which will be replaced by a Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550) at the conclusion of the ceremony. If you have any USCIS-issued travel documents, you will need to hand these in as well.
Materials Provided During Check-In
At check-in, you will receive a welcome packet containing several important items:
- An American flag
- The Citizen’s Almanac (Form M-76)
- A pocket-sized pamphlet of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution (Form M-654).
Arriving on Time
It is essential to arrive at least 30 minutes early. This extra time ensures you can smoothly go through the check-in process and settle in before the ceremony begins. USCIS often schedules multiple applicants for the same ceremony, so arriving early helps maintain the schedule and ensures that everyone's documentation can be processed efficiently.
By arriving prepared and on time, you'll be set for a memorable and significant day in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.
Pre-Oath Presentation
After you've completed the check-in process, USCIS will initiate the ceremony with a presentation designed to celebrate and reflect on the significance of becoming a U.S. citizen. This segment typically includes a mix of videos and music, along with opening remarks from a designated Master of Ceremonies, who may be joined by a guest speaker to provide additional insights and congratulations to new citizens.
Recitation of the Oath of Allegiance
Following the presentation, you and the other applicants will be asked to stand and raise your right hand to recite the Oath of Allegiance. This is done collectively and aloud, led by a USCIS official. The Oath is a solemn pledge in which new citizens swear allegiance to the United States and vow to support and defend its Constitution.
Conclusion of the Ceremony
The ceremony concludes with all participants reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, which, while brief, serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the commitments made in the Oath of Allegiance. The Master of Ceremonies will then provide closing comments, marking the official end of the ceremony and your first moments as a U.S. citizen.
Next Steps After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen and gaining all the privileges and responsibilities that come with citizenship!Following the Oath of Allegiance, you will be given your Certificate of Naturalization. It is important to carefully review this document for any errors while you are still at the USCIS field office and report any discrepancies immediately.
Your Certificate of Naturalization is crucial evidence of your citizenship, so it's essential to keep it secure. Remember, replacing a lost certificate is expensive; if you ever need to replace it, you must file Form N-565, known as the “Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document,” and pay a $555 fee.
After the ceremony, take the time to update your Social Security record and apply for a U.S. passport. Your welcome packet might include a passport application to help you get started. Additionally, registering to vote is a significant next step to fully engage in your civic duties. Some USCIS locations offer on-site voter registration immediately following the ceremony.
Best of luck as you embark on this exciting new chapter as a U.S. citizen, fully embracing the opportunities and engagements of citizenship!