Online Oath of Citizenship Option

Summary#

The government published proposed changes to the Citizenship Regulations on February 25, 2023 to allow more flexible ways of taking the Oath of Citizenship, including a secure online option without an official present. This is a proposal (not law yet); people can comment for 30 days after publication.

What it does#

• Lets the Minister decide how the Oath of Citizenship can be taken, including by methods set out online rather than only in-person or in a video ceremony before an authorized person.
• Removes ceremony procedures from the written regulations and moves them into guidance on the department’s website.
• Requires anyone who takes the oath to sign a form provided by the Minister and says a certificate of Canadian citizenship will be delivered after the oath is completed.
• Confirms there will be no fee for taking the oath, no matter the method.
• Estimates the government transition and ongoing costs at $4.92 million (present value) over 10 years, with about $0.06 million in up-front costs and $4.86 million ongoing.
• Suggests a secure online self‑service option could let some applicants finish the final step up to 3 months faster than attending a ceremony.
• The government expects the changes could come into force in June 2023 if adopted (this is an expectation in the proposal, not a guaranteed date).

Who's affected#

• Citizenship applicants, especially newcomers waiting to complete the final step to become Canadian citizens.
• Citizenship judges and other officials who currently run ceremonies; there may be fewer ceremonies if many people choose the online option.
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which would build and run the online system and update guidance.
• Employers and families of applicants may notice indirect effects (fewer hours off work needed). The proposal says small businesses are not expected to be affected.

If it is unclear who will choose the online option, the department intends to monitor uptake and usability after launch.

Why it matters#

• The change aims to speed up a final step in becoming a citizen. The department says applicants could avoid up to 3 months of waiting if they use the online option.
• It could reduce the backlog and long waits many applicants face now (the proposal notes inventories as high as 358,000 and waits of about 24 months for some people).
• For individuals, faster completion means earlier access to rights and benefits tied to citizenship, like a passport and the right to vote.
• For the public, fewer ceremonies could mean cost and time savings for the government, but also fewer in-person community events that mark citizenship.