What is the ceremony like?

The naturalization oath ceremony is a formal public event at which a group of approved applicants take the Oath of Allegiance together, usually in a federal courthouse, a USCIS field office, or a public venue rented for large ceremonies. Procedures are governed by 8 CFR sections 337.2 through 337.10. A typical ceremony begins with applicants checking in and surrendering their Permanent Resident Cards (Form I-551, the green card). Applicants are seated together and family members and guests sit in a separate area.

USCIS staff or the court conducts a brief presentation that often includes a video address from the President of the United States, remarks by a USCIS official or a federal judge, and a roll call of countries of origin (with applicants invited to stand when their country is named). The presiding official then administers the Oath of Allegiance: applicants stand, raise their right hand, and recite the oath in unison. Many applicants follow along with a printed copy. After the oath the new citizens recite the Pledge of Allegiance and often sing or hear the national anthem.

Each new citizen is then called forward (or processed by row) to receive the Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550), which is the official proof of citizenship. Ceremonies range from small administrative events of 30 to 50 applicants to large stadium ceremonies on the Fourth of July with thousands of new citizens. Photography and video are usually permitted in the audience but not at the certificate distribution. The total length is typically 60 to 90 minutes.