What is the oath ceremony?

The Oath of Allegiance ceremony, also called the naturalization ceremony, is the final step in the naturalization process and the moment at which a lawful permanent resident officially becomes a U.S. citizen. The ceremony is governed by section 337 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. section 1448) and 8 CFR sections 337.1 and 337.2. At the ceremony, the applicant publicly takes the Oath of Allegiance, in which they renounce all allegiance to foreign sovereigns, swear to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, swear to bear true faith and allegiance to the United States, and accept obligations to bear arms, perform noncombatant service, or perform work of national importance when required by law.

After the oath is administered (collectively, with all candidates standing and raising their right hands), the applicant receives Form N-550 (Certificate of Naturalization), the official document proving citizenship. Two types of ceremonies are recognized: administrative ceremonies conducted by USCIS officers under section 310(a) of the Act, and judicial ceremonies conducted by federal district court judges (or, in limited circumstances, state court judges) under section 310(b). The applicant does not choose which type they attend; USCIS assigns the ceremony based on local practice and scheduling.

Some district courts hold judicial ceremonies on patriotic anniversaries such as Constitution Day (September 17), Independence Day (July 4), Flag Day (June 14), and Veterans Day (November 11), often with elaborate programs including speeches by judges, prominent citizens, or members of Congress. Administrative ceremonies are typically more streamlined and held more frequently.

At all ceremonies, applicants surrender their Permanent Resident Card (which USCIS retires), receive the Certificate of Naturalization, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and listen to a video message from the President of the United States welcoming them as new citizens. The ceremony is followed by voter registration tables (USCIS partners with state election offices to register new citizens to vote on the spot) and information about applying for a U.S. passport, which can be done immediately after the ceremony at any U.S. Department of State passport agency or post office acceptance facility.