What should you wear?

Applicants are expected to wear respectful, formal clothing to the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, treating the event as the civic milestone it is. USCIS does not impose a formal dress code, but the agency, judges presiding over judicial ceremonies, and most legal and civic guides recommend business or business casual attire: for men, a dress shirt with or without a tie, dress pants, and dress shoes (a suit or sport coat is appropriate but not required); for women, a dress, skirt and blouse, or pantsuit with appropriate footwear.

Many applicants choose to wear cultural, religious, or national dress that reflects their heritage; this is fully welcomed and often celebrated, since the ceremony commemorates the diversity of new citizens joining the American polity. Applicants should avoid casual clothing such as shorts, t-shirts with text or graphics, athletic wear, beach sandals or flip-flops, hats other than religious head coverings, sunglasses, and clothing with offensive language or imagery. Religious head coverings (hijab, kippah, turban, religious veils) are permitted and routinely worn by candidates whose religious traditions include them.

Some federal courthouses and high-security venues have additional dress code requirements; applicants attending judicial ceremonies should review the courthouse's published rules. Applicants should also dress comfortably for an event that may last 60 to 90 minutes (or longer for large group ceremonies that include speeches, video messages, and individual presentation of certificates) and may include time outside if the ceremony is at an outdoor venue such as a historic site.

Applicants are encouraged to bring family and friends to the ceremony, and family members are often dressed comparably formally. Photography is generally permitted, although flash photography may be restricted at federal courthouses or during certain portions of the ceremony. Applicants should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time, allow for security screening (similar to TSA airport screening for federal facilities and courthouses), and be prepared to wait while all candidates check in and are seated.

The ceremony itself is brief but solemn, and dressing respectfully signals to the officer or judge, the family members present, and the new citizen themselves that the moment is significant.