Taking the Oath
You become a citizen as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. In some places, you can choose to take the Oath the same day as your interview. If that option is not available or if you prefer a ceremony at a later date, USCIS will notify you of the ceremony date with a "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" (Form N-445).
After your application has been granted you will be notified the date and time for your Oath of Allegiance ceremony. USCIS will send you a notice (N-445) “Notice for Naturalization Oath Ceremony”.
If more than one day has passed between your interview and the Oath ceremony, you will be asked to answer some questions (provided on the back of the N-445). For example, ‘Have you traveled out of the US since your interview?’. You should read and mark these questions before you arrive for the ceremony.
Finally, take the oath. You are not a citizen of the US until you take the Oath of Allegiance. An officer will read out each part of the oath and you will be asked to repeat his/her words. To become a citizen, one must take the oath of allegiance.
By doing so, an applicant swears to:
- Support the Constitution and obey the laws of the U.S.;
- Renounce any foreign allegiance and/or foreign title; and
- Bear arms for the Armed Forces of the U.S. or perform services for the government of the U.S. when required.
In certain instances, where the applicant establishes that he or she is opposed to any type of service in armed forces based on religious teaching or belief, INS will permit these applicants to take a modified oath. You have to provide documents supporting your religious beliefs.
-Back to Top- |
