What to Expect at Your Naturalization Oath Ceremony

The oath ceremony is the final step in the naturalization process and the moment you officially become a U.S. citizen. The ceremony is generally straightforward and celebratory. Knowing what to expect in advance removes the anxiety and lets you be present for the experience.

Two Types of Oath Ceremonies

USCIS conducts two types of oath ceremonies. Administrative ceremonies take place at a USCIS field office. They are often scheduled within days of a successful interview and typically involve a smaller group of applicants. Judicial ceremonies take place in a federal or state court and are often larger events scheduled weeks or months after your interview. Which type you receive depends on your local USCIS district office and whether you requested a judicial ceremony.

Both types of ceremonies have identical legal effect. You are a U.S. citizen the moment you recite the Oath of Allegiance, regardless of whether the ceremony is administrative or judicial.

What to Bring to the Ceremony

• Your ceremony notice. This is the Form N-445 notice USCIS mails to you. You must complete the questionnaire on the back before you arrive.
• Your current Green Card. You will surrender it at the ceremony check-in. You no longer need it after you become a citizen.
• Any state-issued ID you want updated. Some people bring their driver's license to update their records immediately after the ceremony, though you typically need to visit the DMV separately.

Family members and guests are welcome to attend most ceremonies. Check your Form N-445 notice for any guest limits specified by your venue.

Order of Events at the Ceremony

1. Check-in and Green Card surrender. A USCIS officer reviews the questionnaire on the back of your Form N-445, confirms your identity, and collects your Green Card.
2. USCIS welcome video. A short video is played for the group, often featuring a message from the President and information about civic participation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony leader leads everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Oath of Allegiance. This is the centerpiece of the ceremony. You and your fellow applicants stand and recite the full Oath of Allegiance together. This is the legal moment when you become a U.S. citizen.
5. Distribution of Form N-550. After the oath, USCIS distributes Certificate of Naturalization documents (Form N-550). This certificate is your primary proof of U.S. citizenship. Verify that your name and other information are correct before leaving the ceremony.
6. Voter registration opportunity. Most ceremonies include a voter registration table or materials. Registering to vote on the day you become a citizen is encouraged.

Name Changes at the Ceremony

If you requested a legal name change on your Form N-400, your new name will be reflected on your Certificate of Naturalization. Some name changes require a judicial ceremony to be legally effective. If you requested a name change and are scheduled for an administrative ceremony, confirm with USCIS that your name change can be processed at that type of ceremony.

If You Cannot Attend Your Scheduled Ceremony

Contact USCIS as soon as you know you cannot attend. Do not simply skip the ceremony without notifying USCIS. Missing a ceremony without notice can complicate your case. USCIS can reschedule you for a future ceremony. If a documented emergency prevents you from attending, bring documentation when you contact USCIS to explain the situation.