What is the Oath of Allegiance?
The Oath of Allegiance is an important promise you make when becoming a U.S. citizen. It is a formal ceremony where new citizens swear to support U.S. laws, defend the Constitution, and pledge loyalty to the United States. This ceremony has been part of the naturalization process since the 1700s.
When you take the Oath, you commit to:
- Defend the Constitution and U.S. laws.
- Renounce loyalty to any other country.
- Give up any noble or hereditary titles.
- Provide service, either military or civilian, if required by the government.
Taking the Oath is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. It’s a required part of the naturalization process, and although it may sound intimidating, it is a meaningful and memorable experience. This guide will explain everything you need to know to feel confident about the ceremony.
Before the Ceremony
Once your Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is approved, you’ll be scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance.
How soon after the citizenship interview is the Oath ceremony?
If your interview and exam are complete, and USCIS has all the information it needs, your ceremony could take place the same day. In this case, you will be asked to leave after your interview and return for the ceremony later that day.
If the ceremony is scheduled for a later date, USCIS will send you an official notice with the date, time, and location.
Where does the Oath ceremony take place?
The Oath ceremony typically occurs at the same USCIS field office where you had your interview and exam.
What if I can’t attend the ceremony?
If you can’t attend the ceremony at the scheduled time, you must return Form N-445 and explain your reason for missing it. You may request a new date, but keep in mind that missing more than one ceremony could result in your citizenship application being denied.
What to Wear and Bring
What should I wear?
Dress in a respectful and appropriate manner for the Oath ceremony. Avoid casual clothing such as jeans, shorts, or flip-flops.
What do I need to bring?
Make sure to bring:
- Your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) — unless you’ve reported it as lost or stolen or are applying due to military service.
- The appointment letter (Form N-445) — if your ceremony is on a different day than your interview, complete the questionnaire on the back.
- A second government-issued ID — like a driver’s license or passport.
- Travel documents — such as re-entry permits or Refugee Travel Documents, if applicable.
- Other documents — if you missed bringing anything to your interview, make sure to bring those as well.
How Should I Prepare?
There’s no need to memorize the Oath! You will be given the text during the ceremony or it will be shown on a screen. Just ensure you bring all the required documents and follow the instructions in your appointment letter.
During the Ceremony
What happens when I arrive?
When you arrive at the USCIS field office, an officer will check you in and review your paperwork to confirm that you are eligible for the Oath. If everything is in order, you will turn in your green card and any relevant travel documents.
You will also receive materials like:
- A welcome packet
- An American flag
- A Citizen’s Almanac
- A pocket-sized version of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution
Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
What happens during the ceremony?
Before the Oath, USCIS will provide a presentation with videos, music, and speeches. Then, you and other applicants will stand and raise your right hand to recite the Oath of Allegiance aloud. Afterward, the ceremony ends with the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the Ceremony
Once you take the Oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Check it for any mistakes before you leave the ceremony, as errors can be costly to correct later.
Your Certificate of Naturalization is proof of your U.S. citizenship, so keep it safe. If you lose it, you will need to file Form N-565 to replace it for a fee.
You can also update your Social Security records, apply for a U.S. passport, and register to vote soon after the ceremony. Some USCIS offices allow voter registration on-site.
Oath of Allegiance FAQs
What if I have religious objections to military service?
If you cannot serve in the military due to religious reasons, you can request to modify the Oath. You may need to provide proof from your religious organization.
What if I don’t want to say “So help me God”?
If you prefer not to include “so help me God” in the Oath, you can request a modified version of the Oath without explanation.
What if I have a disability?
If you have a physical or mental impairment, you may request a waiver to skip the Oath. To apply for a waiver, you’ll need a written request and a medical evaluation from your doctor.
Full Text of the Oath of Allegiance:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve teamed up with RapidVisa to help guide you through every step of your naturalization process, from preparing your application to getting ready for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
