Hello everyone,
I know how agonizing it is to wait but you will feel so good once you get there! And you WILL, as hard as it might be try not to worry when there's literally nothing you can do to make the process speed up. Nothing worth having ever comes easily
But be assured that your time is coming, there seems to be no explanation as to why some people's applications are processed faster than others or why you have to wait so long but it will all be worth it.
Just wanted to share my experience from yesterday. The process for the Oath was actually a bit similar to the test. We had to line up to check in/register individually with an officer, and surrender our PR card (#wompwomp - no travel across the border for me this long weekend). They ask a question like, "Have you had any problems with the law or other immigration officials" and just ask for a yes or no answer. Otherwise they just say a few things, like about applying for a passport, you have to wait 3-5 business days, and then the ceremony is assigned seating so you don't have to worry about being a little late during that registration process, or rushing to get to the front of the line because you'll either be waiting in the registration room, or waiting in the ceremony room. There was also a bible in several different languages available as a free gift, and they give you a cultural access pass as a gift that is valid for a year to give you complimentary access to museums, national parks, and all sorts of other things. It looks really good!! I think it took about 45 minutes for everyone to get registered and into the ceremony room, so I was told to be there for 10am and then I think the ceremony started about 10:45am.
Once we went into the ceremony room there was a little package on our chair, with a program and printed copies of the oath and national anthem, as well as a little Canadian flag and a pin. They have an officiant guiding the proceedings and then the judge presides over it. They show a video with scenes from Canadian life and Justin Trudeau delivers a message, which was really nice. I guess at some point I had indicated that I preferred an English ceremony and they mentioned that the majority of proceedings would be done in English, but we did have to say the oath in both English and in French (you repeat each line after the judge). They have officials posted around the room to ensure you are saying the words.
One small tip is that they ask you to bring all the original documentation you submitted for your application, as well as all current and expired travel documents -- just the same things that they ask you to bring in for the test. I would just keep all these things together once you've done your test, so that you don't have to gather them all together a second time. They didn't ask to see any of it, but you have to take it anyway.
One thing I did want to mention in particular was how shocked I was at people's dress code at the event. There were a few people who did make an effort, but the majority of other citizenship recipients at my event did not make one iota of effort in how they were presented. Maybe I shouldn't even comment as I don't know people's circumstances, but I absolutely do not think that sweatpants, flannel, or running shoes are appropriate attire for an event of this magnitude. I felt that it showed a lack of respect for Canada and for the other recipients - we all know that it is such a long and arduous process that actually getting to the day of taking the oath is such a huge achievement and should really be marked as one with proper clothes and marking it as the occasion that it is. I don't think you need to go overboard but business attire should be the standard.
Anyway, congratulations to those of you who have already taken the oath and best of luck for those still waiting
