Hello Friends.
So my Canadian citizenship journey has come to an end today. The Oath ceremony itself was a pretty moving event. We got there at 12:30 though the notice was for 1:00pm. Was asked to fill out the yellow form...prohibition form similar to the one you sign at the test/interview. Then had to wait in line for about 45 minutes. There were a lot of people - 97 in total who were taking their Oath today. Once the clerk came out, we were asked to produce the pink letter and sign and date the third page. This process proved to be rather slow and a bit disorganized. I wished CIC officials would tell you what to do before you get to the front of the line as many people were fidgeting around with the papers.
Yes, you're ushered in and then they check your PR and landing documents. The Oath invite letter will have a 3 digit number on it with you'll find out to be your seat number. They never asked for my IDs or passports - wonder why they say bring it with you in the first place. And yes, they keep you PR card at that point then you're given your "citizenship package" which just has the oath, anthem and other citizenship stuff. You're asked to sit where your number is located...pretty easy to figure it out! The actual ceremony started almost at 2pm.
The court clerk was professional in that, she gave us some idea of what to expect before, during and after the ceremony. After the judge was introduced, the ceremony was officially underway. Caution, if you have little ones and they get restless and cry, you'll be asked to go outside. So, just make sure you have someone to watch your babies for a good 2 hours if the need arises.
All the anxiety and heartaches leading up to this day were gone. I was moved by the entire ceremony from reciting the actual Oath and singing the national anthem. It felt real good to be called a Canadian citizen. After the formalities, we were each called individually and handed the citizenship certificate and the judge shakes your hand and congratulates you. He emphasized that, you'll take pictures at the end of the ceremony to avoid disruptions or delays. NOTE: was surprised that, the photo I submitted with my application was enclosed in the plastic that the certificate was put in. I would've thought the picture would be affixed or somehow embedded in the document itself. Not so! You can easily lose the picture. And the judge did emphasize that CIC no longer gives citizenship cards. So, be sure to keep it safe and make electronic copies for your own records. You can not use it for travel and you will only apply for your passport after 48 hours. So, anytime after Wednesday for me.
I had some time to take a few pictures with the judge...he was a nice guy (immigrated from Malaysia in the late 70s so he said). Overall, am overjoyed and glad the journey is over. I can now move on to other things.
If any of you have any questions, please post them as I'll be checking in from time to time. To those waiting for Oath, know that your time will surely come. Hang in there...peace and God bless friends.
So my Canadian citizenship journey has come to an end today. The Oath ceremony itself was a pretty moving event. We got there at 12:30 though the notice was for 1:00pm. Was asked to fill out the yellow form...prohibition form similar to the one you sign at the test/interview. Then had to wait in line for about 45 minutes. There were a lot of people - 97 in total who were taking their Oath today. Once the clerk came out, we were asked to produce the pink letter and sign and date the third page. This process proved to be rather slow and a bit disorganized. I wished CIC officials would tell you what to do before you get to the front of the line as many people were fidgeting around with the papers.
Yes, you're ushered in and then they check your PR and landing documents. The Oath invite letter will have a 3 digit number on it with you'll find out to be your seat number. They never asked for my IDs or passports - wonder why they say bring it with you in the first place. And yes, they keep you PR card at that point then you're given your "citizenship package" which just has the oath, anthem and other citizenship stuff. You're asked to sit where your number is located...pretty easy to figure it out! The actual ceremony started almost at 2pm.
The court clerk was professional in that, she gave us some idea of what to expect before, during and after the ceremony. After the judge was introduced, the ceremony was officially underway. Caution, if you have little ones and they get restless and cry, you'll be asked to go outside. So, just make sure you have someone to watch your babies for a good 2 hours if the need arises.
All the anxiety and heartaches leading up to this day were gone. I was moved by the entire ceremony from reciting the actual Oath and singing the national anthem. It felt real good to be called a Canadian citizen. After the formalities, we were each called individually and handed the citizenship certificate and the judge shakes your hand and congratulates you. He emphasized that, you'll take pictures at the end of the ceremony to avoid disruptions or delays. NOTE: was surprised that, the photo I submitted with my application was enclosed in the plastic that the certificate was put in. I would've thought the picture would be affixed or somehow embedded in the document itself. Not so! You can easily lose the picture. And the judge did emphasize that CIC no longer gives citizenship cards. So, be sure to keep it safe and make electronic copies for your own records. You can not use it for travel and you will only apply for your passport after 48 hours. So, anytime after Wednesday for me.
I had some time to take a few pictures with the judge...he was a nice guy (immigrated from Malaysia in the late 70s so he said). Overall, am overjoyed and glad the journey is over. I can now move on to other things.
If any of you have any questions, please post them as I'll be checking in from time to time. To those waiting for Oath, know that your time will surely come. Hang in there...peace and God bless friends.
