If you pass the English and civics test and your citizenship application has been approved, you must attend a ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and become a United States citizen. The oath of allegiance ceremony in the USA is an integral part of the US citizenship process. The USCIS will notify you by mail with the time and date of your ceremony. The notice USCIS sends you is called the “Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony” (Form N-445).
In some cases, the USCIS may give you the option to take the oath on the same day as your interview for the English and civics test so you can become a citizen immediately. Otherwise, you will receive a notice with the address, date, and time for your oath ceremony.
At the ceremony, you will take the oath and become a United States citizen immediately. In most cases, you will receive your “Certificate of Naturalization” right there at the end of the ceremony.
This is the general text for 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.”
Request for a Modified Oath
You may be able to use a different oath text if you are able to provide enough evidence showing that your religious beliefs prevent you from saying certain language within the oath of allegiance. If you are unwilling to take the oath of allegiance in its entirety, you must provide a written notice either at the time of filing or at your scheduled naturalization interview explaining the circumstances for your request to take a modified oath of allegiance. USCIS will grant modifications to the oath of allegiance on a case-by-case basis.
The oath of allegiance ceremony in the USA is a public event. In many places, this ceremony is specially held on July 4th. on Independence Day. Check with local authorities if the 4th of July ceremony is taking place and how you can participate. Many people bring their families with them and celebrate this ceremony.
