Canada felt the impact of COVID-19, which impacted most of its service-delivery strategies. Among the services affected was the swearing-in of newcomers that was delayed indefinitely. However, immigrants have an opportunity to undergo the process once again through virtual ceremonies. According to a report submitted to CBC News, the federal government aims to introduce an online citizenship swearing-in event to help immigrants get through the final step in the Canadian citizenship application process.
At first, the ceremony targets three essential groups with an urgent need for the oath to become Canadian citizens officially. These groups include those with pressing need for Canadian citizenship, those scheduled to undergo the process before the pandemic, and whose appointments were delayed due to measures implemented to contain the spread of the disease.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) terminated the ceremony and other in-person citizenship programs two months ago as among the measures respond to the global pandemic. The IRCC postponed the ceremony indefinitely without providing a precise date of reopening. But the introduction of virtual events and new dates come as a great relief for those both in and out of Canada to take the oath.
Despite the in-person oath ceremonies date yet to be announced, the IRCC stated that the online service aims to protect immigrants’ integrity and to showcase the value of the entire process. Besides, it ensures that prospective immigrants get stress-free living conditions in Canada and gain access to services and rights similar to in-born Canadian citizens.
Understanding The Oath
The oath is often taken in the presence of a judge or an IRCC official as well as other newcomers yet to become Canadian citizens. After undergoing the entire application process, making the oath is the final step in attaining the Canadian citizenship. Anyone from age 14 and above is eligible for the swearing-in ceremony. After that, the individual becomes a bonafide Canadian citizen with rights like a Canadian-born citizen.
