The Oath of Allegiance: Guide to the Last Step in the Naturalization Process
Since 1790, the American Oath of Allegiance has remained the last step many immigrants take before becoming U.S. citizens. As you get ready for this important event, knowing what to expect during this ceremony will help you prepare with confidence and avoid surprises.
What is the American Oath of Allegiance?
The American Oath of Allegiance serves as the final step in the naturalization process. During this ceremony, a person recites the following vow in front of an immigration judge:
“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.”
This oath affirms that you are renouncing your ties to a foreign nation, and affirming your commitment to the U.S. Constitution. After you take this vow, you are officially a naturalized citizen.
Unless you qualify for a waiver, you must take the full version of the American Oath of Allegiance. However, you can request a modified version if you have a religious or moral objection to the Right to Bear Arms section.
| 🇺🇸 Curious about the entire process to become a U.S. citizen? Check out our complete naturalization guide, which covers frequently asked questions and each step in detail. |
What are the principles of the Oath of Allegiance?
Those who take the oath are affirming the principles codified under Section 337(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. They are:
- Supporting and defending the U.S. Constitution and its laws
- Giving up loyalty to any foreign country
- Being willing to either serve in the military, a noncombat role, or do important national service when required
As part of giving up loyalty to a foreign nation, taking the Oath of Allegiance also requires you to renounce any titles of nobility. If you’re a noble or part of a royal family, you’ll need to recite one of the following lines as part of your vows:
- “I further renounce the title of (give title or titles) which I have heretofore held”; or
- “I further renounce the order of nobility (give the order of nobility) to which I have heretofore belonged.”
Preparing for your American Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
For your American Oath of Allegiance appointment, USCIS states that you’ll need to bring:
- Your permanent resident card
- A completed Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony
- Any valid or expired travel documents
- Any other documents previously issued to you by USCIS
If you answer “Yes” on any of the questions listed on Page 2 of Form N-445, you’ll need to bring additional evidence that proves your answers correct. For example, if you’ve requested to recite an Oath of Allegiance that omits the bear to arms section, you’ll need to bring proof that outlines your religious beliefs, such as a written testimony or statement from a religious organization.
While USCIS doesn’t explicitly say you should bring these documents, Ana Gabriela Urizar, immigration attorney at Manifest, recommends bringing a government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license) as well. You’ll need these documents because, after the ceremony, you’ll be invited to register to vote and apply for your U.S. passport.
USCIS does not have a definite dress code for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. However, given that Oaths are an extremely important government event, we recommend you wear formal attire.
What to expect at the American Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
Your American Oath of Allegiance ceremony will take place either at an immigration court or a USCIS office. Once you arrive at your appointment, you’ll need to check in with an officer before you can move forward with your application.
During check-in, an immigration official will review your completed N-445 petition and verify that you still qualify to become a new citizen. After that, you’ll return your Green Card and any other USCIS-issued documents.
During the citizenship ceremony, USCIS may gift you the following items:
- Form M-767, Important Information for New Citizens
- A Citizen’s Almanac
- A pocket-sized Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States.
- A U.S. citizenship welcome packet
- A congratulatory letter signed by the President
- A small American flag
After you’ve checked in with an USCIS officer, you’ll enjoy a video presentation titled “Faces of America.” From there, you’ll listen to the national anthem and a welcome speech by a Master of Ceremonies. After they call the countries participating, you’ll recite the Oath of Allegiance.
After you’ve taken the Oath, you’ll listen to a keynote address, and watch a pre-recorded congratulation from the President, the Secretary, or the USCIS Director. You’ll then recite the Pledge of Allegiance, hear concluding remarks, and receive your Certificates of Naturalization (Form N-550).
What to wear for the naturalization ceremony
According to the instructions on Form I-445, USCIS considers the naturalization ceremony a “solemn and meaningful event.” As a result, they recommend those taking the oath to dress professionally.
| 💡Did you know? You may be able to take your American Oath of Allegiance on the same day as your Green Card interview. |
Take your American Oath of Allegiance with pride. Our immigration lawyers can answer any questions you may have about the last step of the naturalization process. Request a consultation to learn more.
American Oath of Allegiance FAQs
Do I have to say the whole Oath?
In most cases, yes. Unless you request a waiver or a modified Oath that doesn’t include the allegiance to U.S. military service, you’ll need to recite the entire thing during your appointment.
If you opt for an affirmation of allegiance in lieu of the original oath, you don’t have to recite “so help me God” at the end. You will also say “solemnly affirm” instead of “on oath.”
What if I need to request a modified Oath of Allegiance?
To request a modified Oath of Allegiance, you’ll need to fill out that you object to reciting the entire script while filing Form N-400, during your Green Card interview, or while completing Form I-445.
How do I get a waiver for the Oath?
To get a waiver for the Oath, you’ll need to file Form N-648 alongside your N-400 petition.
Is the American Oath of Allegiance available in other languages?
USCIS does not provide official translations of the Oath on its website, nor can you recite it in another language during your appointment. However, you can find unofficial translations of it online.
Who has to take the Oath of Allegiance?
Almost every naturalization applicant must take some form of the Oath of Allegiance. Unless you qualify for a waiver, you cannot receive U.S. citizenship without this requirement.
