You will swear your Oath of Allegiance during a formal, public ceremony typically held just before or during national Independence Day (July 4th). When you pledge the Oath of Allegiance, you will be promising to do the following:
- Renounce your allegiance to your former country and renounce any former hereditary/noble titles you had
- Support the constitution of the U.S.
- Follow U.S. law
- Perform work of national importance when required to under law
You do not have to memorize the Oath or any of the promises. The words to the Oath will be provided during your ceremony. In addition, you can view the Oath on the website for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Oath of Allegiance Modifications and Waivers
You might have religious beliefs that make it difficult or impossible to recite the Oath of Allegiance. You may be permitted to recite a different, modified Oath. You will have to provide proof of your conflicting religious beliefs to USCIS.
A person may not have to take the Oath of Allegiance if they are:
- Mentally impaired (and thus unable to understand the Oath)
- Physically impaired (and thus unable to show they understand the Oath)
- Only 14 years of age or younger (children may not have to take the Oath)
You can request a waiver before the ceremony takes place. You must provide proof of qualification for the waiver.
Where Will I Swear the Oath of Allegiance?
You might have your ceremony in a convention center, courthouse, or the USCIS field office you have been going to. USCIS will tell you your ceremony location in your invitation.
Who Will Conduct My Ceremony?
Typically, the Secretary of Homeland Security will conduct the Oath, but another Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official may take over this responsibility.
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