When and where to host a ceremony

Explore key considerations for choosing the right time and place for the citizenship ceremony you’re hosting.

On this page

• When to host a ceremony
• Where to host a ceremony

When to host a ceremony

Ceremonies can be held in the morning, afternoon or early evening. To ensure smooth coordination:

• You must consult with IRCC staff to avoid scheduling conflicts.
• Weekday ceremonies are usually done during regular business hours.
• Weekend ceremonies may be arranged for special occasions.
• Statutory holidays are generally avoided, with the exception of Canada Day.
• If you’d like an elected official to attend, refer to the appropriate government sitting calendar to check their availability. Notify the IRCC office and we’ll extend the invitation on your behalf.

Ceremony duration may vary, depending on the number of invited candidates and if there’s a reception. More timing details are available upon request.

Where to host a ceremony

Ceremony venues depend on whether the event is virtual or in-person.

Virtual ceremony

• Hosted using videoconferencing software.
• IRCC staff will set up the virtual ceremony.

In-person ceremony

Hosts must consult with IRCC staff to confirm the venue.

In-person citizenship ceremonies can be held at:

• your local IRCC office
• a community venue that’s accessible and appropriate for the occasion

Keep in mind that family and friends often attend this special occasion and larger venues are often preferred.              

Local IRCC offices

With IRCC approval, host groups may host an in-person citizenship ceremony and reception (if applicable) at the closest local IRCC office.

Community venue options

IRCC staff will visit the proposed venue with your host group to ensure it’s suitable for the ceremony.

Examples of suitable venues include:

• schools
• libraries
• service organizations
• ethnic associations and multicultural centres
• museums and art galleries
• community or recreation centres
• city hall
• federal or provincial facilities
• parks
• malls
• halls adjacent to churches, synagogues, temples and mosques
  • however, the ceremony or reception area must be free of religious symbols
  • citizenship ceremonies can’t take place in sacred areas of worship
• theatres
• chamber of commerce
• council chambers

Community venue checklist

Make sure the venue

Community venue checklist

• comfortably accommodates new citizens and guests
  • includes a stage that can accommodate a lectern or podium, a portrait of the monarch, a large Canadian flag and seating for the presiding official, clerk and special guests
  • includes seats for candidates and their guests
• is fully accessible, including washrooms, ceremony platform and stage
  • for example, it has accessible parking and wheelchair access to the ceremony venue and the stage
• has separate dressing rooms for the presiding official and the clerk of the ceremony
• isn’t associated with alcohol sales or advertising, gambling, drugs or inappropriate behaviour
• has separate meeting rooms or areas for
  • candidate registration upon arrival
  • special guests (green room before and after the ceremony)
  • vestibule, if applicable
  • reception
  • interviews, if needed
• has ample parking
• is easy to access by public transportation
• has good lighting in the stage and seating area
• has working audio and visual equipment, including microphones
• has temperature controls
• is free of
  • offensive or controversial posters, signs or markings (covering these is acceptable)
  • religious symbols
  • imagery that could be perceived as discriminatory or exclusionary
  • business logos

 Risk management of public events

Large public events like a citizenship ceremony may face unexpected challenges such as

• noise or visual distractions from nearby events
• weather disruptions if the venue is outdoors

To manage or lower the risk:

• recruit volunteers to help with event security
• stay informed of other events happening nearby and select a date or time that works best
• arrange a backup indoor venue in case of poor weather such as rain or extreme heat