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For immigrants in Yorba Linda and North Orange County who have passed their naturalization interview, the oath ceremony is the final and most celebratory step to becoming a U.S. citizen. SoCal Immigration Services helps you prepare for this momentous occasion.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What is the Naturalization Oath Ceremony?

The naturalization oath ceremony is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. At this ceremony, you will:

• Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
• Surrender your permanent resident card (green card)
• Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
• Officially become a United States citizen

This is a public ceremony where you and other applicants collectively pledge allegiance to the United States and renounce ties to foreign governments.

When Will I Get My Oath Ceremony?

After passing your naturalization interview in Yorba Linda area, the timing of your ceremony depends on several factors:

•Same-day ceremonies: Some USCIS offices offer ceremonies immediately after approval
•Administrative ceremonies: Held at USCIS offices, usually within 2-6 weeks
•Judicial ceremonies: Held at federal courts, may take longer to schedule
•Special ceremonies: July 4th and Constitution Day ceremonies by request

Types of Oath Ceremonies

There are different types of naturalization ceremonies:

Type	Location	When
Administrative	USCIS Field Office	Most common, 2-6 weeks after interview
Judicial	Federal Courthouse	Required for some cases, larger ceremonies
Same-Day	At interview location	If offered and no name change requested
Military	Various locations	For military members worldwide

What to Bring to Your Oath Ceremony

Make sure you bring these items to your ceremony near Yorba Linda:

•Your green card (permanent resident card) - REQUIRED
•Any reentry permits you have
•The N-445 notice sent by USCIS
•Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
•Reading glasses if needed for forms
•Dress appropriately - business casual is recommended
•Leave prohibited items in your car (weapons, large bags)

The N-445 Form

Before your ceremony, you'll receive Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. This form includes:

• Date, time, and location of your ceremony
• Items you must bring
• Questions about your conduct since your interview

You must answer the questions on the back of N-445 honestly. If anything has changed (arrests, trips abroad, address change), inform USCIS.

The Oath of Allegiance

At the ceremony, you will stand, raise your right hand, and recite 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.'

Modified Oath Options

Some parts of the oath can be modified for religious or conscientious reasons:

•'So help me God' can be omitted for non-religious applicants
•Promise to bear arms can be modified for religious objectors
•Noncombatant service clause can be modified
•Request modifications at your interview, not at ceremony
•No advance approval needed for removing 'so help me God'

What Happens During the Ceremony

The typical oath ceremony follows this sequence:

1. Check-in: Present your N-445 and green card
2. Wait: Take your seat in the ceremony room
3. Video: Many ceremonies show a welcome video from USCIS
4. Call to Order: Official welcomes attendees
5. Oath: Everyone stands and recites the Oath together
6. Certificates: Your name is called to receive Certificate of Naturalization
7. Pledge of Allegiance: Recite as a new citizen
8. National Anthem: Sing together
9. Congratulations: Welcome remarks, photos often allowed

After the Oath Ceremony

Once you're officially a U.S. citizen, you should:

•Check your Certificate of Naturalization for errors immediately
•Report any errors before leaving the ceremony
•Apply for a U.S. passport (Form DS-11 at post office)
•Update Social Security records (visit local SSA office)
•Register to vote (you're now eligible!)
•Update driver's license with citizenship status
•Notify your bank, employer, and insurance of status change
•Safely store your Certificate of Naturalization

Can Family Attend the Oath Ceremony?

Yes! This is a celebration and family attendance is welcome at most ceremonies:

• Guests are usually allowed but may be limited in number
• Large courtroom ceremonies often have more space for guests
• Small USCIS office ceremonies may limit guests
• Check your N-445 notice for guest policies
• Children, spouses, and parents often attend
• Photography is usually permitted during or after

Yorba Linda Area Ceremony Locations

Residents of Yorba Linda typically attend ceremonies at these locations:

•USCIS Santa Ana Field Office - administrative ceremonies
•Federal Building, Santa Ana - judicial ceremonies
•Angel Stadium, Anaheim - special large ceremonies
•Richard Nixon Library, Yorba Linda - occasional special ceremonies
•Ronald Reagan Library, Simi Valley - special ceremonies

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long does the oath ceremony take?

A: Most oath ceremonies last 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of new citizens and the type of ceremony. Large judicial ceremonies may be longer.

Q:What if I can't attend my scheduled ceremony?

A: You must attend your scheduled ceremony unless you have a valid reason. If you cannot attend, write to USCIS before the ceremony date to reschedule. Missing without notice may affect your application.

Q:Can I travel internationally before my oath ceremony?

A: Yes, but be careful. Extended travel abroad after your interview approval may raise questions. Keep trips short and bring your N-445 notice when you return.

Q:What if there's an error on my Certificate of Naturalization?

A: Report any errors immediately at the ceremony before you leave. If you notice later, you'll need to file Form N-565 to correct the certificate, which takes time and has a fee.

Q:Do I lose my green card at the ceremony?

A: Yes, you must surrender your green card at the ceremony. USCIS will collect it as you no longer need it - you're now a citizen! Your Certificate of Naturalization replaces it.

Q:How soon can I get my U.S. passport after the ceremony?

A: You can apply immediately after your ceremony. Bring your Certificate of Naturalization to a passport acceptance facility. Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks; expedited is 2-3 weeks.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Yorba Linda and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 12, 2026Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Preparing for Your Citizenship Ceremony in Yorba Linda?

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Citizenship Oath Ceremony in Yorba Linda: Your Complete Naturalization Guide