# Can Family Attend the Canadian Citizenship Ceremony?
Most new citizens want their family there for the biggest day of their immigration journey. The good news: Canadian citizenship ceremonies welcome guests, both in person and online. This guide covers exactly how it works in 2026.
In-person ceremonies
Standard guest allowance
Most in-person ceremonies allow 2 guests per new citizen. The exact number depends on the venue:
- Large urban ceremony halls (Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal): 2–4 guests
- Mid-size offices: 2 guests
- Small consulate or community offices: 1 guest
Always check your Notice to Appear letter — it states the exact guest limit for your specific ceremony. If the limit is unclear, send a quick webform via your IRCC online account to confirm before the day.
Children under 12
In most venues, children under 12 do not count toward the formal guest limit. So a family with three children under 12 can usually bring all of them plus 2 adult guests. Older children count as full guests.
Babies and strollers
Babies are welcome but most rooms have tight rows. Plan to:
- Bring a baby carrier instead of a full stroller if possible
- Sit at the end of a row for easy exits
- Have a quiet toy ready in case the ceremony runs long
Friends, partners, in-laws
Guests do not have to be biological family. Anyone who matters to you — partner, close friends, mentors, employers, godparents — counts within the guest limit.
Same-day cancellations
If a guest cannot attend on the day, you do not need to notify IRCC. Just one less person passes security check-in. There is no penalty for empty seats.
Online ceremonies
Joining together from one device
The simplest option: family sits with you at your computer, tablet, or phone. They are visible in the background of your Zoom video. Most ceremonies welcome this and judges often acknowledge family members.
Joining separately from their own devices
The same Zoom link works for multiple devices. So a sister in Vancouver can join the same call as you in Toronto. Etiquette:
- Each guest enters the waiting room and is admitted by the IRCC host
- Cameras off, microphones muted for guests
- Names should be set to the new citizen's name (e.g. "Maria Smith - Family") so the host knows it is a guest
How many guests can join online?
Zoom meeting capacity caps the total at usually 100 or 300 attendees per meeting. With 30 new citizens already on the call, plus IRCC staff, plus the judge, plus translators, there is typically room for 1–3 guests per new citizen. No hard published cap, but try not to flood the call.
Recording the ceremony
You can record from your end (with consent if other family members are involved). IRCC also records the official ceremony for their archives. Family members can take photos and screenshots freely.
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What guests should expect
In person
- Pass through security with photo ID
- Sit in the audience section (separate from new-citizen rows)
- Stand for the national anthem
- Stay seated and quiet during the oath
- Take photos before, after, and usually during the ceremony
- Stay for post-ceremony photos with the new citizen
Online
- Receive the Zoom link from the new citizen
- Log in 10 minutes before to clear the waiting room
- Keep camera off and mic muted
- Watch the ceremony unfold on screen
- Take screenshots if you want photos
- Celebrate with the new citizen at the end
Cultural and religious considerations
Many ceremonies have:
- A small prayer or moment of silence at the start (judge-dependent)
- Traditional cultural dress worn by candidates and welcomed in guests
- Multiple languages spoken among the audience
- A diverse mix of religions, ages, and backgrounds
Bring traditional sweets, photos of family back home, or small flags if it is meaningful to you — many candidates do.
Tips
- RSVP your guest list to family members the week before so they can plan
- Tell guests where to park for in-person — lots of city venues have no parking
- Brief guests on the run-of-show so they know when to clap (after the oath, after each new citizen receives a certificate)
- Plan a celebratory lunch or dinner after — many families do this and it is the perfect close to the day
- Bring tissues — for both you and your guests
For broader ceremony preparation, see [What to Bring to Your Canadian Citizenship Ceremony](/blog/canadian-citizenship-ceremony-what-to-bring) and [How Long Does a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony Take](/blog/canadian-citizenship-ceremony-how-long).
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Frequently Asked Questions
1How many guests can come to my in-person ceremony?
The standard is **2 guests per new citizen**. Larger venues sometimes allow 3–4. Smaller venues (consulates, smaller offices) may limit to 1. Always check the Notice to Appear letter — it says the exact limit for your specific ceremony.
2Do children count toward the guest limit?
Usually not. Most venues do not count children **under 12**. Older children typically count as full guests. If you have several children under 12, the venue may still ask them to be supervised in a quiet area during the ceremony.
3Can grandparents who do not speak English or French attend?
Yes. The ceremony does not require guests to understand the proceedings. Guests are welcome regardless of language — it is normal for half the room to not speak fluent English or French. Bring a family member who can quietly translate the judge's speech if helpful.
4Can my friends attend too?
Yes, friends count the same as family within the guest limit. There is no requirement that guests be related to you. Pick whoever matters to you.
5What if the ceremony is online — can guests still join?
Yes. Family and friends can sit with you at your device, or join the same Zoom call from their own devices using the meeting link. Most online ceremonies do not enforce a hard cap on Zoom attendance but ask all guests to keep cameras off and mics muted to keep the call clean.