Canadian immigration continues to evolve—and that includes how new citizens are officially welcomed into the country. According to recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), virtual citizenship ceremonies still account for the majority of events, even as in-person gatherings begin to make a steady comeback in 2024.
Between January and September 2023, IRCC hosted an average of 224 virtual and 50 in-person ceremonies each month. The preference for virtual formats is still dominant in 2024, even though over 40% of ceremonies are now happening face-to-face. With flexibility, efficiency, and participant convenience at the forefront, the virtual model remains the go-to choice for Canada’s citizenship process.
Why Virtual Ceremonies Became the Norm
The shift began as a necessary response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and public health guidelines made large in-person gatherings unfeasible. In response, IRCC launched virtual ceremonies to prevent backlogs and keep the citizenship process moving.
What started as a temporary solution quickly proved to be efficient. Consider the numbers:
| Ceremony Type | Average Sessions per Month | Average Participants per Event |
| Virtual | 224 | 135 |
| In-Person | 50 | 79 |
With larger capacities and more frequent sessions, virtual ceremonies quickly became the default setting for new Canadians receiving their citizenship.
The Gradual Return of In-Person Events
While virtual events still dominate, more than 40% of citizenship ceremonies in 2024 have been held in person—a clear sign that traditional ceremonies are slowly making a comeback.
Why the return? In-person events carry a special sense of occasion. They allow families to celebrate together, connect with community leaders, and experience a more personal moment in their immigration journey. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime milestone best experienced face-to-face.
Still, the hybrid approach remains in place. Applicants are now able to choose their preferred format when scheduling their ceremony. This balance between convenience and tradition allows IRCC to serve both urban centers with high demand and rural areas where resources may be limited.
The Controversy Around “Citizenship on a Click”
One proposal that sparked heated discussion was the idea of self-administered oaths—sometimes dubbed “citizenship on a click.” This model would have allowed new citizens to affirm their oath online without attending any ceremony at all.
A petition opposing this idea gained traction, citing concerns over the loss of ceremonial value and community connection. Even former officials expressed skepticism. In response to the public and political feedback, the proposal was eventually shelved.
This moment highlighted how important the ceremony itself remains—not just as a legal step, but as a symbolic one that strengthens the bond between newcomers and their new home.
What This Means for New Canadians
If you’re on your path to Canadian citizenship, here’s what you should know:
- You can request a virtual or in-person ceremony depending on your situation.
- Virtual ceremonies are faster to schedule and often involve larger groups.
- In-person ceremonies offer a more memorable, intimate experience.
- IRCC continues to offer both options to maintain accessibility for all applicants.
As of now, there is no fixed timeline for ending the virtual format. Given its efficiency and reach, it’s likely to remain a key part of Canada’s citizenship process for the foreseeable future.
Virtual Ceremonies Remain a Key Part of Canadian Immigration
While in-person events are steadily returning, virtual citizenship ceremonies are still the preferred method for most new Canadians. This flexible system reflects a modern approach to Canadian immigration, allowing applicants to celebrate their new status in a way that suits their needs—without compromising the importance of the moment. Ready to start your journey toward Canadian citizenship? At ImmigCanada, we help you every step of the way—from your first visa application to the final oath. Get expert advice tailored to your immigration goals.
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