An interview outfit that can take the oath tooUSCIS says the oath may be offered on the same day as your interview. Dress for both.
Blazer over a shirt or blouseAdds formality but is not required, one immigration law firm’s guide says.
Blouse with trousersOn one legal guide’s list of neat outfits for the day, beside a blouse with a skirt.
Business casual clothesA federal court in Arizona tells everyone at its ceremonies that business casual is appropriate.
Clean, pressed clothes in good conditionNo stains, wrinkles or tears, one immigration law firm’s guide advises. Iron the night before.
Clothes you would wear into a courtroomAn Arizona federal court holds its ceremonies in one and asks guests to dress for that setting.
Dress pants with a long-sleeved shirtA little more relaxed than a suit, one immigration law firm’s guide says. Tuck the shirt in.
Dress pants with a modest professional topBusiness casual, the least formal level one immigration law firm’s guide advises.
Dress shirtUnder the suit, or on its own with dress pants, in one immigration law firm’s guide.
Neat clothes, where the court sets no dress codeA Montana federal court prescribes no dress code but expects visitors to dress appropriately.
PantsuitNamed among the professional choices in one immigration law firm’s guide.
Slacks with a collared shirtFirst on one legal guide’s list of reliable choices for an oath ceremony.
Smart casual at the least, in AustraliaThe lowest dress code Australia’s ceremonies code lets an organiser set. The invitation states it.
Suit in navy, gray or charcoalOne immigration law firm’s guide calls a classic suit in a neutral color always suitable.
Tie, if you likeOptional in two legal guides. Nothing in the notice asks for one.
Whatever your ceremony’s own instructions ask forUSCIS may send extra instructions for your ceremony, and its page says to read them closely.
Dresses and skirts 7
Cardigan over a dressVenue temperatures vary. One immigration law firm’s guide suggests a layer you can take off.
Knee-length or longer dressA common choice, one immigration law firm’s guide says of dresses and skirts.
Modest dressOn one legal guide’s list of reliable choices. A formal dress is optional.
Simple, understated outfitWhen in doubt, one immigration law firm’s guide says, pick something simple, not flashy.
Skirt with a blouseNamed in two legal guides as neat, professional dress for the ceremony.
Skirt with a collared shirtOne immigration law firm’s guide pairs dress pants or skirts with collared shirts.
Structured dressBusiness formal in one immigration law firm’s guide: common and always appropriate.
National and religious dress 7
Head covering, at a Canadian ceremonyOn the Canadian immigration department’s own list of what candidates can wear.
National or cultural dress, at an Australian ceremonyAustralia’s ceremonies code says an invitation may note that such dress is permitted.
Red and white, at a Canadian ceremonyCanada’s immigration department says candidates can wear the colours red and white.
Religious clothingTwo legal guides say religious attire fits the dignity the notice asks for.
Religious head coveringAn Arizona federal court asks for hats off in court, but not headwear worn for religious purposes.
Traditional dress kept for important occasionsWelcome if neat and dignified, one immigration law firm’s guide says.
Traditional or ceremonial clothing, in CanadaCanada’s immigration department lists it among what you can wear to its ceremonies.
Shoes and layers 8
Clean leather loafersThe other shoe one immigration law firm’s guide names with a suit.
Closed-toe flatsFor comfort, one immigration law firm’s guide suggests them with a dress or skirt.
Few accessoriesExtras can slow the security screening, one legal guide notes.
Light jacket for an air-conditioned hallOne immigration law firm’s guide suggests one, since the temperature differs from hall to hall.
Low heels for the standing partsSuggested beside flats in one immigration law firm’s guide. Expect to stand for a while.
Plain belt and little metalA Montana federal court screens everyone with a metal detector and X-ray, as at an airport.
Polished dress shoesThey complete a suit in one immigration law firm’s guide. Polish them the night before.
Shoes you can queue inExpect a walk from parking, a security line and a wait at check-in, one legal guide notes.
Leave at home 12
No athletic wear or sweatpantsGym clothes are on one immigration law firm’s list of what not to wear to the oath.
No baseball cap indoorsOn one immigration law firm’s list of things too casual for a formal government ceremony.
No flip-flops at the oathThe third thing the 2010 notice ruled out. The 2022 edition asks only for proper attire.
No hat in the courtroomAn Arizona federal court asks guests to take hats off before they go in.
No jeans at the oathThe 2010 edition of the notice said it in a bracket: please, no jeans, shorts or flip flops.
No perfume or cologne, in CanadaCanada’s immigration department says candidates cannot wear scented products at its ceremonies.
No revealing or flashy outfitOne immigration law firm’s guide asks for modest clothes that do not draw attention.
No shorts at the oathNamed beside jeans in the 2010 edition of the oath ceremony notice.
No slogans or political messagesTwo legal guides say offensive words and political messages detract from the ceremony.
No sunglasses indoorsAn Arizona federal court asks for them to come off before the courtroom.
No T-shirt or tank topOne immigration law firm’s guide puts both among clothes that are too casual for the day.
No tuxedo or evening gownFormal, but not a gala, one immigration law firm’s guide says. Cultural dress is the exception.
How it works
What should I wear to an oath ceremony? Business casual or smarter. These 50 things for a US naturalization ceremony are sorted by part of the outfit, national dress included.
Read the full guide
What the notice says, then and now
Form N-445, the notice that calls you to a US naturalization ceremony, describes the event as solemn and meaningful and asks for proper attire out of respect for its dignity. The edition revised in 2010 carried a bracket: please, no jeans, shorts or flip flops. The edition dated 2022 has no bracket and names no garment. USCIS says a court gives the oath at a judicial ceremony and USCIS gives it at an administrative one.
Lay the outfit out the night before, with the notice and your green card on top.
Questions and answers
What should I wear for my oath ceremony?
Business casual at the least. Legal guides suggest slacks and a collared shirt, a blouse with trousers or a skirt, or a modest dress. A suit and tie are welcome but not needed, unless your notice or venue asks for them.
Is there a dress code for the oath ceremony?
Not a fixed one. A federal court in Montana says it prescribes no dress code but expects visitors to dress appropriately. A venue may add rules of its own, so read everything that comes with your notice.
What should guests wear to a naturalization ceremony?
The same as the new citizen. A federal court in Arizona writes its advice for everyone attending: dress for a courtroom, and leave sunglasses and hats off inside. Headwear worn for religious reasons stays on.
Can I wear traditional dress to a citizenship ceremony?
Legal guides say traditional and religious clothing suits a US ceremony. Canada’s immigration department lists traditional, religious or ceremonial clothing for its own ceremonies, and Australia’s code lets an invitation say that national or cultural dress is permitted.
What should I wear for a citizenship interview?
Dress for the ceremony too. USCIS says you may be able to take the oath on the same day as your interview, so one neat, business casual outfit can serve both.