The Oath of Allegiance: full text and what it means

The full text

This is the standard wording of 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.

What each promise means

• Give up other allegiance. You renounce loyalty to any foreign ruler or state.
• Support and defend the Constitution and laws. You promise to support the Constitution and the laws of the United States against enemies, foreign and domestic.
• Bear true faith and allegiance. You promise to be loyal to the United States.
• Serve if the law requires. You promise to bear arms, or do noncombatant service in the Armed Forces, when the law requires.
• Work of national importance. You promise to do work of national importance under civilian direction when the law requires.
• Freely. You take these promises freely, without holding anything back.

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. If you have questions about a promise, ask an immigration attorney or an accredited representative.

The civics question about the oath

The test asks about the oath. Here is the question and every accepted answer, exactly as written:

You must give two of these. See common mistakes for questions that need more than one answer.

What happens at the ceremony

1. You check in and answer a short questionnaire on your notice.
2. You turn in your green card.
3. You take the oath out loud with the other applicants.
4. You receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Some offices hold the ceremony the same day as the interview. Others send a notice with a later date. Arrive early. See the full process.

Can the wording be changed?

In some cases, yes. For example, some applicants have religious or other reasons to ask for modified wording. If you think this applies to you, ask USCIS before the ceremony. Do not assume you can change it on the day.

Common questions

Keep reading

• Naturalization Process: Every Step From N-400 to OathThe steps to become a US citizen: file Form N-400, the biometrics appointment, the interview and tests, the decision, and the oath ceremony.
• Naturalization Interview: What to Expect, Step by StepWhat happens at your citizenship interview: check-in, the oath to tell the truth, the English test, the civics test, the decision and the oath ceremony.
• 8 Mistakes That Cost Points on the Civics TestGiving one answer when two are needed, studying silently, skipping the state questions: eight avoidable mistakes on the citizenship civics test.
• 2025 US Citizenship Test: 128 Questions, 20 Asked, 12 to PassHow the 2025 naturalization civics test works: 128 questions, 20 asked out loud, 12 correct to pass, who takes it, and how to prepare.