The full text
This is the oath as it appears in federal regulations (8 CFR 337.1):
"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."
The oath is given in English at the ceremony, even if you were exempt from the English test. The Policy Manual says you may bring an interpreter to interpret the oath for you.
What each line means
"I hereby declare, on oath,"
I am making a formal, serious promise. (People who prefer not to swear an oath can "solemnly affirm" instead; see below.)
"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;"
I completely give up my loyalty to any other country or ruler I belonged to before. "Renounce" and "abjure" both mean to give up formally. A "potentate" is a ruler such as a king. "Heretofore" means until now.
This is about loyalty under U.S. law. Whether your former country still treats you as its citizen, for example for dual citizenship, depends on that country's laws, so check with its embassy or consulate.
"that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic;"
I will uphold the U.S. Constitution and laws and protect them from anyone who tries to destroy them, whether from outside or inside the country. (Part 9 of the N-400 asks: "Do you support the Constitution and form of Government of the United States?")
"that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;"
I will be truly loyal to the United States and its Constitution.
"that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law;"
If the law requires it, I will serve in the military and carry weapons for the United States. This doesn't mean you're joining the military. It means you agree to serve if a law calls for it, for example a draft.
"that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law;"
If the law requires it, I will do non-fighting work for the military, such as medical or support jobs.
"that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law;"
If the law requires it, I will do non-military work that the government says is important to the country, under civilian (not military) supervision.
"and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;"
No one is forcing me, I mean every word, and I am not secretly planning to avoid these promises.
"so help me God."
A traditional closing that calls on God as a witness. You can leave it out by choosing the affirmation (below).
The oath questions on Form N-400
Part 9 of the N-400 (edition 01/20/25) ends with questions about the oath. The officer will go over them at your interview:
- Do you support the Constitution and form of Government of the United States?
- Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance?
- Are you unable to take the oath because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment?
- Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance?
- If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms, to perform noncombatant services in the U.S. armed forces, and to perform work of national importance under civilian direction?
Our N-400 interview practice explains each of these in simple English. If your honest answer to any of them is "No," read the options below and consider talking to an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative before your interview.
Options if you can't take the oath as written
Affirmation instead of an oath
You can ask to "solemnly affirm" instead of declaring "on oath," and leave out "so help me God." The Policy Manual says you may request this for any reason, and no evidence is required. The rest of the oath stays the same.
Modified oath for religious or conscientious objectors
You can ask to remove one or both of these clauses: bearing arms, and noncombatant service in the armed forces. To qualify, you must show, by clear and convincing evidence, that:
- you are opposed to bearing arms, or to any service in the armed forces;
- your objection comes from religious training and belief, which can include a deeply held moral or ethical code; and
- your belief is sincere, meaningful and deeply held.
You don't have to belong to a church or religious group, and membership in one doesn't qualify you automatically. Objecting to one particular war, or objecting for political or policy reasons, doesn't qualify. Your own statement or testimony may be enough, and you can add a letter from a religious organization or witness statements. There is no exemption from the "work of national importance" clause.
Oath waiver because of a disability
If a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment makes you unable to understand or communicate the meaning of the oath, USCIS can waive the oath entirely. A legal guardian, surrogate or designated representative usually handles the request, with a written evaluation from an authorized medical professional (or on Form N-648). If approved, you don't have to attend a public ceremony. USCIS accepts the request at any point until the oath ceremony.
When you take the oath
You take the oath at a public naturalization ceremony, run by USCIS or by a federal judge depending on where you live. Sometimes it can happen the same day as your interview; more often USCIS mails you Form N-445 with the date and place. You turn in your green card, take the oath, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You become a U.S. citizen when you take the oath, not when your interview is approved.
If you once held a hereditary title or belonged to an order of nobility in another country, you must also publicly renounce it at the ceremony.
For what to expect before and after the ceremony, see What Happens After Your Citizenship Interview.
Sources: 8 CFR 337.1 (text of the oath, affirmation, renunciation of titles); INA 337; USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part J (Oath of Allegiance: ceremonies, interpreters, modifications and waivers); Form N-400, Part 9 (edition 01/20/25). The plain-English explanations are our own summaries, not official wording. This is general information, not legal advice.