Citizenship ceremonies

Attending a citizenship ceremony

• Citizenship ceremonies are compulsory

  Attending your citizenship ceremony is compulsory. Candidates need to make their Pledge in order to validate their citizenship and receive their certificate.

  Children aged 16 years and under are not legally required to attend the ceremony, though they are welcome to attend and participate where possible. If a child does not attend, then the parent whom the child is registered under can collect the certificate on their behalf at the ceremony.

  Ceremonies are held on a monthly basis in the Hutley Hall, Council Chambers

• Letters of invitation

  The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) sends you a letter of invitation normally three weeks prior to the ceremony telling you the date and time of your ceremony. The application process is lengthy and you may have a waiting time of between three to six months from your approval until you attend a ceremony.

• Preparing for your citizenship ceremony

  All candidates must arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony so they can register and obtain their seat number.

  Please bring your invitation letter from the Department of Home Affairs to assist with identification, as well as current Australian photo identification such as a Driver’s Licence or passport. If you do not have photo identification please bring at least three documents bearing your name, address and signature. Examples include bank statements, credit card statements or bills.

  These documents are also required as proof of identification by the Australian Electoral Commission, whose representatives will be present at the ceremony, to allow you to vote in Australian elections.

• General information on citizenship ceremony

  Length of ceremony

  It generally takes from 45 minutes to one hour. 

  Guests

  You are permitted to bring three guests to citizenship ceremonies.

  Photography

  As the ceremony is a very special moment, we would love you to have a photograph to remember the day. Please bring your phone/camera to the ceremony and you can have a photo taken with the Mayor.

  Accessibility

  The ceremony is conducted in the Council Chambers which can be accessed by a ramp from the carpark at the rear of the main building. Please contact us if you need assistance on 02 9936 8100.