What is a Citizenship ceremony?
How do I apply to become a British citizen?
How do I arrange to attend a Citizenship ceremony?
What will happen during the Citizenship ceremony?
Can the whole family apply at the same time?
Can we bring other family or friends to the ceremony?
What is a Citizenship ceremony?
Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, which came into force on 1 January 2004, anyone aged 18 years or over who successfully applies for naturalisation or registration as a British citizen must take an oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony.
The ceremony is intended to celebrate the significance of becoming a British citizen and welcome that person into his or her community. As part of the ceremony prospective citizens will make
- an oath/affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen
- a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
How do I apply to become a British Citizen?
In the first instance, you should contact the Home Office:
by email : ceremony.enquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
in writing : General Enquiries Section
INPD
PO Box 306
Liverpool
L2 0QN
by telephone : 0845 010 5200
Towards the end of your application process you will be invited, by the Home Office, to attend a citizenship ceremony. The guidance notes will include the telephone number and address of your local authority, so that you may make arrangements to attend such a ceremony.
How do I arrange to attend a Citizenship Ceremony?
Once you have received a ceremony invitation letter from the Home Office you will need to ring the local Registration Service on 0115 9772812 to arrange a date and venue for your ceremony.
From the date of your letter you have three months in which to attend a ceremony.
What will happen during the ceremony?
Upon arrival, light refreshments will be available and you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with other applicants and the staff on duty.
The ceremony will consist of the following:
- introduction and welcome (by a Registration Service officer)
- address by a local civic dignitary
- making the citizenship oath and pledge - this must be said in English, but is usually spoken in groups and each person is provided with a card from which the text can be read (it is at this point that you become a British Citizen)
- naturalisation certificates will be presented by the dignitary on behalf of the Home Secretary and your guests may take your photograph at this time (your certificate can be used to apply for your new British passport)
- closing words
- playing of the National Anthem
After the ceremony, you and your guests will have the opportunity to take further photographs.
Can the whole family apply at the same time?
As far as possible, the Home Office will finalise multiple applications from the same family at the same time so that they can all attend a ceremony together.
Can we bring other family or friends to the ceremony?
Guests are welcome at your ceremony. However, space is limited and therefore only two guests are allowed per application.
