The Australian Citizenship Ceremony

What Is a Citizenship Ceremony?

The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming an Australian citizen. It is a formal ceremony where you make the Pledge of Commitment as an Australian citizen and receive your Certificate of Australian Citizenship. Ceremonies are usually organised by local councils and conducted by a council official or a Department of Home Affairs representative.

When Will You Be Invited?

After your citizenship application is approved, you will receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony. You must attend a ceremony within 12 months of your application being approved. If you do not attend within this period, your approval may lapse and you may need to reapply.

Ceremonies are held regularly throughout the year, with a particular focus on:

• Australia Day (26 January)
• Australian Citizenship Day (17 September)
• Constitutional referendums and other significant national occasions

The Pledge of Commitment

At the ceremony, you will make the Pledge of Commitment to Australia. There are two versions of the pledge:

Pledge without mention of God

"From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey."

Pledge with mention of God (includes "under God")

"From this time forward, under God, I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey."

You can choose to say the pledge with or without the words "under God". The pledge is recited together with other new citizens at the ceremony.

What to Bring to the Ceremony

• Your original passport and other identity documents as specified in your invitation letter
• Your invitation letter from the Department of Home Affairs
• Pen to sign documents if required
• Guests are usually welcome (check the invitation for numbers)

What Happens at the Ceremony

1. Arrival and registration — You will be checked in and your identity will be verified
2. Welcome and speeches — A local official or council representative will welcome everyone
3. Introduction of candidates — New citizens may be introduced and their countries of origin acknowledged
4. Singing of the national anthem — Advance Australia Fair is sung
5. The Pledge of Commitment — All new citizens recite the pledge together, led by the presiding officer
6. Presentation of certificates — You will receive your Certificate of Australian Citizenship (a gold-bordered certificate)
7. Closing remarks — The presiding officer congratulates the new citizens
8. Refreshments — Many ceremonies include light refreshments and a chance to celebrate

What to Wear

The citizenship ceremony is a formal occasion. Smart casual or formal attire is appropriate. Some people choose to wear traditional cultural dress to celebrate their heritage.

After the Ceremony

Once you have your Certificate of Australian Citizenship, you can:

• Apply for an Australian passport
• Enrol to vote (voting is compulsory for Australian citizens)
• Travel on an Australian passport
• Access certain government services only available to citizens
• Stand for election to Parliament (subject to other eligibility requirements)

Can You Become a Citizen Without a Ceremony?

In some circumstances, the Minister for Home Affairs can grant citizenship without a ceremony. This includes cases where a person is overseas, has a serious illness, or in exceptional circumstances. However, for most applicants, attending a citizenship ceremony is a mandatory and meaningful step.

Test Questions on the Ceremony

For the citizenship test, remember these key facts:

• The Pledge of Commitment is made at the citizenship ceremony
• You have 12 months from approval to attend a ceremony
• You must recite the pledge to become a citizen
• The national anthem is sung at the ceremony
• The pledge can be taken with or without the words "under God"