Australian Citizenship Ceremony: What to Expect

The citizenship ceremony is the final step. It is also the moment you legally become an Australian citizen.

The invitation

Your local council or the Department of Home Affairs sends you an invitation about four weeks before the event. You cannot choose the place or date. Ceremonies are also held on special days such as Australia Day on 26 January and Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September.

What to bring

Bring your invitation and one form of photo ID, such as an Australian driver licence, a passport or another official document with a photograph. Documents that are not in English need official translations. If you have no photo ID, bring at least 3 documents showing your name and address, such as bank statements, utility bills or credit card statements. Children under 16 do not need photo ID. If you wish to make the pledge on a holy book, bring your own book.

How the day runs

Allow at least two hours. Your invitation tells you when to arrive so you can register and find your seat, and the ceremony itself may take about one hour. Most ceremonies follow a similar order: a formal introduction, speeches including a welcome message from the Minister, an address to participants, the pledge of commitment and the National Anthem.

Making the pledge

You become a citizen when you make the pledge of commitment to Australia. As the final legal requirement, the presiding officer asks you to repeat the pledge out loud. There are two versions, one mentions God and the other does not, and you choose which one you say.

What to wear, guests and photos

Home Affairs asks everyone attending to dress in formal or smart casual clothing, and you can wear national or cultural dress. If the ceremony is outdoors, a hat and sunscreen help. Your invitation tells you whether you can bring guests and how many. Guests might have to sit apart from you. Family and friends can take photos during and after the ceremony as long as they do not disrupt others.

Your citizenship certificate

After the pledge you should receive your citizenship certificate. If it is not ready, it is posted to you. It is issued in the legal name you held when your application was approved, and you need it to apply for an Australian passport. Do not write on it or change any details: defacing or altering it is an offence.

Children

Children under 16 who were included on your application become citizens at the same time as you. Anyone who was 16 or older when they applied must generally attend a ceremony and make the pledge themselves. Home Affairs lists a few exceptions, for example people with a permanent or enduring incapacity.