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Citizenship Ceremony

The City of Perth’s role in the citizenship process is to conduct ctizenship ceremonies and to present attending candidates with their citizenship certificates.

Prior to being eligible to take part in a citizenship ceremony, you must have completed your application process with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and have received your letter of approval from the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. The City receives candidate lists approximately every two to three weeks detailing those candidates who have received citizenship approval and are eligible to attend a ceremony.

The City of Perth conducts approximately six citizenship ceremonies per year with one of those being the Australia Day Ceremony.  Candidates are notified of their ceremony date by letter approximately six weeks prior to the ceremony.

The ceremony consists of:

  • Reading of the Ministers Message
  • Citizenship Preamble
  • Pledges
  • Presentation of citizenship certificates
  • Lord Mayor's speech
  • Affirmation by an Australian citizen
  • The Australian National Anthem

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I have received my letter of approval.  When can I attend a ceremony?
    The City of Perth is unable to provide you with a ceremony date until we receive notification from the DIAC that your citizenship has been approved.  These notifications are received from the DIAC approximately every two to three weeks.  Once the City has received this notification, you will be scheduled onto the next available citizenship ceremony and a letter of invitation will be sent out to you.
     
  • How long will I have to wait before I get an invitation to my ceremony?
    Invitations are sent out approximately six weeks prior to a ceremony.
    Provided you confirm your attendance by the RSVP date specified on your invitation letter, you will receive your certificate at the ceremony.  It takes up to four weeks for the certificates to be ordered from Canberra and received by the City of Perth, therefore the RSVP deadline is usually four to five weeks prior to the ceremony date.
     
  • Do I need to attend a ceremony to receive my certificate?
    Yes.  Candidates are required to attend a citizenship ceremony and to make their Pledge in order to validate their citizenship and receive their certificate. 
  • What if I can’t attend the next scheduled citizenship ceremony?
    Notify us of your unavailability and we will transfer your name and details to the next scheduled ceremony.
     
  • Is it possible to arrange a ceremony earlier than the next scheduled citizenship ceremony?
    Private ceremonies are only performed where a candidate requires conferral of their Australian citizenship due to extenuating circumstances and may be carried out by the DIAC at their offices.  Any candidates requiring a private ceremony must contact the DIAC with their situation and supporting evidence.
    The DIAC is the approving authority and will assess each situation to determine whether a private ceremony may be approved.
     
  • How long does the ctizenship ceremony take?
    The citizenship ceremony generally takes thirty to forty minutes and is followed by a complimentary one hour reception.
     
  • Where are the ceremonies held?
    Ceremonies are held in the evening at:
    Council House
    27-29 St George’s Terrace
    Perth  WA 6000
     
  • What do I need to bring with me to the ceremony?
    You are required to bring with you your Minister's citizenship approval letter and photographic identification.  Your current driver’s licence is sufficient.  If you do not hold a drivers licence, additional forms of identification may include: credit cards, medicare card or bills showing your name and current address.  These documents are required as proof of identification by the City of Perth and the Australian Electoral Commission. An Electoral Officer will be present to allow you to complete an enrolment form enabling you to vote in Australian elections.
     
  • What Pledge am I taking?  What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?   There are two Pledges, one that mentions God (oath) and one that does not (affirmation).  You would have nominated which Pledge you are making when you filled out your application form at the DIAC. The DIAC advise us of your nominated Pledge when they send us the candidate names.  You will recevie your nominated Pledge on a Pledge card when you attend your ceremony.  If you are making an oath, you are welcome to bring a holy book of your choice to make your Pledge on.

Pledge 1 - oath:  "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 2 - affirmation:  "From this time forward, 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".

  • May I bring guests along?
    Yes.  Candidates are informed of the number of guests allowed on their letter of invitation.
     
  • What is the dress code?
    Smart attire is requested.
     
  • Can I take photographs?
    An official photograph will be taken of each candidate as they receive theircertificate from the Lord Mayor.  Your photograph will be posted to you within two weeks of the ceremony in a City of Perth photo mount, signed by the Lord Mayor.  Guests and candidates are invited to bring their own cameras and are welcome to take photographs during and after the ceremony.
     
  • I have lost my citizenship certificate, what should I do?
    The City of Perth cannot re-issue or replace citizenship certificates.  You will need to contact the DIAC on 131 880 to arrange a replacement certificate.   Further information is available via the DIAC web link listed below.
     
  • Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?
    Children aged 16 years and over are legally required to attend a ceremony and take the citizenship pledge to become on Australian citizen.  Children under the age of 16 are not legally required to take the citizenship pledge, however, they are welcome to attend the ceremony and are encouraged to take the citizenship pledge with their parents or guardian where possible.
  • When can I apply for an Australian passport?  You must attend your ceremony and receive your citizenship certificate before you can apply for an Australian passport.  The original certificate will be needed when applying for the passport.  For more information about Australian passports, please visit or call the Australian Passport Office on 131 232.

For further queries relating to your citizenship ceremony please call 9461 3322 or email citizenship@cityofperth.wa.gov.au

 

Obtaining your Australian citizenship

For information on eligibility and how to apply to be an Australian citizen, please contact the DIAC:

by phone:
Citizenship Information Line
13 18 80

via internet:
www.citizenship.gov.au

or visit:
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Customer Service Centre
Level 3, Wellington Central
836 Wellington Street
WEST PERTH WA 6005

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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