Citizenship Ceremonies
From January 2004 everybody over 18 applying for British citizenship needs to attend a Citizenship Ceremony as part of his/her application process.
How to apply for British Citizenship
An application for British Citizenship is arranged through the Home Office. Their addrees is:
Home Office, Managed Migration
Nationality Group
PO Box 306
India Buildings
Water Street
Liverpool
L2 0QN
Telephone: (0151) 237 5200
View their website information on Applying for British Nationality 
.
As your application process nears completion you will be sent a letter inviting you to attend a citizenship ceremony.
What happens at the Citizenship Ceremony
Applicants and guests should arrive at least 20 minutes before the ceremony is due to start. The number of applicants on each standard group ceremony may vary.
At the standard group ceremony the following happens:
- Introduction and Welcome
- Address by local dignitary
- Taking or affirming of the Oath and Pledge
- Official response
- Presentation of Citizenship certificate and signing of the Register
Where a Citizenship Ceremony can take place
Standard Group citizenship ceremonies happen on a regular basis. For the list of ceremony dates for the next 3 months contact the Register Office.
Alternatively, you may wish to celebrate the acquisition of citizenship in a personal way - for example, by holding a party for family and friends, or having an individual ceremony at a different public venue in the Borough.
Citizenship ceremonies cannot be held at private homes. This is your choice but you will need to speak to the Register Office in plenty of time so that arrangements can be made for this type of ceremony to be held within the 3 month period. The Register Office will advise on the range and type of acceptable venues in the Borough.
Where applicants choose, either for family, personal or cultural reasons, to have a personal ceremony then they will have to pay any additional costs, which the Council may incur.
What you need to bring to the Citizenship Ceremony
Applicants must bring to the ceremony:
- their Home Office approval letter
- their invitation letter issued by the County Council
- some form of identity (passport, travel document, driving licence, a current utility bill, medical card, bankcard or benefits book)
The Oath and Pledge
The Home Office will send a copy of the Oath and Pledge to all applicants.
As the Oath is made to Almighty God you may wish to bring along a holy book. This is a personal matter and is not something that is needed for the purpose of the citizenship ceremony. If you prefer, allegiance can be affirmed, rather than sworn before God.
Do children need to attend the Citizenship Ceremony?
There is no legal requirement for applicants under the age of 18 to attend a ceremony and take the oath and pledge.
However, if children (under 18 years of age) wish to attend their parents' ceremony and take the oath and pledge then they may do so. Please let the Citizenship unit know as soon as possible if any children will be attending their ceremony.
Can guests come to a Citizenship Ceremony?
Whilst you are welcome to bring family and friends to your ceremony, space is unfortunately restricted at the standard group ceremonies. It is therefore necessary to place a restriction of 2/3 guests per applicant.
Access to standard group ceremonies will be by invitation only.
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