Citizenship Ceremonies

COVID-19 Update

The Department of Home Affairs have put all face-to-face Citizenship Ceremonies on hold and are not conducting in-person interviews or citizenship tests.

The Department is currently working on introducing online Citizenship Ceremonies via secure video links. This will be a one-on-one format with the presiding officer and will still include integrity measures such as identification requirements.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, conferees will not have their citizenship approval cancelled if they cannot attend a ceremony within the 12-month period, as is normally required. The Department will get in touch with affected parties in due course. It has also advised that it will resume in-person interviews and citizenship tests when it is safe to do so.

If further information is received, an update will be posted on our website.

If you have any other enquiries or questions about Citizenship during the COVID-19 pandemic, please email the Department of Home Affairs at [email protected]

*** All ceremonies Postponed ***

We are proud to assist you in the final steps to becoming an Australian citizen.

The ceremony is held at 6pm in Hutley Hall - which is on level 1 here at North Sydney Council, 200 Miller St, North Sydney 

This list will be updated with any further advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Sunday 26 January

Thursday 20 February

Wednesday 18 March

Wednesday 8 April - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Wednesday 29 April - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Wednesday 20 May - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Wednesday 10 June - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Wednesday 29 July - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Wednesday 26 August - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Thursday 8 October - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Wednesday 18 November - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

Wednesday 9 December - Postponed under advice from the Dept of Home Affairs

I have received my letter of approval, how soon can I go to the ceremony?

The application process is lengthy and a waiting time of up to three to six months can occur between your approval and your ceremony. The Dept of Home Affairs (DHA) sends you a letter of invitation telling you the date and time of your ceremony.

Do I need to attend a ceremony to receive my certificate?

Yes, attending your Citizenship Ceremony is compulsory. Candidates need to make their Pledge in order to validate their citizenship and receive their certificate

Where are the ceremonies held?

At 6pm in the Hutley Hall here at North Sydney Council, 200 Miller Street, North Sydney.

How long does the Citizenship Ceremony take?

It generally takes from 45 mins to 1 hour. All candidates must arrive 30 mins before the ceremony so they can register and obtain their seat number. Light refreshments are provided for all candidates and their guests afterwards.

What do I need to bring to the ceremony?

Please bring your invitation letter from the DHA to assist with identification, as well as current Australian photo identification such as a Driver’s Licence or passport. If you do not have photo identification please bring at least three documents bearing your name, address and signature. Examples include bank statements, credit cards or bills.

These documents are also required as proof of identification by the Australian Electoral Commission, whose representatives will be present at the ceremony, to allow you to vote in Australian elections.

Can I bring guests along to the ceremony?

Yes. Candidates are seated together and your guests sit in a separate area. Space is limited, so please invite only a few guests to your ceremony.

Do children need to attend Citizenship Ceremonies?

Children aged 16 years and under are not legally required to attend the ceremony, though they are welcome to attend and participate where possible. If a child does not attend the parent whom the child is registered under can collect the certificate on their behalf at the ceremony.

I have children who are not becoming Australian citizens at this ceremony, where do they sit?

You should make arrangements for them to sit with your guests. The children cannot sit with you, as you are allocated seats with other Candidates.

Can photos be taken during the ceremony?

Yes. Friends and family are welcome to take photos before, during and after the ceremony.

Are there facilities for the elderly, children’s prams or those with a disability?

Yes. The ceremony is conducted in the Hutley Hall which can be accessed by a ramp from the carpark at the rear of the main building. Please contact us if you need to 9936 8100.

Who can I contact with further questions?

For information on eligibility and how to apply to be an Australian citizen, please contact the DHA citizenship info line on 131 880 or visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen