| COVID-19 Update
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, City of Newcastle is working closely with the Department of Home Affairs to safely resume face-to-face Citizenship Ceremonies where possible.
If you are eligible to attend a scheduled ceremony, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
Should you have any further questions, please contact the Department on 131 881. |
Citizenship Ceremony Dates
The next Citizenship Ceremony will be held on 4 May 2022. If you are eligible to attend a scheduled ceremony, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
The Path to Citizenship
Before you can become an Australian citizen you need to first contact the Department of Home Affairs to find out if you meet the criteria.
If you are eligible, you'll be asked to complete an application form, pay a fee and attend a short interview. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you (in writing) if your application is successful and contact you again to advise the date, time and location of your citizenship ceremony.
If you are a resident of City of Newcastle, your ceremony will take place at one of our historic venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Citizenship Ceremonies held?
Council holds a ceremony each year on 26 January and another two ceremonies are held throughout the year (usually May and September). One-off private ceremonies may be possible if certain criteria is met. Please contact the Department of Home Affairs on 131 881 to obtain a form. Complete and return the form to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs (Department of Home Affairs) who will confirm if your request is approved.
Can I bring my family and friends to the ceremony?
Yes. You can bring family and/or friends. Numbers are limited per person, due to the space available.
Am I scheduled for the next ceremony?
Approximately one month prior to the ceremony you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. Council is not responsible and plays no part in scheduling conferees for ceremonies.
Can I attend a private Citizenship Ceremony?
One-off private ceremonies may be possible if certain criteria is met, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs to obtain a form. Complete and return the form to the Department of Home Affairs who will confirm if your request is approved.
Can I be provided with a list of conferees attending a Citizenship Ceremony?
No, under privacy laws this information cannot be provided.
How can I become an Australian Citizen?
You need to make an application to become an Australian Citizen. The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for Australian Citizenship and processes all applications.
How long does the citizenship process take?
Council is not involved in the processing of applications. If you have submitted an application and you would like to check on how it is proceeding, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs or call 131 881. The Department will advise you in writing once your application has been approved, and forward your certificate to Council so that you can attend a citizenship ceremony.
Is there a fee involved to obtain Citizenship?
Yes. The fee is payable to the Department of Home Affairs. To find out what the current fee is, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs on 131 881.
Do I have to attend a Citizenship Ceremony to become a citizen?
Yes. All successful applicants for Australian citizenship must attend a ceremony and make their pledge to Australia. Your children can also attend the ceremony. If they are under 16 years of age and were included on your application form, they will become citizens when you do. They will not have to make the pledge but are welcome to do so. If they are aged 16 years of age or over they will need to make the pledge.
Where can I go to obtain more information on citizenship?
You can obtain more information regarding Citizenship from the Department of Home Affairs or Phone 131 881.
Where can I get an Australian Citizenship Pack?
You can get the Australian Citizenship Forms from the Department of Home Affairs. This includes eligibility criteria and information.
For further information, contact the Department of Home Affairs on 131 881 or visit Department of Home Affairs.