Citizenship Ceremony Why & How
Citizenship ceremonies
You need to attend a citizenship ceremony if you’re 18 or over and have successfully applied to become a British citizen.
If you become a British citizen under the Windrush scheme you can choose if you want to attend a citizenship ceremony. You will not have to pay the fee.
Citizenship ceremonies and coronavirus (COVID-19)
Usually you must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months of receiving your invitation from the Home Office. Because of coronavirus, this has been extended to 6 months.
Do not book a ceremony until you’ve received your invitation letter. Because of coronavirus, it can take up to 3 months from being told your application was successful to get your letter.
Your local authority will confirm arrangements when you book your ceremony.
You might be able to have an online ‘virtual’ ceremony, if your local authority offers it.
Booking your ceremony
Your local authority will organise your citizenship ceremony. They are usually done in groups but you can ask for a private ceremony if you prefer.
Book your citizenship ceremony with your local authority.
You must take your invitation when you go to your ceremony.
You’re usually allowed to take 2 guests.
How much it costs
The cost of your ceremony is included in your application fee.
You might need to pay more for a private ceremony — check how much with your local authority.
If you’re not living in the UK
You can ask the embassy or consulate in the country you’re living in if you can have the ceremony there instead, or if they can provide a virtual ceremony.
If you’re only abroad for a short time, you might be asked to postpone the ceremony until you return to the UK. You must still book your ceremony within 6 months of getting an invitation.
You might have to prove you’re planning to live in the UK permanently if you’re going to be abroad for more than a few months. If you applied for citizenship in the UK, you cannot have your ceremony abroad.
During the ceremony
You’ll have to make an oath of allegiance (or an affirmation if you prefer not to swear by God) and a pledge. This means you promise to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK.
At the end of the ceremony you’ll be presented with your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack. If you attend a virtual ceremony, you’ll be sent a copy of the certificate afterwards.
Some local authorities sell photographs or videos of the event.
When you do not need to attend a ceremony
You will not need to attend a citizenship ceremony if you’re registering to become a:
British overseas territories citizen
British overseas citizen
British subject
You’ll still need to make an oath or affirmation of allegiance — you’ll be sent details of how to do this.
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