Citizenship Ceremonies: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to become a British citizen and you’re 18 years or older, you have to go through something called a citizenship ceremony. Here’s how it works, step by step:

Step 1: Get Your Invitation

• After you apply to become a British citizen, if your application is successful, you will receive an invitation from the Home Office.
• You must attend the ceremony within 3 months of getting this invitation!

Step 2: Windrush Scheme Option

• If you became a British citizen through the Windrush scheme, you can choose whether or not to attend the ceremony.
• Good news! You won’t have to pay a fee if you are part of this scheme.

Step 3: Booking the Ceremony

• Your local authority will help you organize your citizenship ceremony.
• Most ceremonies are held with a group of people, but if you want, you can ask for a private ceremony just for you.
• Make sure to book your ceremony with your local authority!

Step 4: What to Bring

• When you go to your ceremony, you must bring your invitation.
• You’re allowed to bring 2 guests to watch you become a citizen!

Step 5: Cost of the Ceremony

• The cost of the ceremony is included in the application fee you already paid.
• If you want a private ceremony, you might have to pay extra. Check with your local authority for the exact amount.

Step 6: If You’re Abroad

• If you are living outside the UK, you can ask the embassy or consulate in your country if you can hold the ceremony there.
• If you’re only away for a short time, they might ask you to wait until you come back to the UK for the ceremony.
• If you’ll be away longer, you may need to prove that you plan to live in the UK permanently. Remember, if you applied for citizenship in the UK, you cannot have your ceremony abroad.

Step 7: The Ceremony Day

• During the ceremony, you will make an oath of allegiance (or an affirmation if you’d rather not swear by God).
• This means you promise to respect the rights, freedoms, and laws of the UK.
• At the end of the ceremony, you will receive your certificate of British citizenship along with a welcome pack!

Step 8: Photos and Videos

• Some local authorities might offer photos or videos of your special day for you to buy.

Step 9: When You Don’t Need a Ceremony

• If you are registering to become a:
  • British overseas territories citizen
  • British overseas citizen
  • British subject
• You won’t need to attend a citizenship ceremony, but you will still need to make the oath or affirmation of allegiance. They will send you information on how to do that.

Conclusion

Becoming a British citizen is a big deal, and the citizenship ceremony is a special way to celebrate it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a proud British citizen!