Citizenship Ceremonies

Information on applying for Australian citizenship can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website or by contacting the Department of Home Affairs on 131 881.

Council has no involvement in citizenship applications, approvals or ceremony allocations.

After receiving your ‘notification of approval of Australian citizenship’ letter from the Department of Home Affairs, the Department will send you an invitation informing you of when and where your citizenship ceremony will take place.  

The invitation will be emailed to you. Please ensure your contact details are correct by visiting your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website or phone the Department on 131 881.

Please be aware that there is a waiting list for candidates to attend a citizenship ceremony and candidates may wait from three to six months to be allocated a ceremony.

Candidates who believe they require special consideration when being allocated a ceremony should contact the Department Home Affairs on 131 881. It is important to note that this is only granted in exceptional circumstances.

If you cannot attend your citizenship ceremony, the Department of Home Affairs will send you a non-attendance letter which will outline next steps and there may be a wait before you receive another invitation to a ceremony.

You do not need to notify Council if you cannot attend your ceremony.

Please bring photo identification and your ceremony invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

The ceremony runs for approximately one hour.

You may invite one (1) guest to accompany you to your ceremony.

Your minor children (under 16 years) may attend in addition to your one guest. Please inform Council by email events@ryde.nsw.gov.au of any minor children (under 16 years) who will be attending the ceremony.

Please note: the venue has limited seating and a strict venue capacity to ensure your safety, and the safety of Council staff. For this reason, any request for extra guests will not be accommodated.

Yes, you may take photos throughout your citizenship ceremony. A professional photographer will also be taking photos throughout the ceremony which will be sent to you via a link shortly after the ceremony.