Citizenship Ceremonies

Frequently Asked Questions

• I have received my letter of approval. When can I attend a ceremony?

  • The Department of Home Affairs send an approved candidate list to Council approximately three to four weeks prior to a ceremony. You can usually expect to be invited to a ceremony within six months of your application approval (waiting times can vary). Council does not have information specific to your application and all enquiries are directed to the Department of Home Affairs.

• How long will I have to wait before I get an invitation to my ceremony?

  • Invitations are sent out approximately three to four weeks prior to a ceremony. If an approved candidate does not receive an invitation it may indicate that the candidate just missed the cut off date for that ceremony. If this is the case, the recipient will most likely be sent an invitation to the next ceremony.

• Do I need to attend a ceremony to become a citizen?

  • Yes. Candidates cannot become citizens unless they have attended a ceremony and verbally made the pledge.

    You will not become an Australian citizen until you have attended your ceremony and made the pledge.

• Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?
  • Children under 16 years will receive an invitation to attend but do not legally have to be at a ceremony if their parent is attending, however they are welcome to do so. Children over 16 years will have to apply for citizenship separately and are required to attend a ceremony.
• Where are the ceremonies held?
  • Ceremonies are held in the Forecourt of Council Chambers – 103 Walker Street, Townsville City.  On Australia Day the ceremony is held at Jezzine Barracks as part of our Australia Day celebrations. The venues have full disability access.
• What if I can't attend the next ceremony?

  • Candidates who do not attend their allocated citizenship ceremonies will have their application returned to the pool of applicants and will be invited to a future ceremony.

    You do not need to contact the Department of Home Affairs.

    You will not become an Australian citizen until you have attended your ceremony and made the pledge.

    If you do not attend a ceremony within 12 months of your approval, Department of Home Affairs. may review and cancel your approval. They might make an exception if you have an acceptable reason for not attending within that time.

• Is it possible to have my ceremony brought forward to an earlier ceremony?
  • The Department of Home Affairs are the approving authority to bring forward a recipient to an earlier ceremony, each case is individually assessed by the Department of Home Affairs to determine if your case meets the requirements to have your ceremony amended. You will need to contact the Department of Home Affairs to apply for your ceremony to be brought forward.
• Is it possible to arrange a private ceremony?
  • The Department of Home Affairs are the approving authority to bring forward a recipient to a private ceremony, each case is individually assessed by the Department of Home Affairs to determine if your case meets the requirements of a private ceremony. Council can only arrange private ceremonies under direction of the Department of Home Affairs.
• How long does a citizenship ceremony take?

  • Allow approximately 2 hours from the time of registration to ceremony conclusion.

    The Mayor or their representative welcomes everyone, acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and reads a message from the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs.

    Candidates repeat the Australian citizenship pledge out loud, as a group, and are then presented individually with their certificate. Once you have made the pledge, you then become an Australian citizen.

    When all citizens have made their pledge, they are asked to join in singing the first two verses of the National anthem, Advance Australia Fair. The ceremony will conclude, and citizens and their guests can enjoy light refreshments.

    Due to catering requirements, guests are limited to a maximum of six guests per candidate. If you would like to bring extra guests or have specific requirements such as disability access, please phone Council on 13 48 10.

• What is the dress code?
  • The ceremony is an important event where you make a commitment to Australia. The dress code for the ceremony should reflect the significance of the occasion, therefore you are invited to wear smart casual clothes or your own traditional ceremonial, National or cultural dress.
• What do I need to bring with me to the ceremony?

  • You must bring valid photo identification – a current Australian Drivers Licence or valid passport are ideal.

    If you are under 16, you do not need to bring photo identification.

• When can I apply for an Australian passport?

  • You must attend a Citizenship Ceremony and make the pledge before you can apply for an Australian passport. Your original citizenship certificate is necessary when applying.

    Wait at least 10 days before you apply online with the Australian Passport Office. This is how long it might take for your citizenship details to be recorded in the system.

    Use your current passport if you need to travel before the ceremony.

    Before you leave, get a visa that allows you to re-enter Australia to attend your ceremony. If the travel conditions on your permanent visa have expired or are about to expire, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa.

    Make sure any travel does not affect your ability to attend the ceremony. Or it will delay you in becoming an Australian citizen.

• Citizenship certificate.

  • After you have made the pledge, you should receive your citizenship certificate.

    If your certificate is not ready at the ceremony, Department of Home Affairs will post it to you. You will still become a citizen when you make the pledge.

    Your citizenship certificate is issued in the name you gave on your application form. This was your legal name at the time Department of Home Affairs approved your citizenship.

    Your citizenship certificate is an important legal document. You will need it when you apply for an Australian passport. You may need it to apply for a job or join the Australian Defence Force.

    It is an offence to deface or alter your citizenship certificate by:

    • writing on it
    • changing any details on it
    • laminating it.

    Tell Department of Home Affairs if you lose your certificate, or it is stolen.

• Can I take images at the Ceremony?

  • You and your guests may take photos during the ceremony and after the formalities.

    Council may take photographs and film the ceremony. Media may attend too.

    Those taking photos are asked to follow the ceremony closely and be prepared to take a photo as Citizenship certificates are presented.

    Please be mindful of the formal nature of the ceremony and be respectful of those waiting to receive their certificates.

• Enrolling to vote in elections

  • At the ceremony, you can enrol to vote in our compulsory elections.

    You may:

    • complete an enrolment form at the ceremony, or
    • take it home to complete later.