Citizenship

Citizenship ceremonies are the final step in the process of becoming an official British Citizen. Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 all applicants who are aged 18 years of age and over and who are accepted for naturalisation or registration by the Home Office as a British citizen must take a citizenship oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony.

The ceremony will involve prospective citizens making an oath or affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom. These ceremonies can take place at designated venues throughout Staffordshire.

What happens at a citizenship ceremony?

Citizenship ceremonies start with a welcome speech by the Superintendent Registrar. The ceremony also typically includes speeches by other local dignitaries on what it means to become a British citizen. This is followed by the citizenship oath and pledge, which is a legal requirement and is the point at which citizenship is conferred. New citizens are then called upon individually to receive their certificate, information pack and commemorative gifts.

The certificate is presented by a local dignitary on behalf of the Home Secretary and this certificate can subsequently be used in support of passport applications and to prove the individual is a British citizen. The ceremony closes with a speech and the playing of the national anthem. Afterwards there may be an informal celebration where new citizens have the opportunity to have their photographs taken with their guests and the dignitaries in attendance.

Are family applications accepted?

Wherever possible the Home Office processes applications from members of the same family together so that they can attend a ceremony at the same time.

Is it possible to invite guests?

You are more than welcome to bring guests along to your citizenship ceremony. Unfortunately, due to accommodation restrictions on the venues used for citizenship ceremonies it may be necessary to restrict the number of guests that each person can invite. Registration Services will inform you of the number of guests that you can bring along with you and will issue you with the corresponding number of invitations. Attendance at a citizenship ceremony will be by invitation only.

How to arrange a citizenship ceremony

Once you have received you will need to contact Registration Services using the contact details page.   You have 11 weeks in which to attend the ceremony. If you cannot attend within this time then we may have to withdraw your invitation and will be required to apply again to the Home Office and pay the appropriate fee.

Does the ceremony have to be public?

Citizenship ceremonies are normally conducted in a group setting to reinforce the community nature of citizenship. You may however wish to celebrate in a more personal way for example by holding a separate party or having a separate public ceremony at another location within the county. Please speak to Registration Services using the contact details to discuss your options and for help in selecting suitable locations.

Last Modified: 06/07/2007 10:57:54
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