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24 Aug British citizenship ceremony explained

Posted on August 24, 2021 in Nationality & Citizenship by
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Migrants who are 18 years old or over and living in the UK will need to attend a citizenship ceremony once their naturalisation application is approved by the Home Office. Children under 18 years old do not have to attend a ceremony. If they do not attend the ceremony, a family member will be able to collect the registration certificate on their behalf.

Those, who are not living in the UK,  an ask the Embassy or Consulate to arrange their citizenship ceremony. Please note that you will need to book the ceremony within 21 days from the date of the invitation letter, and attend it within 6 months from the date of the letter – this is a concession introduced during the global pandemic since prior to March 2020, an individual had to attend within 3 months.

Applicants will have to book the ceremony with their local authority from the website: https://www.gov.uk/organise-citizenship-ceremony-council. Individuals might be able to book an online ‘virtual’ ceremony or attend a ceremony in person. Migrants can also choose whether they would like to attend a group or a private citizenship ceremony. Please note that individuals will have to bring the invitation letter issued by the Home Office and their current passport or valid photo ID to attend the ceremony.

Please also be advised that the cost of the ceremony is included in their naturalisation UKVI application fees. However, if you wishe to attend a private ceremony, there will be an additional fee charged by the local authority.

During the ceremony

Individuals will have to make an oath of allegiance (or an affirmation if the migrant prefers not to swear by God) and a pledge. At the end of the ceremony, migrants will be presented with their certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack. If the migrant attends a virtual ceremony, he/she will be sent a copy of the certificate afterwards.

Some local authorities can also provide professional photographs or videos which will be available to purchase.

When do you not need to attend a ceremony?

Migrants will not need to attend a citizenship ceremony if they are registering to become a British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, or British subject. However, they will still need to make an oath or affirmation of allegiance.

Contact Our Immigration Team

For expert advice regarding any aspect of British citizenship application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075.

 

 

 

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.