Citizenship ceremonies
The final step in the journey to become an Australian citizen, for most people, is to make the Australian citizenship pledge at an Australian citizenship ceremony.
Citizenship ceremonies are special events. They fulfill requirements under Australian citizenship law and provide an opportunity to welcome new citizens as members of the Australian community.
When will you be invited to attend a ceremony?
To enquire about the date for your citizenship ceremony you must contact the Department of Home Affairs by phoning 131 881 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays.
Dates and venue
Dates
To enquire about the date for your citizenship ceremony you must contact the Department of Home Affairs directly by phoning 131 881 between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, excepting public holidays. Alternatively, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs via the website.
2024 Citizenship Ceremony Dates
The dates for citizenship ceremonies to be held in 2024 are as follows:
- Thursday 25 January 2024
- Thursday 15 February 2024
- Thursday 21 March 2024
- Thursday 18 April 2024
- Thursday 23 May 2024
- Thursday 13 June 2024
- Thursday 18 July 2024
- Thursday 8 August 2024
- Thursday 5 September 2024.
Please note Council will not conduct a citizenship ceremony in the months of October, November and December 2024.
2025 Citizenship Ceremony Dates
The dates for citizenship ceremonies to be held in 2025 are as follows:
- Thursday 23 January 2025
- Thursday 20 February 2025
- Thursday 13 March 2025
- Thursday 24 April 2025
- Thursday 22 May 2025
- Thursday 19 June 2025
- Thursday 10 July 2025
- Thursday 28 August 2025
- Thursday 18 September 2025
- Thursday 23 October 2025
- Thursday 20 November 2025.
Enquiries about the date of your citizenship ceremony
To find out when your citizenship ceremony is you must contact the Department of Home Affairs directly by phoning 131 881, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, except public holidays. Council does not allocate or have any input into dates for those awaiting to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Venue
Citizenship ceremonies will be conducted at the Civic Precinct and Community Hub, 61 Napier Street, Footscray (view map).
Citizenship Ceremony Dress Code
The Minister responsible for administering the Australian Citizenship Act requires us to have an appropriate dress code for attendees at citizenship ceremonies.
Attendees at citizenship ceremonies are encouraged to wear smart, casual attire which reflects the significance of the occasion.
National/traditional/cultural dress is welcomed to be worn, however the following should not be worn at citizenship ceremonies:
- Beach wear including swimwear of any kind.
- Rubber thongs.
- Slippers.
- Singlets or tank tops.
- Nightwear.
- Shirts and jackets containing offensive motifs.
- Sports or training apparel.
- Overly torn clothing items.
Appropriate footwear must be worn by all attendees. Attending a citizenship ceremony with bare feet is not acceptable.
Attendees in breach of the City of Maribyrnong Citizenship Ceremony Dress Code may be requested to remove themselves from the venue until the ceremony concludes.
Registrations
Registrations open 30 minutes prior to the commencement of a ceremony on the ground floor.
All those expecting to become a citizen must have registered upon arrival.
Who to contact about the day of your citizenship ceremony
For enquiries relating to the date of your citizenship ceremony, please contact the Department of Home Affairs directly by visiting the Department's website or phone 131 881 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday excepting public holidays.
Please note Council has no input into the allocation of dates for citizenship ceremonies. You must contact the Department directly.
Inviting guests to your citizenship ceremony
Our priority is the health and wellbeing of our community and our employees, therefore in response to COVID-19, only one guest will be permitted to attend your citizenship ceremony with you until further notice.
How long ceremonies take
Those becoming Australian citizens should allow 1.5 hours to attend a ceremony. Registrations are essential upon arrival and registration with the Australian Electoral Commission may also be required prior to the ceremony.
Registrations open 30 minutes prior to the commencement of a ceremony and formalities take approximately one hour.
What to bring with you
You will not be able to obtain citizenship on the night if you are not able to produce the appropriate identification as follows:
- Your letter of invitation sent to you by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Photographic identification (such as your passport or drivers licence).
If you are unable to provide photographic identification you will need to bring at least three different documents which contain your name, address and/or signature. At least two of these must be on the identification you produce (such as credit card, bills for utilities or bank statements).