Citizenship ceremonies

Become an Australian citizen

To become an Australian citizen, you must apply via the Department of Home Affairs.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a formal invitation by mail from the Department of Home Affairs, about one month prior to your assigned ceremony date.

Please note: Council is not involved in the application or approval process. All enquiries regarding your citizenship status or ceremony date should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs.

Council hosts up to five (5) citizenship ceremonies throughout the year on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs, including Australia Day and Riverlights Multicultural Festival. These are often held at the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre or Maitland Town Hall.

Ceremony information

Each ceremony event runs for approx. 40 to 60 mins and includes a formal pledge, welcome by Council representatives and presentation of citizenship certificates. Recipients are encouraged to wear smart casual attire or national/cultural dress. Family and friends are welcome to attend, though venue capacity may limit guest numbers, further details will be provided in your invitation.

You must bring one form of photo identification, such as:

Driver license
Passport
or another official photo document.

If your documents are not in English, you must provide official translations. If you do not have photo ID, bring at least three documents that show your name and address (e.g. bank statements, utility bills). Children under 16 do not need to bring ID.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. For successful applicants 16 & over, attending the ceremony and making the pledge to Australia is mandatory to become an Australian citizen. Children under 16 automatically become citizens on approval of application and are not required to attend, however are encouraged to if they wish.
Council provides an official photographer, however guests are also welcome to take photos. If you wish to have photographs taken by our photographer, a talent release form will be sent out ahead of time. Official photos will be emailed approx. two (2) weeks after the event.
If you are unable to make your scheduled ceremony date, including for reasons of being overseas, the Department of Home Affairs will be in contact to notify you of your new ceremony date.