Citizenship Ceremonies

Step 1.Apply

To become an Australian Citizen you need to apply through the Department of Home Affairs. 

Apply to become an Australian Citizen

Step 2.What happens next?

Once your Australian Citizenship application is processed by the Department of Home Affairs you will receive a letter advising you that your application has been successful. The next step is to attend a ceremony.

Step 3.More Information

If you would like information regarding becoming an Australian Citizen visit the Department of Home Affairs website or call their information line on 131 880

Step 1.You will receive a letter

Once your Australian Citizenship application is processed by the Department of Home Affairs you will receive a letter advising you that your application has been successful. The next step is to attend a ceremony.

Step 2.You will receive a second letter

It takes 6 - 9 months before you will be sent a second letter from the Department of Immigration inviting you to attend your Citizenship ceremony.

If you have applied for Citizenship, and haven’t received your invitation please call the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.

Step 3.When and where will your citizenship ceremony be held?

This second letter from the Department of Immigration is sent directly to candidates approximately four - six weeks prior to their ceremony date and will provide this information.

Step 4.For your information

The Hills Shire Council does not determine who will attend the various ceremonies. Attendees will be contacted by a Council officer via email or phone for RSVP purposes.

Step 5.About citizenship ceremonies

Australian Citizenship Ceremonies are hosted by The Hills Shire Council for Shire residents who have applied to become Australian citizens through the Department of Home Affairs.

Ceremonies are held throughout the year with one major ceremony on Australia Day.

Step 6.CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES: COVID-19 UPDATE

Due to the current lockdown in Greater Sydney, The Hills Shire Council is unable to conduct in-person Citizenship Ceremonies.

Council has commenced the planning process to host online ceremonies.

Due to online ceremonies being minimal in numbers, in comparison to in-person ceremonies, it will take a longer period to work through our current wait list, including those whose planned ceremonies were cancelled when lockdown commenced. We ask for your patience and understanding of this process.

If you have compassionate or compelling grounds for an urgent ceremony, please contact the Department of Home Affairs directly.

Please do not contact Council about your specific application. The Hills Shire Council does not process applications and our staff are not involved in any decision making.

All decisions regarding Citizenship are made by the Department of Home Affairs. If you have any questions about your application, contact the Department of Home Affairs or phone the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.

Step 7.Do you need to contact us about your ceremony?

If you would like more information about the ceremony that you have been invited to attend, phone The Hills Shire Council on +61 2 9843 0425 or email events@thehills.nsw.gov.au