Citizenship Ceremonies

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES: COVID-19 UPDATE

In-person ceremonies have resumed.

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.

How to become a Citizen

In addition to the benefits that come with permanent residence, the legal status of Australian Citizenship carries with it the right to:

  • Vote and elect Australia's Government
  • Stand for public office or nominate for election to Parliament
  • Apply for an Australian passport and leave and enter the country without an entry visa
  • Seek consular assistance from Australia's diplomatic representatives while overseas
  • Apply to enlist in the armed forces and for government jobs
  • Register children as Australian Citizens by descent

 

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

 

Citizenship Ceremonies

Attendance at a ceremony to become a Australian Citizen is a privilege and is by invitation only.

 

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 

Council is resuming face to face ceremonies in 2022:

  • Thursday 9 June 2022
  • Monday 18 July 2022
  • Thursday 28 July 2022
  • Monday 15 August 2022
  • Saturday 17 September, 2022
  • Monday 17 October 2022
  • Monday 21 November 2022

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 citizenship@thehills.nsw.gov.au

Translation Services

The Hills Shire Council can assist with the translation of information. Anyone requiring a translation or an interpreter can either visit Council's Administration Centre for assistance or contact the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 and ask an interpreter to call Council on +61 2 9843 0555 and enquire on their behalf.

Contact The Department of Home Affairs on

Phone

131 880

Alternate Phone

The Hills Shire Council - 02 9843 0425

Email

citizenship@thehills.nsw.gov.au

Location

The Hills Shire Council
3 Columbia Court
Norwest
2153
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