Citizenship Ceremonies
In 2023 Camden Council held 5 in-person ceremony welcoming over 700 new citizens to the Camden community.
In 2024 we have already welcomed over 500 new citizens to the Camden community.
The upcoming citizenship ceremonies in 2024 are:
- Thursday 31 October
- Monday 25 November
When you have been scheduled to attend a ceremony you will receive an invitation by mail approximately 2-4 weeks before the date of your ceremony.
Currently there is a backlog for candidates waiting to receive their citizenship, we please ask you to be patient while we work through the list. If you have any enquiries about your wait time please contact the Department of Home Affairs.
The Department of Home Affairs has published citizenship ceremony 'wait time' data on its website. To see how Camden Council is tracking please click here.
Please ensure all of your personal details are up to date in your ImmiAccount.
Before you can become an Australian citizen, you need to first contact the Department of Home Affairs to find out if you meet the criteria.
If you are eligible, you'll be asked to complete an application form, pay a fee and attend a short interview. The department will notify you in writing if your application is successful and will contact you again to advise the date, time and location of your citizenship ceremony.
Camden Council’s role
Camden Council places great importance on Australian citizenship and hosts five ceremonies each year for local residents who have been approved to become Australian citizens by the Department of Home Affairs. The Mayor of Camden conducts the ceremonies.
Please note: Camden Council does not process applications and our staff are not involved in any decision making. All of these decisions 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is my ceremony?
When you have been scheduled to attend a ceremony you will receive an invitation by mail approximately 2-4 weeks before the date of your ceremony.
It has been more than three months since my application was approved – why haven’t I been invited to attend a ceremony?
Generally, ceremonies are scheduled within six months of approval but waiting periods vary. Camden Council appreciates your patience and asks that you wait to receive an invitation to your ceremony.
Can I attend a ceremony in another council area?
Applicants for Australian citizenship must attend a citizenship ceremony in their local council area.
What do I do if I am unable to attend my ceremony?
You should notify the Department of Home Affairs if you are unable to attend your ceremony. In most cases you will be invited to a subsequent ceremony. You will receive an invitation by mail approximately 2 – 4 weeks before the date of your ceremony. Please be aware that if you do not attend a ceremony and make a Pledge of Commitment within 12 months of the date your citizenship application was approved, the approval of your application may be cancelled.
The Department of Home Affairs does not offer an ‘urgent ceremony’ service.
People are encouraged to attend public ceremonies. However, in genuinely urgent, compelling and unforeseen circumstances, the Department may agree to conduct a Departmental citizenship ceremony.
The following types of circumstances are not considered genuinely urgent or compelling:
- Overseas travel for employment, holidays, family reunions or weddings
- Pre-purchased airline tickets, cruise tickets or overseas accommodation
- General entry-level employment requiring Australian citizenship
- Expired passport (if you are travelling overseas before your ceremony you are encouraged to apply for another passport from your current country of citizenship
- Expired authority to return to Australia (if you are travelling overseas before your ceremony you are encouraged to apply for a Resident Return visa)
- Students intending to apply for HECS - Higher Education Loan Program.
What do I wear to a ceremony?
A citizenship ceremony is a formal occasion. The attire of attendees at citizenship ceremonies should reflect the significance of the occasion. Conferees may wear national or cultural dress if they wish.
Contacts
Should you have any special requirements regarding the ceremony, such as assisted disability access, contact Camden Council’s Events Officer as soon as you are advised of your scheduled ceremony date on 13 22 63.