Citizenship ceremonies
If your application to become a British citizen has been successful, you must attend a citizenship ceremony unless you are exempt. The ceremony welcomes you as a British citizen and marks the importance of this moment.
What happens at a citizenship ceremony
At the ceremony, you will make an Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and a Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.
This requirement is set out in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2004 for successful applicants aged 18 or over, unless the Home Secretary has granted an exemption.
The ceremony is a formal event held in the area where you live. It celebrates becoming a British citizen and welcomes you into your local community.
When you must attend
You must attend a citizenship ceremony within three months of being told that your application has been successful.
Citizenship ceremonies in Swindon
The Home Office tells the Superintendent Registrar about successful applications for people living in the borough of Swindon and sends the citizenship certificates to the register office.
Once you receive your letter from the Home Office confirming your application has been successful, you are advised to book a ceremony within 14 days.
Ceremonies in Swindon:
- are held once a month
- usually take place at the Civic Offices
- are led by the Superintendent Registrar and attended by the Worshipful the Mayor of Swindon
Guests
If you attend a group ceremony, you may bring up to two guests to share the occasion with you.
Children and ceremonies
There is no legal requirement for people under 18 to attend a citizenship ceremony or to take the oath and pledge.
However, the Government encourages ceremonies to be treated as a family and community occasion, with children taking part alongside their parents where possible.
Fees
Group citizenship ceremonies are included in the naturalisation fee paid to the Home Office.
You can also choose to book a private ceremony, which has an additional fee.