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    Australian citizenship ceremonies

    Whether Australian by birth or by choice, citizenship is an important common bond at the heart of a unified and inclusive country.

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    Approach to citizenship ceremonies as a result of COVID-19

    Updated 16 April 2020
    The Department of Home Affairs have commenced trialling online citizenship ceremonies via secure video link, to enable people to continue to become Australian citizens during the coronavirus crisis. People who were scheduled to attend a Citizenship appointment or ceremony over the coming months will be contacted by the Department to make alternative arrangements.

    Online ceremonies are currently not available to Local Government Councils. At the completion of the trial, the Department will engage with Councils to discuss options for participating in undertaking online ceremonies.

    For further details on this announcement please refer to the press release below.
    Statement on Australian citizenship processing

    If you’d like to become an Australian citizen, you must apply through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

    What role does Glen Eira play in citizenship?

    On behalf of the Commonwealth Government, we hold a number of ceremonies at Glen Eira Town Hall each year. The Mayor of Glen Eira hosts the ceremonies, with key speakers and parliamentary representatives also attending.

    DHA assesses citizenship applications and sends the successful applicants to us. They also decide who will attend our citizenship ceremonies.

    Due to the impact COVID-19 on our community, we will not be hosting citizenship ceremonies until further notice. The Department of Home Affairs have commenced trialling online citizenship ceremonies via secure video link. Online ceremonies are currently not available to Local Government Councils. At the completion of the trial, the Department will engage with Councils to discuss options for participating in undertaking online ceremonies.

    Upcoming ceremonies

    Due to COVID-19, no dates are available for future ceremonies

    How will I know about my ceremony?

    If your citizenship application is successful, you'll get a letter from DHA one month before the citizenship ceremony with the date, time and location (usually at the Town Hall in Caulfield). They'll also advise which identification papers you should bring eg. photo i.d.

    If you're unable to attend the ceremony on the advised date, please contact DHA on 131 881 as soon as possible.

    What's the start time and length?

    Ceremonies start at 7.30pm and finish around 8.40pm. Candidates, please arrive no later than 6.15pm to register your name and get your seat number. Guests do not need to register.

    Please note: the Australia Day ceremony starts at 9.30am.

    Can I bring my family and friends?

    Yes, you're welcome to bring close family and/or friends along for support. A single applicant can bring a maximum of six guests, while a family undertaking their citizenship may bring 10 guests.

    © 2020 Glen Eira City Council