Citizenship
While the Department of Immigration and Citizenship manages the citizenship application process, Sutherland Shire Council holds regular Australian citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Federal Government.
Applying for Australian Citizenship
Applications for Australian Citizenship are assessed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, not by Sutherland Shire Council.
For information about becoming an Australian Citizen, including application forms, you should visit the Department's Citizenship website.
Citizenship Ceremonies
The final step in becoming an Australian citizen is taking the Pledge of Committment at a Citizenship Ceremony.
Once your application is approved, and within five weeks of the next scheduled ceremony (see dates above), you will receive an invitation to attend a Citizenship Ceremony.
Note: Sutherland Shire Council has no role in choosing which ceremony you are invited to attend. We simply receive a list of names from the Department approximately five weeks prior to each ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you must attend a ceremony. The ceremony is the final step in becoming an Australian citizen and you must take the oath or affirmation at the ceremony before you become a citizen. If you do not take the Pledge of Committment at a Citizenship Ceremony you will not receive a certificate. You can read more about attending a Ceremony on the Federal Government's Citizenship website.
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Our information sheet answers most of the most common questions we are asked about the ceremony. This sheet is also is included with all invitations we send to candidates for citizenship ceremonies.
Citizenship ceremony information sheet
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If you have received a letter from the Department of Immigration approving your citizenship, check to see the dates of future citizenship ceremonies to be held at Sutherland.
Invitations to attend a ceremony will be sent out by Sutherland Shire Council approximately 3 weeks prior to each ceremony.
Due to cut off times and demand, the waiting period to attend a ceremony may be up to 6 months. If you do not receive an invitation after this time, please contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (ph131 880).
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If you are unable to attend the ceremony you have been invited to, you will need to advise both council and the Department of Immigration to ensure your name goes on the list for the next ceremony (information on how to do this will be included in your invitation from council). You can contact council by telephone on 02 9710 0333.
More Information
Communications and Events
Phone 02 9710 0333
Email councilcommunications@ssc.nsw.gov.au