1. A citizenship ceremony is the final stage in becoming a British citizen. New citizens are required to swear an oath of allegiance before the Superintendent Registrar at which time they will be given their certificate of naturalisation.
2. When the applicant has reached the appropriate place in the process, the Home Office will instruct them to contact their chosen register office to make an appointment to make an oath or affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen and pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom. At the same time, the Home Office sends the certificate of naturalisation to the register office. Contact details of where to phone to make an appointment for a ceremony are provided by the Home Office.
3. A local dignitary will be at each group event ceremony in order to help welcome new citizens to the borough. New citizens have a choice of attending either Huddersfield or Dewsbury Town Hall to either swear or affirm an oath of allegiance. You will then be presented with your citizenship certificate.
4. You will receive an invitation letter to attend the ceremony. You do need to make an appointment so please contact us:
   • Contact the Registration Service

What do I need to bring on the day of ceremony?

You will need to bring:

• the Home Office approval letter
• the invitation letter issued by Kirklees
• a form of photographic identity - a current valid passport is ideal.

---

I received my invitation letter from the Home Office last week and I still haven't heard from the council. How long does it take?

You will usually hear from us within four to six weeks. We are legally obliged to ensure you have your ceremony within three months of the Home Office sending you your invitation letter.

---

Do I have to bring guests?

No, but generally people do. It is nice to have someone present to share the moment, you are allowed to bring a maximum of two guests.

---

What happens at the ceremony?

You will register, hear a speech by a local dignitary and then be asked to either swear or affirm an oath of allegiance. You will then be presented with your citizenship certificate.

---

What does it mean to 'swear' or 'affirm' the oath?

To swear the oath means you swear by almighty God. To affirm the oath is suitable for those who are not religious or who don't want to swear by almighty God.

---

How long does the ceremony take?

The ceremony lasts for approximately 45 minutes. The invitation letter that we send to citizens states the time the ceremony starts and the time they are expected to arrive for registration. Those that arrive later than the time stated will not be admitted.

---

I've lost or misplaced my letter from the Home Office, can I still attend?

No. The Home Office states we cannot go ahead with the ceremony if the citizen does not bring the letter sent to them when they attend the ceremony. Please contact the Home Office, which may at their discretion issue another letter.

• Tel: 0845 010 5200
• Email: ukbanationalityenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk

---

I'm going on holiday in a few weeks time - can I be in your next ceremony?

All efforts are made to accommodate genuine requests but the lists of citizens for each ceremony are made two to three weeks in advance and our invitations are sent out two weeks before each ceremony. However, we do try and accommodate where necessary.

---

I've received your letter notifying me of the date for my ceremony, but I can't make that day

You have three months from the date on your invitation letter, to reschedule your ceremony.

---

Can I have my ceremony other than in Kirklees?

Yes. You will need to contact the Home Office which will instruct us to return the certificate so they can forward it to the borough concerned.

---

My children are receiving citizenship, do they have to attend?

Children receiving citizenship do not have to attend, but are encouraged to do so. If they are not present, their parents or guardians will receive the certificate on their behalf. Children who do attend are not required to swear or affirm.

---

Can I have a private ceremony?

Yes you can have a private citizenship ceremony. There is a fee for the ceremony.

• Registrars fees (PDF 98kb)