Australian citizenship ceremonies
Council conducts citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.
Council hosts citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs. Each year, around 2,000 to 2,500 local residents become Australian citizens at these events.
Attending your citizenship ceremony
To officially become an Australian citizen, you must attend a citizenship ceremony in person and take the pledge.
You will be invited to a ceremony once you have:
- completed your application process with the Department of Home Affairs
- received your letter of approval from the Minister for Home Affairs.
Once you are approved, the Department of Home Affairs will allocate you to a ceremony. Sunshine Coast Council will then send you an email invitation to attend.
2025 Citizenship Ceremony Dates
Sunshine Coast Council will hold citizenship ceremonies on these dates in 2025:
- 26 January 2025
- 11 March 2025
- 29 April 2025
- 22 July 2025
- 17 September 2025
What to Expect at the Ceremony
A citizenship ceremony lasts about 30 minutes, but extra time is needed for registration on the day. The ceremony includes:
- A welcome from the Mayor
- A message from the Minister
- The preamble (introduction)
- The citizenship pledge
- The Australian national anthem
More Information
If you have questions about your application, you must contact the Department of Home Affairs:
- Phone 131 880
- Visit their website for more helpful information on the process.
If you have a general question that is not answered in the Frequently asked questions below, please contact our team via email - [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
When can I attend a ceremony?
When can I attend a ceremony?
The Department of Home Affairs are responsible for all allocations to a ceremony and send an approved candidate list to council approximately 4 – 6 weeks prior to a ceremony.
You will receive an invitation no less than 4 weeks prior to your assigned ceremony and we will follow up until we have confirmation from you. Before that time, both Council and the Department of Home Affairs are unable to advise applicants of the date of their citizenship ceremonies.
What are the waiting times?
What are the waiting times?
You can usually expect to be invited to a ceremony within six months of your application approval (waiting times can vary).
Please note if you have requested to be linked to other people for your ceremony, you will not be allocated for a ceremony until the last person in your group has been approved. Having family members linked to your application may also affect your wait time.
Do I need to attend a ceremony to become a citizen?
Do I need to attend a ceremony to become a citizen?
Yes. Candidates cannot become citizens unless they have attended a ceremony and verbally made the pledge.
Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?
Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?
Children under 16 do not have to attend the ceremony and make the pledge, but they are welcome to do so. Children over 16 are required to attend a ceremony and provide photo ID.
Where are the ceremonies held?
Where are the ceremonies held?
Ceremonies are held across the Sunshine Coast region. Your invitation will detail the date, time, and place of your allocated ceremony.
What if I can't attend my ceremony?
What if I can't attend my ceremony?
If you are unable to attend your allocated ceremony you will be invited to another ceremony in the future. The Department of Home Affairs will send you a non-attendance letter after your scheduled ceremony outlining next steps.
Please note it is not possible to choose which ceremony you would like to attend.
Can I have an urgent ceremony?
Can I have an urgent ceremony?
You will need to contact the Department of Home Affairs to apply for your ceremony to be brought forward. Urgent ceremonies will only be considered in exceptional and very limited circumstances and supporting documentary evidence must be provided. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for more information on urgent ceremonies.
Can I do my ceremony online?
Can I do my ceremony online?
Requests for online ceremonies, accompanied by supporting documentary evidence, may be considered in exceptional and very limited circumstances. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for more information on online ceremonies.
How long does a citizenship ceremony take?
How long does a citizenship ceremony take?
The citizenship ceremony takes about 30 minutes. The registration process begins 1.5 hours before the ceremony. Allow approximately 2 hours from the time of registration to ceremony conclusion.
What is the dress code?
What is the dress code?
Please dress in formal or smart casual clothing and you are more than welcome to wear national or cultural dress.
What do I need to bring with me to the ceremony?
What do I need to bring with me to the ceremony?
You must bring valid photo identification – a current Australian Drivers Licence or valid passport are ideal.
If you want to make the Australian citizenship pledge on a holy book, please bring with you to the ceremony.
When can I apply for an Australian passport?
When can I apply for an Australian passport?
You must attend a citizenship ceremony and make the pledge before you can apply for an Australian passport. Your original citizenship certificate is necessary when applying.
Contact the Australian Passport Office for more information.
How do I enrol to vote?
How do I enrol to vote?
At the ceremony, all new citizens aged 16 and over will receive an Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) enrol-to-vote information sheet with a QR code to assist in enrolling to vote online. Where possible the AEC will be present on the day to answer any further questions you may have.
You can also:
- get an enrolment form at any AEC office
- call the AEC to request a form or
- visit the AEC website to enrol online.