Citizenship Ceremonies
Kogarah City Council conducts around six citizenship ceremonies each year (bi-monthly) for residents of the Kogarah LGA wishing to become Australian citizens. The ceremonies are conducted under the auspices of the Department of Immigration.
Kogarah Council only conducts the ceremonies and is not a point of contact for those wishing to take out citizenship.
Listed within this section are the most frequently asked questions about obtaining Australian citizenship as well as contact details for the Department of Immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know when my ceremony is?
A: Once the Department of Immigration has sent your letter granting you citizenship, Council will then send you a letter telling you when your ceremony is. Please make sure your address is correct with the Department of Immigration so we can get in contact with you.
Q: What if I cannot attend the ceremony date and time Council sends me?
A: Phone Council and inform us that you cannot attend, we will advise the Department of Immigration and you will be allocated another ceremony time 2 months later. If you fail to attend 3 ceremonies in a row your application will be cancelled and you will need to re-apply for your citizenship.
Q: How do I get my citizenship?
A: Council is only responsible for carrying out citizenship ceremonies. We have no input with applications, approvals or certifications. All enquiries about applications and approvals need to be directed to the Department of Immigration on 131 880 or at http://www.citizenship.gov.au/
Q: How long will the ceremony go for?
A: All candidates must arrive for registration by 5.45pm. The ceremony commences at 6.30pm sharp. The ceremony usually ends no later than 7.30pm.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Photo Identification with your current address, the letter from Council OR your letter from the Department of Immigration.
Q: Can I bring guests?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring along two (2) guests ONLY to share in your ceremony. Please do not bring more than (2) guests per family. If you bring more than the number specified they will not be allowed to attend the ceremony with you. Candidates are seated together for the ceremony and seats are provided for some guests around the outside of the group of candidates. Your guests will NOT be able to sit next to you during the ceremony.
Q: Can photographs be taken at the ceremony?
A: Yes, we prefer guests to remain in their seats until the end of the ceremony. Council provides a professional photographer for the ceremony to take photos of the candidates receiving their certificate from the Mayor. The Photographer will also take photos of family groups at the end of the Ceremony. All photographs will be sent to candidates as a complimentary gift from Kogarah Council.
