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Citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies are held in the magnificent banqueting suite at Leeds Civic Hall
Citizenship ceremonies are held in the magnificent banqueting suite at Leeds Civic Hall

Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 anyone who applies for British Citizenship must attend a Citizenship ceremony. New citizens must take an oath or affirmation of allegiance to Her majesty the Queen and make a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.

The Home Office, which administers all applications for British citizenship, believes that attending a citizenship ceremony helps new citizens to feel a sense of belonging to the wider community. Citizenship ceremonies in Leeds take place every fortnight in the banqueting suite at Civic Hall. 

How can I apply for British Citizenship?
If you are applying to become a British Citizen you need to contact the Home Office:

ceremony.enquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

As your application process nears completion, you will be sent a letter inviting you to attend a citizenship ceremony along with:

  • guidance notes explaining what to do next;
  • the wording of the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and Citizenship Pledge;
  • your personal details to check;
  • the telephone number and address of your Local Authority.

How do I arrange to attend a citizenship ceremony?
Once you have received your ceremony invitation letter from the Home Office, you must contact Leeds Register Office to arrange a date for your ceremony. You have 3 months in which to attend a ceremony. If you cannot attend within this time, we may have to withdraw your invitation and you will have to apply and pay the fee again.

What will happen at the ceremony?
Please make sure you bring your Home Office letter stating that you have had your application granted and the invitation that we send to you. You may bring two guests and will need to provide their names when making your ceremony booking. All those attending the ceremony are requested to arrive half an hour before the ceremony is due to start. On arriving at the Civic Hall all applicants and guests must register at the booking in desk. Refreshments are available prior to the ceremony.

The ceremony takes approximately forty minutes, depending on the number of applicants who attend. The superintendent registrar conducts the ceremony in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Leeds or another local dignitary.

The local dignitary will explain what it means, legally, to become a British citizen. All applicants must then take the Oath and Pledge of Allegiance. You may swear or affirm the oath depending on your personal wishes and religious beliefs. The local dignitary will then present you with your certificate, information pack and commemorative gift.

Children under 18 who have applied with their parents for citizenship may attend the citizenship ceremony. They are not required to take the oath or pledge, but may receive their certificate as part of the ceremony.

The ceremony will end with a closing speech and the playing of the national anthem. After the ceremony you may take photographs with family and guests and the local dignitary.

Do we have to attend a public ceremony?
The Home Office has set a statutory fee for all applications for citizenship. This fee includes the cost of the ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall, which is normally conducted in groups to reinforce the community nature of citizenship.

However personal ceremonies are available, although this will incur an additional cost. This will vary depending on the day and venue you choose for your ceremony. A ceremony at Leeds Register Office (Leeds Town Hall) for example costs an additional £80.00.

Please note that Citizenship Ceremonies cannot be held at private homes.


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