Citizenship Ceremonies

Background to Citizenship Ceremonies

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 included provisions that require all successful applicants for naturisation or registration as a British citizen, who are aged 18 or over, to take an oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony, unless exempted by the Home Secretary. These provisions came into operation on 1 January 2004. The citizenship ceremony is intended to celebrate the significance of becoming a British citizen and welcome the new citizen into his or her community. It must take place within 3 months of the applicant being informed that the application has been successful.

Once successful, an applicant will receive a letter of invitation from the Home Office and a letter from Lancashire County Council's Citizenship Ceremonies Office setting out the dates and times of available ceremonies. The Lancashire County Council Citizenship Ceremonies Office can be contacted by telephone on 01772 326890.