Citizenship ceremonies

The City of Stirling holds regular citizenship ceremonies in the City's Reception Hall.

If you have been a resident of Australia for the last four years, you may be able to apply for citizenship. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

FAQs

When and where are citizenship ceremonies held?

The City of Stirling holds regular citizenship ceremonies in the City’s Reception Hall. Registration opens at 5.00pm, and the ceremony starts at 6.00pm. Formalities will generally take under an hour, after which refreshments are served in the lobby.

How can I find out when my citizenship ceremony will be?

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for the allocation of recipients to Citizenship Ceremonies. The City of Stirling only receives listings of allocated recipients before each ceremony.

For any information regarding your allocation to a ceremony you need to contact Home Affairs via email ceremony.wa@homeaffairs.gov.au or by phone: 131 880 

When will I receive notification confirming my ceremony?

The City of Stirling will email an invitation to you approximately four to six weeks before your ceremony date. 

Do I need to bring anything to the ceremony?

Yes. Recipients aged 16 years or older must bring photographic identification such as a driver's licence or passport. 

Will I receive my certificate at the ceremony?

Recipients are presented with their Australian Citizenship Certificate upon taking their pledge. If your certificate is not available, the Department of Home Affairs will post it to you.

Do children need to attend citizenship ceremonies?

Children aged 16 years and over are legally required to attend their citizenship ceremony and take the citizenship pledge to become an Australian citizen. Children under the age of 16 are not legally required to take the citizenship pledge. However, they are encouraged to attend and take the Citizenship pledge where possible. 

What is the difference between pledge one and pledge two?

There are two variations of the citizenship pledge:

  • The Oath pledge which refers to God
  • The Affirmation pledge which does not.

How many guests can I bring to the ceremony?

Due to the high number of Citizenship recipients, The City of Stirling only allows two guests per recipient. Children under the age of 16 are not counted as guests.

What is the dress code for the ceremony?

Smart casual or traditional costume is recommended.

Does the City provide a photographer at these ceremonies?

The City of Stirling does not provide a photographer at its citizenship ceremonies. However, recipients and guests are invited to bring their cameras along and are welcome to take photos. The presiding member will also be available for photographs, following the ceremony.

Is it possible to arrange a ceremony earlier than the standard waiting time?

The Department of Home Affairs may offer alternative arrangements in exceptional circumstances. For more information, please contact the Department of Home Affairs via ceremony.wa@homeaffairs.gov.au or phone 131 880.

Does the City accept citizenship recipients from outside the City of Stirling?

Unfortunately, the City cannot accept recipients from outside its boundaries, due to the large number of pending recipients from within the City of Stirling.

I have lost my citizenship certificate, what should I do?

If you have lost your Citizenship Certificate, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website or alternatively, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs via phone on 131 880.