| Q |
What is a Citizenship Ceremony? |
| A |
The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 includes provisions that require all successful applicants for naturalisation 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 three months of the applicant being informed that the application has been successful, unless the Home Secretary extends the period.
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| Q |
What happens in the ceremony? |
| A |
The proceedings are conducted by the Superintendent Registrar, or his Deputy, in the presence of the Mayor who personally welcomes the new citizens into our community and presents them with their Certificate of Naturalisation.
Each new citizen is required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to the monarch and pledge to uphold the law of the land. The ceremony concludes with the playing of the National Anthem.
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| Q |
How much does it cost? |
| A |
The fee for this service is included in the payment the Home Office collects with the application for naturalisation or registration as a British Citizen.
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| Q |
Where and when do Citizenship Ceremonies take place? |
| A |
In the Metropolitan District of Wakefield citizenship ceremonies take place in the Old Court Room in Wakefield Town Hall at approximately six week intervals, each with roughly 15-20 new citizens who may bring up to two guests each.
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| Q |
Does the ceremony have to be held locally? |
| A |
It is usual for the ceremony to be held in the Local Authority area where the new citizen lives but, under certain circumstances, arrangements can be made in for a ceremony in another area of the UK by arrangement with the local register office. Please contact Wakefield Register Office on 01924 302185 for details.
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| Q |
Can a new citizen have an individual ceremony? |
| A |
Sometimes individual applicants may not want to wait until the next scheduled ceremony or may wish to have a special ceremony to which they can invite all their family and friends. This can be arranged but it is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange a suitable venue for the ceremony and a fee will be payable to the Register Office, based on the fee for the Registrars’ attendance at a marriage ceremony. To enquire about current fees or any other matters relating to citizenship please contact Wakefield Register Office on 01924-302185 or e-mail wakefieldregistrars@wakefield.gov.uk .
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| Q |
How do I apply for British Citizenship? |
| A |
Initial enquiries about British citizenship should be addressed to the Home Office, Managed Migration, Nationality Group, PO Box 306, 3rd Floor, India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool, L2 0QN or by telephone to 0151 237 5200. Further information may also be obtained from the Home Office website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk .
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