The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 requires 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. Since 2 April 2007, all adults who apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) need to demonstrate knowledge of language and of “Life in the UK”.
The citizenship ceremony celebrates the significance of becoming a British citizen and welcomes the you into your new community. It must take place within three months of the applicant being informed that their application has been successful.
Citizenship ceremonies are not open to the public. When an application for British citizenship has been approved, you will be notified of the appropriate local authority contact details in order to make arrangements for your ceremony.
All matters relating to application and qualification for British Citizenship are dealt with by the Home Office. Additional information can be found at GOV.UK: British citizenship.
Citizenship ceremonies in East Ayrshire
In the East Ayrshire Council area, citizenship ceremonies are conducted on a three-monthly basis. All ceremonies take place at the Burns Monument Centre.
A private ceremony may be arranged but will be subject to an additional charge. If you are having a private ceremony there is now also an opportunity to live stream it for family and friends who cannot attend.
Ceremonies can be watched again for a further 28 days, giving you the option to relive every moment of your private ceremony. Downloadable copies and physical keepsake copies of the ceremony recording are also available so you can remember your ceremony forever.
Please contact us for further information and the costs involved.