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BRITISH CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 included 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. From 2 April 2007, all adults who apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) will need to demonstrate knowledge of language and of “Life in the UK” in addition to meeting the usual requirements for settlement.

The citizenship ceremony is intended to celebrate the significance of becoming a British citizen and to welcome the new citizen into his or her 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, the applicant will be notified of the appropriate local authority contact details in order that arrangements for their ceremony can be made.

In the East Ayrshire Council area, citizenship ceremonies are conducted by the Senior Registrar or by an Assistant Registrar in her absence on a three monthly basis. All ceremonies are conducted in the Kilmarnock Registration Office. A private ceremony can be arranged but will be subject to an additional charge.

All matters relating to application and qualification for British Citizenship are dealt with by the Home Office at the following address:

Home Office
Managed Migration
Nationality Group
PO Box 306
3rd Floor, India Buildings
Water Street
Liverpool
L2 0QN
Telephone: 0845 010 5200

Additional information can be obtained from the Home Office British Citizenship website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk