Citizenship

In this section:
Your citizenship ceremony

Your citizenship ceremony

If your application for citizenship is approved by the Home Office, you will need to attend a citizenship ceremony.

Booking your ceremony

Within 2 weeks of receiving your Home Office invitation letter, you will be asked to book onto the next available ceremony by completing our online form.

The Home Office will normally expect you to have your ceremony within 3 months of receiving your notification. If you do not think you will be able to attend a ceremony within this period, you may apply to the Home Office for an extension.

If you would like to have a ceremony in a different district, you should state this on your application form. If you do not do this, the Home Office will only consider changes under exceptional circumstances.

Book a citizenship ceremony (opens new window)


Do I need to bring anything?

You need to bring the invitation letter sent to you by the Home Office. If you do not provide this document as a security measure, you may be refused entry to the ceremony.

You must also bring photographic ID, eg a driving licence or a passport to your ceremony. 

Guests are welcome, but are usually restricted to 2 per applicant.

You and your guests are free to dress however you feel most comfortable, although smart casual wear is recommended as the ceremony is a formal occasion. Alternatively, traditional national costume of your origin is welcome to reflect the cultural diversity of the borough and of the United Kingdom. 

Allow 2 hours for the ceremony:

  • you are required to register at least 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony
  • the ceremony itself will take approximately 1 hour
  • you may want to take photographs at the end of the ceremony.

What happens at the ceremony?

Ceremonies are held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, with approximately 50 citizens per session.

The ceremony will start promptly at 10.30am, with the doors opening from 9.30am. You must arrive at least half an hour before the ceremony starts, so that you can be checked in by our staff. If you do not arrive by 10.20am, you will not be able to join the ceremony and will have to rebook onto a ceremony at a later date.

Each citizen will be required to repeat the words of the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, and the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom. The oath and pledge are led by the Superintendent Registrar and must be spoken by all new citizens.

The Mayor, or the Mayor's representative, will then present you with your citizenship certificate and a gift. As part of the proceedings the Mayor also makes a speech of civic welcome to Hillingdon to all the new citizens.

The Union flag and National Anthem enhance the dignity and celebration for new citizens and their guests.

Photographs are taken with the Mayor to round off a special, meaningful and enjoyable occasion.

Children who have attained British Citizenship with you are welcome to attend a ceremony. If they do not attend, either parent can collect their certificate(s) on their behalf.

Citizenship is granted to you at the ceremony. Once you have received your Citizenship certificate you can apply for a British passport immediately.

Page last updated: 22 Jan 2024