Citizenship Ceremonies
The Dorset Council conducts Australian Citizenship Ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs - Immigration and Citizenship
The Council's role is to provide a citizenship ceremony at which conferees are required to make the Australian Citizenship Pledge, affirming their loyalty to Australia and its laws. Following the pledge, conferees receive their Certificate of Australian Citizenship. The presentation of the Citizenship Certificate is the final step in becoming an Australian citizen.
Once the Department of Home Affairs - Immigration and Citizenship has officially advised Council of those persons who are eligible to attend a citizenship ceremony (which usually is 3-4 weeks prior to the tentative dates below), Council will contact eligible recipients directly to arrange attendance at the next available ceremony.
Council conducts citizenship ceremonies on a quarterly basis and has tentatively reserved the following dates for 2026:
| Friday, 27 February @ 11am | Monday, 20 April @ 2pm |
| Friday, 31 July @ 11am | Monday, 19 October @ 2pm |
The official ceremony is brief, and family members and guests are welcome to attend. An electoral enrolment form is also completed at the ceremony to assist new citizens in being added to the Electoral Roll in preparation for future elections.
In certain circumstances, Council may be able to arrange a private ceremony where citizenship is required urgently or where a private ceremony is specifically requested by the recipient. A valid reason must be provided as to why attendance at a public ceremony is not appropriate.
Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs - Immigration and Citizenship website, including details about the citizenship test and interview process, as well as study resources to assist applicants in preparing for their citizenship test.