Citizenship

Citizenship Ceremonies

The part of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act dealing with Citizenship ceremonies came into effect on 15th December 2003 and enabled applicants for British Nationality to make a citizenship oath and pledge at a ceremony conducted by a superintendent registrar. The Regulations provide that attendance at such a ceremony is mandatory for all those now applying for British citizenship.

Prospective citizens who have completed the Home Office formalities and the test of Knowledge of Life in UK requirements and wishing a Ceremony to take place in Herefordshire, should contact Lynne Griffiths, Register Office, Town Hall, St. Owen's Street, Hereford, HR1 2PJ, or telephone 01432 260565 or email: registrars@herefordshire.gov.uk to arrange a ceremony.

Requirements of the new legislation

The main elements of the citizenship ceremonies, which commenced on 1st January 2005 are listed below:

• Ceremonies must be held within 3 months of receipt of the notification and the receipt of a certificate from the Home Office. In Herefordshire, the Council Chamber at the Council's headquarters at Brockington, Hafod Road Hereford or the Ceremony Room at Hereford Register Office are used depending on the actual number of new citizens at any ceremony. The ceremonies usually start at 2.30 p.m.
• A charge will be made if the ceremony is carried out on a personal basis and/or if it is held at a weekend or in the evening or at an approved premise.
• The regulations provide for a local dignitary to be at the ceremony to welcome citizens to the County and this is usually the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Council.
• The Council also supplies a small gift to each new citizen and provides appropriate light refreshments at each ceremony .
• The new "test of Knowledge of Life in UK requirements" came into effect on 1st November 2005. All applications for citizenship received on or after that date will need to be accompanied by a certificate confirming the test has been successfully completed.

Requests for Citizenship

The Council does not process requests for Citizenship as these are dealt with by the Government, through its Home Office. All such requests should be made direct to the Home Office by telephone on 0845 010 5200, Monday to Friday 08.30 to 18.00 hrs or by email to: ceremony.enquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk

Last Updated: 17 October 08,
Review Date: 20 September 2005