Providing a formal ceremony to complete the process of
becoming a British citizen.
Everybody over 18 applying for British citizenship will need to
attend a Citizenship Ceremony as part of his or her application
process.
How can I apply for British Citizenship?
This needs to be arranged via the home office:
Home Office, Managed Migration
Nationality Group
PO Box 306
India Buildings
Water Street
Liverpool
L2 0QN
Telephone: 0845 0105200 (Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6pm)
Web
site:
Home Office - Applying for British Nationality
As your application process nears completion you will be sent a
letter inviting you to attend a citizenship ceremony.
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How do I arrange to attend a Citizenship ceremony?
Please contact the Suffolk Citizenship Officer
Telephone: 01473 264380
Email:
citizenshipceremonies@registrars.suffolkcc.gov.uk
Important note: The law requires you to attend a
Citizenship Ceremony within 3 months of your notification from the
Home Office.
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Where are the ceremonies held?
The ceremonies are held in The Ceremony Rooms at
Ipswich,
Deben,
Lowestoft and
Bury St Edmunds Register Offices.
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When are the ceremonies held?
The dates that Suffolk has arranged for future
ceremonies are listed below and are subject to demand and final
confirmation:
| Date |
Location |
| 20 May 2009 (4pm) |
Thomas Wolsey/Thurleston School, Defoe Road,
Ipswich |
| 3 June 2009 |
Bury St Edmunds Register Office |
| 24 June 2009 |
Ipswich Register Office |
| 8 July 2009 |
Ipswich Register Office |
| 22 July 2009 |
Lowestoft Register Office |
| 5 August 2009 |
Bury St Edmunds Register Office |
| 26 August 2009 |
Ipswich, Endeavour House |
| 9 September 2009 |
Bury St Edmunds Register Office |
| 23 September 2009 |
Ipswich Register Office |
| 7 October 2009 |
Lowestoft Register Office |
| 27 October 2009 |
Melton Register Office |
| 18 November 2009 |
Ipswich Register Office |
| 9 December 2009 |
Bury St Edmunds Register Office |
All commencing at 2.30pm unless otherwise stated
Attendees' list will be closed two weeks prior to scheduled
ceremony date.
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What will happen at the ceremony?
A Superintendent Registrar will conduct the ceremony. It will
include a welcoming speech by The Superintendent and a local
dignitary. The heart of the ceremony will involve you making an
oath/affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen and a pledge of loyalty
to the United Kingdom after which you will be formally presented
with a small gift and your citizenship certificate.
Light refreshments will be served upon arrival.
It may be possible for you to purchase a souvenir photograph of
your presentation.
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Can we invite our friends and family?
You will be permitted a restricted number of guests depending on
the space available. This will be explained to you during the
booking process.
It is important to note that these ceremonies are by invitation
only. They are not open to members of the public unless by prior
arrangement.
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How long will the ceremony last?
We expect each ceremony to last approximately 30-40
minutes.
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Do we have to attend a public ceremony?
No, you do not have to attend a public ceremony. You may prefer
to arrange a private ceremony instead. This can be held at any of
our
approved
venues or
Suffolk register offices.
This will incur an additional fee of £100 payable in advance
It is important to note that the Approved venues may charge a
further fee for the rental of a room for the ceremony.
For more information about private ceremonies please contact the
Suffolk Citizenship officer on 01473 264380 or email
citizenshipceremonies@registrars.suffolkcc.gov.uk
For general information about Citizenship Ceremonies view the
national website at
British Citizenship - Home or please telephone the Suffolk
Citizenship Officer 01473 264380
citizenshipceremonies@registrars.suffolkcc.gov.uk
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