Citizenship ceremonies

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 583050
Email: citizenship@suffolk.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, Lowestoft, Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds Registration 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
30 November 2011	Bury St Edmunds Registration Office
7 December 2011	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
21 December 2011	Lowestoft Registration Office
4 January 2012	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
18 January 2012	Sudbury Registration office
1 February 2012	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
22 February 2012	Bury St Edmunds Registration Office
7 March 2012	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
21 March 2012	Bury St Edmunds Registration Office
4 April 2012	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
18 April 2012	Lowestoft Registration Office
2 May 2012	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
16 May 2012	Bury St Edmunds Registration Office
6 June 2012	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
20 June 2012	Bury St Edmunds Registration Office
4 July 2012	The Suffolk Register Office, Ipswich
18 July 2012	Sudbury Registration 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?

Approximately 1 hour.

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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 Registration offices.

This will incur an additional fee payable in advance:-
Up to 31.12.2011 £100
from 1.1.2012 £120

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 583050 or email citizenship@suffolk.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 citizenship@suffolk.gov.uk