Australian Citizenship Ceremony & Pledge Guide: What to Expect After Passing

Congratulations on passing your citizenship test! However, it is essential to understand that passing the test does not make you an Australian citizen yet.

Here is the exact administrative sequence:

1. Immediate Result Slip: When you finish your test at the test centre, the officer prints an immediate result notification confirming whether you achieved at least 75% and 5/5 on Australian values.
2. Formal Approval Letter: Your application moves to a delegate for final character, identity, and residency checks. Within a few weeks, you receive an official Notice of Decision letter confirming that your application has been formally approved.
3. Ceremony Wait Time: By law, candidates must make their Pledge within 12 months of approval. In practice, most local councils and departmental offices schedule ceremonies within 3 to 6 months of approval.
4. Ceremony Invitation: You will receive a written invitation from your local municipal council or the Department of Home Affairs approximately 4 weeks prior to your scheduled ceremony date.

Making the Pledge of Commitment is the legal act that confers Australian citizenship. Under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, you have the freedom to choose between two versions:

Pledge 1 (Religious Formulation):

"From this time forward, under God,

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,

whose democratic beliefs I share,

whose rights and liberties I respect, and

whose laws I will uphold and obey."

Pledge 2 (Secular Formulation):

"From this time forward,

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,

whose democratic beliefs I share,

whose rights and liberties I respect, and

whose laws I will uphold and obey."

Both pledges carry identical legal weight. You may bring a holy book of your faith (e.g. Bible, Quran, Gita, Torah) if you choose Pledge 1, but this is entirely optional.

Citizenship ceremonies are meaningful, celebratory civic events organized with dignity and warm Australian hospitality:

• Dress Code: Smart casual or formal attire is standard. Many conferees choose to wear traditional cultural garments, national dress, or incorporate green and gold.
• Welcome to Country: The ceremony commences with an official Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country by an Indigenous Elder or custodian.
• Address by Presiding Officer: A speech is delivered by the presiding officer (typically the local Mayor, an MP, or a designated departmental officer).
• Reading of the Minister's Message: A formal message from the Minister for Immigration is read to the conferees.
• Taking the Pledge: Conferees stand together, raise their right hand (if customary), and repeat the words of the Pledge aloud.
• Presentation of Certificate: Each new citizen is presented with their official Australian Citizenship Certificate and often a commemorative gift (such as a native Australian plant or lapel pin).
• National Anthem: The ceremony concludes with the collective singing of the Australian National Anthem, 'Advance Australia Fair'.

Once you hold your Citizenship Certificate, you unlock all rights and responsibilities of citizenship:

1. Apply for an Australian Passport: As an Australian citizen, you must enter and exit Australia on an Australian passport. You can lodge your passport application at participating Australia Post outlets using your original Citizenship Certificate.
2. Enrol to Vote: Voting in federal, state, and local elections is compulsory. Many ceremonies provide Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) enrolment forms on the day.
3. Consular Support: You are entitled to full protection and assistance from Australian embassies and consulates when traveling abroad.
4. Register Children as Citizens: Any child born to you overseas after your ceremony can now be registered as an Australian citizen by descent.