Citizenship

Applying for Australian Citizenship

While we host Australian Citizenship Ceremonies, invitations are issued by the Department of Home Affairs. If you're considering applying for Australian Citizenship, you can follow these steps:

  1. Contact the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on 131 880 or visit their Immigration and Citizenship page
  2. Once the DHA approves your Citizenship application, you'll be placed on a waiting list to attend a Citizenship Ceremony. The DHA will allocate candidates to ceremony dates.
  3. Approved applicants must attend a Citizenship Ceremony as the final phase of being granted Australian citizenship.

Citizenship Ceremony Dates

  • Friday 24 January 2025
  • Sunday 26 January 2025
  • Thursday 10 April 2025
  • Thursday 10 July 2025
  • Friday 31 October 2025
  • Thursday 18 December 2025
  • Friday 19 December 2025
      

Citizenship ceremony dates may be cancelled or amended at Council's discretion. For information on processing times and ceremony wait times, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

Citizenship Test Help Session

If you're interested in becoming an Australian Citizen, we conduct Australian Citizenship Test Help sessions every month from February to November.

Sessions will work through some common questions and what to expect for the test. You will learn about Australia, its people, history, geography and laws.

For more information or to make a booking visit Australian Citizenship Test Help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens at a Citizenship ceremony?

Candidates will receive a detailed invitation from the Department of Home Affairs confirming their Citizenship Ceremony date and location, and other important information. Council will email a reminder two business days before the ceremony.

At the ceremony, successful applicants are required to make a pledge of commitment as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia.  All new citizens receive a Certificate of Australian Citizenship, which formally represents conferral of Australian Citizenship.

The Mayor of Melton presides over Citizenship Ceremonies. Melton City Councillors and Members of Parliament with electorates in the Melton City Council area are also invited to attend Citizenship Ceremonies.

What happens if I cannot attend a Citizenship ceremony?

Contact the Department of Home Affairs if you have a special request or cannot attend your assigned ceremony.

If you do not attend your assigned ceremony, your Citizenship Certificate will be returned to the Department of Home Affairs and your name will be placed back on the Department's waiting list to attend a ceremony.

How do I register on the day of the Citizenship ceremony?

Candidates must register on the day of their ceremony with Council officers:

  • registration must be completed no later than 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.
  • bring along your letter from the Department of Home Affairs.
  • bring along original photo identification such as passport or drivers licence.

Do I need to enrol to vote?

Yes. Electoral enrolment and voting at Federal, State and Local Government Elections is compulsory for all Australian citizens (by birth or naturalisation) 18 years of age or older.

All candidates over 17 years of age receive an 'Enrol to Vote' information sheet.

 

Back to top