London Borough of Croydon

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Citizenship and nationality

Application to become a British citizen is made through the Home Office. To celebrate successful applicants, those aged over 18 are required to attend a citizenship ceremony. Children under 18 who have applied with their parents may attend a ceremony with other members of the family, to collect their certificate. They do not have to take the oath/affirmation or pledge, but may do so if they want to. If they do not attend the ceremony, another family member may collect their certificate.

What must you do next?

You must contact us to make a booking for your ceremony.

Please have the letter from the Home Office with you when you call as you will be asked for the poll and cover note numbers from the top right-hand side of the letter.

You will be asked the following questions:

  • Do you want a group or individual ceremony? (Each ceremony caters for 30 - 40 recipients. There is no charge for a group ceremony.)  If you do not want to be part of a group ceremony, you will need to discuss alternative arrangements with us when you contact us to make a booking.  You will be charged a fee for an individual ceremony.
  • Are you going to swear or affirm the oath?
  • Are there any special requirements we need to know about?
  • Are you happy to shake hands when you receive your certificate?
  • How many guests would you like to bring? Usually this is limited to two.

When you book the ceremony please tell us if you are going to swear or affirm the oath of allegiance. If you are unclear about this, please look at the Home Office letter which has more information about this.

A letter of confirmation will be sent to you within seven days after booking the ceremony.

What happens at a ceremony?

  • On arrival at the ceremony venue, light refreshments will be served and you will be asked to show your letter of invitation.
  • You will be given a pledge card with the words to the oath or affirmation and pledge that you have to say during the ceremony. An information pack will also be given to you.
  • Each ceremony is for a group of 30 - 40 new citizens.
  • After a speech of welcome, the superintendent registrar will invite you to swear the oath of allegiance or, if you prefer, to speak the affirmation of allegiance.  If you are going to swear the oath before God, you may bring a holy book with you if you want to.
  • A dignitary will then present you with your citizenship certificate.
  • Guests are welcome, but usually limited to two people.
  • An official photographer is in attendance if you wish to have photographs taken at your citizenship ceremony.

Where will the ceremony take place?

Ceremonies are generally held on a Wednesday evening, starting at 7pm in the Town Hall,  Katharine Street, Croydon. 

Contact Details

Contact name
Home Office (Immigration Directorate)
Telephone
0870 606 7766
Address
Apollo House
Block C, Whitgift Centre
36 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 3RR
Website
www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Contact name
Nationality Checking Service
Telephone
020 8726 6301
Email
register.office@croydon.gov.uk
Address
Croydon Register Office,
Mint Walk,
Croydon,
CR0 1EA