Becoming an Australian Citizen is a very special event that we wish to acknowledge at the City of Charles Sturt. Our intention is to make the occasion relaxed and special for all new citizens.

1. How do I become an Australian Citizen?
2. What happens once Candidates have sent in their Citizenship application?
3. When and where are the City of Charles Sturt's Citizenship Ceremonies held?
4. What is involved in the Citizenship Ceremony?
5. What if a Candidate has lost their Citizenship Evidence?
6. How much does it cost to apply for Citizenship?
7. How long will it take?
8. Is there any way to speed up the process?
9. Urgent Private Ceremony
10. Who do I contact? 

 How do I become an Australian Citizen?

Eligibility for citizenship is determined by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DAIC).Citizenship information and application forms are only available from the website at http://www.citizenship.gov.au/ or the DIAC office.

On the website, candidates will need to go to:

• Select "Applying for Citizenship" and then navigate to the appropriate area relevant to their situation.
• Complete the application form and lodge it at the Post Office or Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
• Candidates will also have to complete the "Citizenship Test".
• Candidates will be contacted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to attend an interview at their office.
• More information is available on the Citizenship Information Line on 131 880

Or

• Call into: The Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Level 3, 55 Currie Street
ADELAIDE SA 5000

There are regular changes to the web site with variations to forms for different circumstances eg one parent born in Australia, married to an Australian spouse, different backgrounds New Zealand, British, Sudanese and Maltese residents etc...

Please Note: Candidates must use updated and current forms.

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 What happens once Candidates have sent in their Citizenship application?

The steps:

• Canberra approves the Candidates for the application for Australian Citizenship
• Candidates will receive an acknowledgement letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). .
• Candidates will then be invited in writing by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to attend a Citizenship Ceremony in their local Council area.
• The date, venue and time will be advised in the letter and Candidates will receive their Australian Citizenship Certificate.

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 When and where are the City of Charles Sturt's Citizenship Ceremonies held?

Australian Federal Government policy advises that Citizenship ceremonies be held by Local Government Councils at regular intervals, Councils should arrange ceremonies to be held at least every 2-3 months regardless of no. of candidates waiting for process.

Candidates should be encouraged to participate in public ceremonies wherever possible.

Annually	Venue	Address
January	Fort Glanville	Cnr Military & Bower Roads Semaphore Park
May	Woodville Town Hall	74 Woodville Road Woodville
September	Woodville Town Hall	74 Woodville Road Woodville

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 What is involved in the Citizenship Ceremony?

Some details about the public Citizenship Ceremonies:

• The Citizenship Ceremony is a formal occasion that takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
• Candidates are encouraged to attend along with friends and family (no RSVP is required for friends and family).
• Candidates will be required to provide one form of photo identification as proof of Candidates identity and continue with the Australian Citizenship process. (eg. Driver's licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Visa documents or Student Card)
• During the ceremony Candidates will be asked to make a Pledge of Commitment in English in order for Candidates to receive their Australian Citizenship Certificate.
• Members of Federal and State Parliament and Councillors are invited to attend the ceremony along with entertainment being provided.
• The Presiding Officer, His Worship the Mayor will conduct the ceremony.
• Light refreshments are served after the ceremony and Candidates, your friends and family are most welcome to stay and meet other new citizens and invited guests.
• Children under 16 years of age and receiving their own Certificate will be seated with Candidates during the ceremony but do not need to take the pledge unless they wish to.

Candidates Cultural Identity

The City of Charles Sturt welcomes all new citizens into its community. As new citizens Candidates are encouraged to highlight their cultural identity at the ceremony by bringing or wearing an item which indicates their country of origin. This is not compulsory.

Becoming an Australian Citizen is a very special event that we wish to acknowledge at the City of Charles Sturt. Our intention is to make the occasion relaxed and special for all new citizens.

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 What if a Candidate has lost their Citizenship Evidence?

Candidates will need to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship as Council does not maintain citizenship records.

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 How much does it cost to apply for Citizenship?

For up to date prices, telephone the Australian Citizenship Enquiries line 131 880 or visit the Australian Citizenship website: http://www.citizenship.gov.au/

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 How long will it take?

The process takes approximately three months from the application to the citizenship ceremony.

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 Is there any way to speed up the process?

Enquiries regarding this should be directed to the Australian Citizenship Enquiries line on 131 880

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 Urgent Private Ceremony

There has been an increase in applications and Councils only schedule limited ceremonies per year to process these candidates. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has policy directions regarding what constitutes an urgent private Citizenship ceremony and DIAC are unable to organise urgent ceremonies for any other reason.

There has been increase in urgent private ceremony requests due to:

• HECS grant applications
• Personal travel or holidays
• Government Benefits

These are not adequate or sufficient grounds for urgent private ceremonies. The Candidate will have to wait for a public ceremony.

However, in cases of urgent ceremonies, Candidates are advised to contact DIAC on 131 889.

Candidates will need to supply the following details:

• Full Name
• Contact details (mobile and home phone numbers)
• Certificate details (ACC no. on Canberra confirmation letter)
• Proof of Identity (SA Driver licence, Passport, Visa with photo)
• Supporting documentation (copy of Doctors certificate, travel itinerary)
• Proposed date for urgent private ceremony

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 Who do I contact?

Council Contact Officer - 8408 1397

Contact details of SA Departments involved in obtaining an Australian Citizenship:

Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Commonwealth Centre
Level 3, 55 Currie St, ADELAIDE SA 5000
Tel: 131 880, Fax: 8237 2074 

Australian Electoral Commission
Adelaide Branch
1 King William St, ADELAIDE SA 5000
Tel: 132 326

Australian Passport Office 
Commonwealth Centre
Level 4, 55 Currie St, ADELAIDE SA 5000
Tel: 131 232

Translating and Interpreting Service 
24 hour telephone service 
Tel: 131 450

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Department of Immigration and Citizenship