Citizenship ceremonies

No, the City of Ballarat has the role of hosting the ceremonies but does not send the invitations. 

Citizenship ceremony invitations, which include the date and time of your citizenship ceremony are sent by the Department of Home Affairs.

Please note:

• If your application is linked with a partner or other family members, you will not receive an invitation until all applicants have been approved.
• For processing and wait times visit Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship processing times
• For more Citizenship ceremony information visit Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship ceremony

The Department of Home Affairs will send approved applicants an invitation approximately 2 to 4 weeks before their ceremony. This invitation will include the date and time of your citizenship ceremony

The City of Ballarat has the role of hosting the ceremonies but does not send the invitations.

Please note:

• If your application is linked with a partner or other family members, you will not receive an invitation until all applicants have been approved.
• For processing and wait times visit Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship processing times
• For more Citizenship ceremony information visit Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship ceremony

Ceremony invitations are issued by the Department of Home Affairs based on:

• The order of approval
• The availability of upcoming ceremonies
• The number of approved applicants on the waitlist

Please note:

• If your application is linked with a partner or other family members, you will not receive an invitation until all applicants have been approved.
• The City of Ballarat has the role of hosting the ceremonies but does not send the invitations.
• For processing and wait times visit Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship processing times
• For more Citizenship ceremony information visit Department of Home Affairs, Citizenship ceremony

Only approved applicants are invited to attend a ceremony. If your application is linked with a partner or other family members, you will not receive an invitation until all applicants have been approved.

For questions about your application, email the Department of Home Affairs: ceremony.vic@homeaffairs.gov.au

Once you receive your invitation from the Department of Home Affairs, the City of Ballarat will send you an email with further details. This will include:

• Event location
• Date and time
• What to bring
• Ceremony requirements
• Any other relevant instructions

If you haven’t received this email within a week of your invitation, please email the Civic Events Team: civicevents@ballarat.vic.gov.au

You must bring photo identification to your citizenship ceremony. Accepted forms of ID include:

• A valid passport, or
• A driver’s licence - The digital Victorian driver’s licence is accepted only via the VicRoads app.

Please note:

• Screenshots or photos of your licence will not be accepted.
• If you do not bring valid photo ID, you will not be able to complete the ceremony or receive your citizenship.

Yes, you are welcome to bring family and friends to celebrate this milestone with you.

You may bring up to 3 guests per family. If you wish to bring more than 3 guests, please contact the Civic Event Team to discuss your request once you’ve received your confirmation email. While the City of Ballarat aims to accommodate families, guest numbers may be limited due to venue capacity and safety requirements.

Details about guest attendance will be included in the email you receive from the City of Ballarat after your invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

Children of all ages are welcome, and a children’s play area is set up at each ceremony.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact the Civic Events Team once you’ve received your confirmation email.

If you cannot attend your scheduled ceremony:

• Notify both the City of Ballarat and Citizenship Ceremonies Victoria.
• You will be placed back on the waitlist and must wait for a new invitation.
• You cannot choose your ceremony date.

You generally have 12 months from approval to attend a ceremony and make the pledge. If you do not attend within this time, your approval may be cancelled.

For assistance, contact: ceremony.vic@homeaffairs.gov.au

Urgent ceremonies are only approved in exceptional and limited circumstances.

Contact Citizenship Ceremonies Victoria for more information: ceremony.vic@homeaffairs.gov.au