Citizenship Ceremonies Overview
Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, all applicants aged 18 years or over who are accepted for a naturalisation or registration by the Home Office as a British Citizen, must take a citizenship oath and pledge at a Citizenship Ceremony. The heart of the Citizenship Ceremony will involve prospective citizens making an oath/affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
Group ceremonies are held most weeks in Bradford and less frequently in Keighley for people becoming British Citizens. They are held in City Hall in Bradford and at the Town Hall in Keighley.
New citizens are required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance and pledge to be a good citizen. The ceremony lasts about 20 to 25 minutes with an introduction from the Superintendent Registrar, and a speech and presentation of certificates by the Lord Mayor or some other local dignitary. A gift is also presented to each new citizen and the National Anthem is played to conclude the ceremony. There is the opportunity to take photographs immediately after the ceremony. Light refreshments are available prior to the ceremony. There is no fee to be paid to the Local Authority from the new citizens for this ceremony.
Arranging your ceremony
New citizens will receive a letter from the Home Office informing them that they have been granted British Citizenship. At the same time the Home Office will send the new citizens’ certificates to us. The letter states you should call us within 14 days but please wait for 3 days before calling. We cannot make any arrangements with you until we have received your certificate.
Individual Ceremonies
There is also an option to have an individual ceremony which would be held at the Register Office. There is a fee of £50.00 to pay for this to the Local Authority. The ceremony would be conducted by the Superintendent Registrar without the presence of a dignitary.
