www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/registrars

Becoming a British citizen and your Citizenship CeremonyMilton Keynes Registration Services

The Home Office handles all applications for British citizenship and their website, at www.gov.uk, contains everything you need to know about how to apply for citizenship, the qualifying criteria, forms and tests you need to complete and the fees payable.

Once your application has been successful, the Home Office will confirm this to you in writing and forward your paperwork to your local Register Office. The Home Office letter requests that you contact your local Register Office to make an appointment for your ceremony.

Here in Milton Keynes you can book your ceremony online or over the phone. You will need your HO letter and reference number.

You need to attend a ceremony within 3 months of your approval.

If you can’t attend within 3 months, or want your ceremony in another council district, you will need to contact the Home Office directly.

Once the Home Office approves your British citizenship the final step is attendance at a citizenship event and we think it deserves a special celebration.

Every adult is required to attend a citizenship ceremony, usually in their council district or elsewhere by choice.

The government places great importance on ensuring those who settle here feel a sense of belonging in their wider communities and understand the rights and responsibilities that come with British citizenship. Our citizenship ceremonies aim to welcome you into our local community.

We have two options:

• Group ceremonies for new citizens are held monthly in Civic in Central Milton Keynes. You can bring 2 guests.

• Private ceremonies can be arranged on specific days of the week and some weekends (a fee is payable for private ceremonies). Up to 80 people can attend if using our venue. See our website for more details.

How do I become a British citizen?

How will I know my application has been successful?

Why do we need to attend a citizenship ceremony?

When and where are ceremonies held?

During the ceremony participants are required to swear or affirm the oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and make a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom, after which you will be awarded with your Certificate of Naturalisation.

Our group ceremonies are graduation style events and are conducted by our team of experienced celebrants:

• Our celebrant will welcome everyone to this special celebration and explain what will happen during the event

• We will check your Home Office letter and ID match your certificate to ensure there are no errors

• A local dignitary or our qualified celebrant staff will make a speech on behalf of the local community and the Queen

• You will be asked to take the oath and pledge of allegiance. You may swear or affirm the oath depending on your personal wishes or religious beliefs, but will be guided through the process so there is no need to worry or memorise anything

• You will be presented with your Certificate of Naturalisation and welcome pack

• There are photographic opportunities

• Everyone stands for the National Anthem

Our private ceremonies include the elements above but are more personal and intimate affairs.

All applicants who are 18 years old and over have to attend in person. Where an application for a child was made at the same time as an adult family member, the family member may collect the certificate but the child is very welcome to attend.

All citizenship ceremonies are by invitation only. Each applicant may nominate two guests to attend their group citizenship ceremony (you can bring more guests for private ceremonies). The guests may be friends or family members and please consider bringing an adult guest to supervise babies and small children during the ceremony.

You need to bring the letter from the Home Office with your name on and photographic ID. We will check this against your certificate on the day.

Do I have to attend in person?

Can I bring guests?

What do I need to bring with me?

What happens at a citizenship ceremony?

Allow up to 2 hours for a group ceremony and please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your ceremony. Private ceremonies take a little less time (30 minutes) as it’s just you to book in.

Once you have been presented with your certificate at the ceremony, you can apply directly to the Passport Agency for your British passport.

For more information about all of our services please visit our website at www.milton‐keynes.gov.uk/registrars

To make a booking please go online or use the contact details below.

M19105 November 2019

The Register Office Civic, 1 Saxon Gate East,

Central Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ

01908 372101 registrars@milton­keynes.gov.uk

How long does the ceremony take?

When can I apply for my British passport?

How do I make a booking for a private citizenship ceremony?

How do I find out more?