From 1st January 2004, anyone over the age of 18 who successfully applies to become a British Citizen must take part in a citizenship ceremony.
The aim of the citizenship ceremony is to enable applicants to gain a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with the acquisition of British citizenship and also to ensure that they are properly welcomed into the community. It is intended to ensure that the acquisition of citizenship is not a purely bureaucratic process.
Cumbria County Council is responsible for organising ceremonies for successful applicants living in the County on behalf of the Home Office. A ceremony can be held at any point, but must be within three months of the Home office notification. The venue for a ceremony will be determind by where you live, but in Cumbria will usually be at the Register Office in Carlisle, Barrow, Kendal or Whitehaven.
As soon as Cumbria County Council’s Registration Service receives notification that an applicant has been successful, the applicant is contacted by letter and asked to complete a questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire is to establish further details, such as whether the applicant wishes to swear or affirm the oath and whether any guests will be attending the ceremony. Once this has been received, the applicant will be notified about the date of their ceremony.
The ceremony begins with a welcoming speech (often by a local dignitary), and the applicants then swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen and give a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom before being presented with their citizenship certificates. The presentation of the certificate marks the point at which British citizenship is conferred.
Applicants can also speak to our dedicated Citizenship Ceremony Officer, Susan Lockhart, on 01228 606359 during office hours.